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This fall, Christel House Mexico student Luis Axel H. represented young people from across the capital before the Mexico City Congress during the presentation of the 2024 Children and Youth Consultation Results, an initiative led by the National Electoral Institute (INE). Selected for his thoughtful participation in a national survey on children’s rights, Luis Axel delivered a compelling message to legislators, INE officials, educators, and civic leaders. He spoke candidly about the need for genuine, ongoing dialogue between youth and decision-makers, urging leaders not only to listen, but to act. “Youth are not indifferent. We are aware, we are critical, and we want to build a better country. We just need to be taken seriously,” he told the assembly. 

His teacher, René Antonio Petalta Acevedo, shared that Luis Axel crafted his message entirely on his own, drawing from his experiences and convictions. “He wrote an inspirational and direct message about the importance of young people and their participation in public and political topics,” René explained. “It doesn’t matter your age or where you’re from—every one of us can make a positive change in our society.” René added that the experience left a deep impression on Luis Axel and sparked a new sense of possibility. “Luis was very inspired by this experience,” he reflected. “I’m sure this will influence how he lives and makes decisions for his future.” 

Luis Axel’s achievements reflect the civic values, empathy, and leadership that Christel House Mexico nurtures in every student, equipping them to become engaged citizens and positive agents of change in their communities. Congratulations to Luis Axel for being an inspiring voice of his generation and a proud representative of Christel House! 

Read Luis’ Speech:

Well, before I begin, I would like to thank all the congresswomen and congressmen, and everyone who makes this possible, for giving us—young people, boys and girls—the space to present our opinions directly, to be here, and to take part in activities like this. Thank you very much. If possible, could we give them a round of applause, please? 

My name is Luis Axel Sánchez Hernández. And for me, participating in this survey was more than just answering questions—it was a real opportunity to be heard. Many people think that teenagers don’t know what we want, but this survey proves the opposite. 

More than 10 million voices expressed their concerns, their pain, and their dreams. And that cannot be ignored. The questions we were asked were not superficial. Talking about safety, the environment, addictions, and how we live are issues we face every single day. 

I see, for example, how many young people feel unsafe—even in their own neighborhoods. Or how fear and the lack of safe spaces push them to make decisions that harm them. And that is not fair. From my experience, what we need most is for authorities not only to listen, but to act—so that these results are not seen as just another statistic, but as an urgent call. 

I propose creating spaces where we can speak directly with decision-makers—not just once every three years, but continuously. Because if we are asked, then we should also be able to respond. 

Thank you to the INE for opening that door. And thank you to everyone who participated. Today we showed that youth is not indifferent. We are aware, we are critical, and we want to build a better country. We just need to be taken seriously. Thank you. 

 Spanish translation: 

Bueno, antes de empezar, me gustaría agradecerles a todas y todos los diputados, y a las personas que hacen esto posible, por darnos el espacio a los jóvenes, niños y niñas para presentar una opinión más directa, por permitirnos venir y realizar este tipo de actividades. Muchas gracias. No sé si les pueden dar un aplauso, por favor. 

Y bueno, mi nombre es Luis Axel Sánchez Hernández. Y para mí, participar en esta consulta fue algo más que responder preguntas: fue una oportunidad real de ser escuchado. Muchas veces se piensa que los adolescentes no tenemos claro lo que queremos, pero esta consulta demuestra lo contrario. Más de 10 millones de voces dijeron lo que les preocupa, lo que les duele y lo que sueñan. Y eso no se puede ignorar. Las preguntas que nos hicieron no fueron superficiales. Hablar de seguridad, del medio ambiente, de adicciones, de cómo vivimos, son temas que enfrentamos todos los días. 

Yo, por ejemplo, veo cómo muchos jóvenes se sienten inseguros, incluso en su propia colonia. O cómo el miedo y la falta de espacios sanos los empujan a tomar decisiones que los dañan. Y eso no es justo. Desde mi experiencia, creo que lo que más necesitamos es que las autoridades no solo escuchen, sino que actúen; que no vean estos resultados como una estadística más, sino como un llamado urgente. 

Propongo que se creen espacios donde podamos dialogar directamente con quienes toman decisiones, no solo una vez cada tres años, sino de forma constante. Porque si nos preguntan, también deberíamos responder. Gracias al INE por abrir esa puerta. Y gracias a todos los que participaron. Hoy demostramos que la juventud no es indiferente. Somos conscientes, somos críticos y queremos construir un país mejor. Solo necesitamos que nos tomen en serio. Gracias.