A few weeks ago, I was privileged to have been invited to judge the project proposals of the youth leaders who attended the first Philippine Jesuit High School Student Leaders Convention (JSLC) at AHS. I was with Ma’am Estela and Ianne. The students were asked to present project proposals which were then expected to be implemented in their respective regions.
The projects presented to us were very promising. I have observed that they were optimistic about the future. They had good project proposals. They were very positive and very resourceful. The projects were presented to us systematically…there were timetables, projections, and even budget plans! The projects focused on encouraging more youth participation in public service and leadership which for me should be taken positively. Given the current situation we are in, indeed we need to encourage our youth to get involved in local governance and leadership opportunities found in their immediate communities. Hopefully, encouraging them to give more time for these things will allow them to get rid of indifference and apathy. These attitudes are poisoning most of the youth now given the individualistic approach to life that’s promoted by technology and commercialism and even by lack of adult intervention.
Yet, I have also observed that these set of youth remain to be enclosed in a certain mindset. It is not their fault. When given suggestions, they were very open and very receptive. They were eager listeners and they positively reacted to criticisms. The event confirmed that as a teacher, and as an adult, there is a need to seriously work closely with them. If we are serious, too, about saving our future generations we can help guide them to think deeply about the current problems, listen to what they say about things, and support them, too, in their plans for the community. I have noticed how most of us adults still put a demarcation between them and us which right now I believe must at least be lessened if not removed.
When reviewing all the projects presented, I have noticed one thing. None of them mentioned any part of their projects that touches on the environment!
Whoever thinks of the environment nowadays anyway? I believe we need to act about this with such urgency!
The student leaders presenting their proposals.
Judging with Ma’am Estela and Ianne
Photos taken from the multiply account of Gerard V.
Posted in blog | Tags: leaders, leadership, student leadership, youth
