Youth Leaders Unite for World Polio Day 2025 to Build Vaccine Confidence at Rutgers University

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - Oct. 28, 2025 - PRLog -- The Vaccine Equity Education Coalition (VEEC), in collaboration with Rutgers Health, hosted an interactive event celebrating World Polio Day 2025 under the theme "Building Vaccine Confidence Through Youth Leadership."

The event brought together 7th–12th grade students from College Achieve Public School and other youth participants for a morning of learning, storytelling, and empowerment. Facilitated by VEEC Fellows, the session highlighted how vaccine confidence is built through trust, history, and community leadership.

An Interactive Learning Experience

The 90-minute program began with welcome remarks from Dr. Hajar Shirley, Founder of VEEC, followed by an engaging icebreaker titled "The Ripple Effect" — symbolizing how small acts of advocacy can create a wide-reaching impact.

Throughout the event, VEEC Fellows led a series of educational segments:

• History of Vaccines – Lessons from Polio
  
  
• Communities & Vaccines – Building Trust
  
  
• What's Worked So Far – Success Stories in Immunization
  
  
• Future Ambassador Challenge – Youth Pledge Activity & Advocacy Moment
  
  

Each activity encouraged participants to reflect on the power of teamwork, compassion, and education in advancing public health.

Youth Voices at the Center

The highlight of the day was the Future Ambassador Challenge, where students pledged one concrete action to strengthen vaccine confidence in their own communities.
These pledges were displayed on the VEEC Ambassador Wall, representing a collective commitment to advocacy and leadership.

"Youth leadership is the foundation of public health progress," said Dr. Hajar Shirley, Founder of VEEC. "By connecting science, history, and empathy, we are cultivating the next generation of health equity champions."

Looking Ahead

The event concluded with reflections, a group photo, and an advocacy challenge for the students to share their new knowledge and experience beyond their circles.

"Today, we honored the past, learned from the present, and built the foundation for a future of confidence and care," added a Rutgers University VEEC Fellow. "Each student's voice contributes to a healthier, more informed world."

About the Vaccine Equity Education Coalition (VEEC)

The Vaccine Equity Education Coalition (VEEC) is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting vaccine confidence, health literacy, and youth empowerment. Through workshops, fellowships, and public events, VEEC connects education, empathy, and advocacy to strengthen community health outcomes across the nation.

http://www.vaxequityedu.com