At just 26 years old, Moslin Saintilmon has been a member of the peasant movement Papaya for over 20 years. Like most members of his family, he has always identified with the values of the organization, which are based on respect for the peasantry and their livelihood. General Secretary since March 2008 of the Young Peasant Workers, the youth section of Papaya (MPP), he trains thousands of youths who are committed to helping their communities. He described his life to us on a visit to Paris in December 2008; he had come to meet young Europeans to talk to them about social commitment and international solidarity :more information here.

« Like lots of children in our region, I joined the youth movement very young. Between the ages of 5 and 14, this consisted of play activities like songs, dance and theatre. Thanks to these activities we transmit our love of the earth to our children.
Then from 15 years old, young people who wish to become more involved can form groups to develop activities such as farming, livestock breeding, or craftwork. They can also participate in holiday camps, radio programmes on awareness-raising, or even football tournaments.
These young people will also learn about the democratic process, because they themselves elect those who will be group leaders. Some of them can get student grants: in 2008, thanks to the MPP, 5 young people got university grants.
That same year, some adolescents were helped financially to finish their secondary schooling. Those who are most committed may eventually become employees when they reach adulthood, like me, and run training schemes and groups. Children are the pillars of our organization, they bring new life. I am proud of my contribution, and I hope that my children will be among the 10000 youth members of Papaya, the most important organization in this country»