Inspiring Filipino Youths Empowering Communities
Youth Empowerment in the Philippines
A number of Filipino youths have been inspiring other young people in their communities. One of them is Dominique Lagrimas, 28, who attended the Youth Assembly and has been working hard to make her community better.
Meaningful youth engagement enables them to play an active role in decision-making that affects their lives. This empowers them and builds their confidence that they can achieve whatever they want in life.
Gus and Joy Tambunting
In the 1988 local elections, Gus Tambunting ran for a seat in the Municipal Council of Paranaque. During one of the campaign rallies, four bullets were fired at him, but Gus persevered because he believed that his life was not yet done and that he still had work to do for the people of Paranaque.
After he was elected as Councilor, Gus became known for his advocacy on programs that would support families, since he believes that a strong family leads to a healthy society. He also led inquiries and hearings on the booming gaming industry in order to ensure that it is accountable to the people and is able to provide revenues for the government.
Joy Tambunting, on the other hand, has been supporting her husband’s work as a public servant in various capacities. Her management and organizational skills are instrumental in empowering their staff to serve the people of Paranaque. She also uses her talents to help children through her Read-Along activities, where she reads to day care students in various BF Homes, San Antonio, and Betterliving schools.
KalyEskwela Program
Childhope Philippines, the non-governmental organization behind KalyEskwela, is addressing the educational needs of street children in the country. The program provides alternative and basic education to 800 unschooled Filipino youth.
They train them for leadership roles, computer literacy, sports, and other life skills that they can use in the future. The program also teaches them to be self-sufficient and to develop a strong sense of worth and capabilities.
In addition, they provide counseling and referrals to street children who are in need of help. They also conduct “KliniKalye,” a mobile health clinic. This ensures that every street child is healthy and in the full physical condition to learn.
The program has received a cash grant from PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications through its corporate social responsibility initiative, MPL Cares. This was in support of the charity auctions held online by MPL PH to raise funds for the scholarship and street education programs. The auctions featured jerseys signed by MPL season 8 champion Blacklist International and other pro esports players.
KalyEskwela’s Psychosocial Interventions
Having a good support system is vital to help individuals cope with stress. This is why renowned organizations such as UNICEF are passionate in developing programs that help young people get through each day while also giving them an environment where they can be supported.
The program’s psychosocial interventions include monitoring visits, counselling, continuing assistance, referrals to rehabilitative centers and/or reunification with families/relatives when feasible. These are intended to help the street children reflect on their current situation and realize the risks of staying/living on the streets; while motivating them to leave and lead productive lives in the future.
Childhope Philippines is a registered and accredited NGO by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This means that grant donations are properly channeled to the intended beneficiaries and are tax-deductible.
Donations to Shelters
The best way to support the Philippines’ youth is through donating to charities that empower them. There are many worthwhile organisations out there, but you should choose one that you feel most passionate about and make sure it is a legitimate charity.
For example, Oxfam Pilipinas funds awareness campaigns that urge families to more equitably share household chores so women have the time and space to earn more income. They also campaign to reduce violence against women and improve access to reproductive health services.
In addition, they also support local women leaders who raise awareness on issues such as teen pregnancy and early marriage. They also advocate for legislation to end child/forced marriages. Another example of a charity that supports Filipino youth is WeDpro, Inc. It helps to develop a new breed of women leaders in the country by training them in leadership, resource-generation, and capacity building. These programs help them to become more self-sufficient and empower them to face challenges in life with a positive attitude.