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Desideria Toussaint-Utomo shares her CISV journey and how that has helped shape her future with Elizabeth Wright.
CISV taught me that leadership is not about standing above others, but about walking alongside them.
Desi began her CISV journey as a lot of other people do, as a Village participant at 11 years old. For her, the defining moment of understanding what CISV is did not come from a single event, but from many shared moments and experiences throughout that formative first camp. Participating in that Village allowed Desi to be “fully immersed in a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where I could express myself, have fun, and connect with others—regardless of race, language, or religion.” And that’s not all. Desi says that “the friendships and bonds I built with children from all over the world transformed how I viewed both myself and others.” When she returned home, Desi realised that the connections made at camp had transcended so many barriers. It surprised her that she had become so close with children she didn’t even share a language with! Desi believes that her Village “gave me an early understanding that, at our core, people everywhere share commonalities that unite us. When given the right environment, we can connect, collaborate, and build friendships across barriers that might otherwise seem insurmountable.”
Before Desi’s delegation went on their Village, CISV did not exist in Indonesia, in fact, it was Desi returning home from that first camp, brimming with confidence, enthusiasm, and positive energy, that inspired her mother to start CISV Indonesia! What a testament to the power of a CISV camp! And Desi didn’t stop there, she says that it was CISV that gave her “the confidence to step out of my shell as a young teenager and share with others the joy and impact of a CISV camp.” Desi’s experience is somewhat unique because of the huge impact that it had, “but what is not unique,” Desi says, “is how deeply children are transformed by CISV programmes. Time and again, children return from camp with newfound confidence and a sense of responsibility to create positive change. To me, they are the very definition of active global citizens—individuals who are confident in their voices and actions to positively impact the world around them.”
I like to think I began my journey as an active global citizen the moment my first Village ended.
Desi is still involved with CISV Indonesia as an adult, and because of her experiences, she has also founded, led and contributed to charities that promote education for disadvantaged children in Indonesia. “The principles I learned from CISV continue to shape my decisions at every level. Whether in business or in community work, I consistently ask myself how my choices will impact inclusivity, respect, and diversity.” Her CISV experiences have had a big impact on the way she now leads and engages with others. “I learned that creating a safe and inclusive environment is not about avoiding conflict, but about intentionally building spaces where every voice is heard and valued.” CISV also showed her that people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives bring their own unique strengths. “This belief drives me to build diverse teams in my companies, knowing that creativity and innovation flourish when different viewpoints are represented.” Because of CISV, inclusion and respect are at the core of Desi’s leadership style, which means listening actively, creating opportunities for participation, and recognising the contributions of others. “Instead of dictating solutions, I encourage dialogue and empower others to take ownership.”
Desi recently had the opportunity of experiencing CISV as a parent, sending her son off to camp. She shares the following advice with him, and others who are about to embark upon the first steps on their CISV journey: “you are about to have the best time of your life! You will return home transformed—filled with joy, confidence, and lifelong friendships with children from all over the world. This experience will stay with you forever and help shape you into a more confident, compassionate, and understanding person.” She says that although it might not make much sense yet, having a great camp experience is simple, and it all boils down to making lots of friends, joining in every activity, and above all, having fun!
And when the last night arrives—when you’re singing lullabies and realizing your Village is ending—remember this: your lifelong CISV journey is not over. In fact, it has only just begun.
