In a world where the youth are increasingly becoming the catalyst for change, fostering leadership skills among young individuals is more important than ever. The Leadership-Aspiring Youth Team (LAYT) is at the forefront of this movement, working tirelessly to empower the next generation of leaders.
Let’s take a closer look into what LAYT is, the driving force behind its advocacies, Childhope Philippines’ commitment to youth empowerment, and how you can support our youth-empowering mission.
What is the Leadership-Aspiring Youth Team (LAYT)?
The Leadership-Aspiring Youth Team (LAYT) is an initiative dedicated to nurturing leadership qualities among young people, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds. LAYT focuses on providing education, mentorship, and opportunities that enable youth to develop their leadership potential and become proactive members of their communities. The program addresses the unique challenges faced by neglected and abandoned street children, offering them a chance to transform their lives and their futures.
Through LAYT, participants engage in various activities designed to build their confidence, enhance their skills, and foster a sense of responsibility and community spirit. These activities include leadership training workshops, community service projects, and interactive sessions with inspiring leaders and mentors. By creating a supportive and enriching environment, LAYT helps these young individuals realize their potential and aspire to make a positive impact on society.
The Driving Force Behind LAYT’s Advocacies
The driving force behind LAYT’s advocacies is the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their socio-economic background. LAYT advocates for the rights of street children and works towards providing them with access to education, health services, and emotional support. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty and neglect by equipping these children with the tools they need to build a better future.
LAYT’s initiatives are guided by the principles of empowerment, inclusivity, and sustainability. By fostering leadership qualities in youth, LAYT not only helps individuals but also strengthens communities. Empowered youth are more likely to engage in civic activities, contribute to economic development, and advocate for social justice. This ripple effect creates a more equitable and just society for all.
Related Article: Examining the Role of Education in the Development of Today’s Youth
How LAYT Captures the Youth’s Glowing Passion
Since May 2022, Childhope’s children from Leadership-Aspiring Youth Team (LAYT) has been serving as a light — both phonetically and literally — for others and within through its core values of Commitment, Hope, Integrity, Leadership, and Diligence (CHILD). In so doing, they perfectly embody the tenet, “Bukod sa pagiging pag-asa ng bayan, ang kabataan ay ang boses at ilaw ng ating kinabukasan.” (Outside of being our country’s hope, the youth is the voice and light of our future.)
Through LAYT, the empowerment of the youth is upheld with the strong wits and passion of the Youth Mission. In their community, Childhope provides a child-friendly space for the youth where they are protected, educated, and involved. By involving them in Childhope’s plans and implementing programs, the children and youth in street situations are heard loud and clear.
On another note, despite being separated by blood, the children of LAYT treat each other like siblings with gleaming love and compassion, whether through their playful banter or shining support for one another’s talents and achievements. All the same, they consider other children in street situations like family. The love for their community shines brighter than the summer sun and behind their radiant glow is a story of youthful passion.
Real-Life Stories of the Children from Leadership-Aspiring Youth Team
Children, especially children in street situations, have the right to needs they rightfully own. The advocates of Childhope and youth leaders of LAYT shed light on urban poor children in the Philippines who are often in the dark. The fight for children’s rights is a long battle, but it’s a battle the youth are willing to take for their future.
Here are the stories of some of them.
Sherwyn’s Example as Youth Leader Through Experiences and Challenges
Sherwyn has been a member of Childhope for nine years now, even before he had “teen” at the end of his age. Now, he’s a youth leader in LAYT, advocating for children in street situations like himself. When Sherwyn was a newly appointed member of LAYT, he struggled with adjusting to being exposed to new experiences and challenges which acted as his teacher.
Nevertheless, Sherwyn carried on. He learned things beyond his expectations from when he initially joined Childhope by being a leader, a tutor, and a brother to others. “Kami yung nagsisilbing kuya [at ate] nila sa bangketa habang kami yung kasama nila.” (We act as their older brothers [and sisters] on the sidewalks whenever we’re beside them.)
His confidence grew significantly as he immersed himself in LAYT, to the point that he expressed a “100%” growth. Knowing that he has friends and a found family who have his back, Sherwyn wants to be a shoulder to depend on, just as others did for him when he was most vulnerable.
How LAYT Helped Uziel Overcome Her Shyness and Introversion
“Matutunan ko ba sila ng gusto nilang malaman?” (Will I get to teach them what they want to learn?) was one of the many doubts Uziel had when she first joined LAYT. A member of Childhope between six and seven years, Uziel was known to be introverted and shied away from interacting with her peers. However, when she was given the opportunity to be a member of LAYT, she didn’t take it for granted.
In the beginning, Uziel was doubtful of her abilities, especially in being a role model to children. Even so, she expressed that LAYT contributed to her growth significantly. “No’ng dati nga, ayoko makipag-interact sa mga tao, gusto ko sila lalapit sa’kin. Ayoko yung ako lalapit sa kanila. Ngayon naman… ambivert(tumawa), hindi na introvert!” (In the past, I wanted other people to approach me instead. I was apprehensive about approaching others myself. But now… I’m an ambivert [laughs], not an introvert anymore!)
Uziel grew more open toward others, without feeling like she had to tuck herself away from the crowd. She became comfortable with her fellow members, met new people, and created new friendships. Having grown so much, Uziel happily shared that she can now give public speeches. While she tends to stutter, she is proud to see how much she has thrived in the past few years.
LAYT Being Angelo’s Safe Haven to Express His Talents and Identity
Angelo, who was once a bashful and nervous member of LAYT, surprised himself with his energetic and crowd-comfortable personality, as well as his talent for dancing. He was very hesitant to be surrounded by new faces and new personalities and found himself in the corner away from the crowd rather than interacting with anyone.
Eventually, he found his people, who motivated him to show more of himself to others. Although there are times when Angelo still finds himself hesitating like shying away from public speeches, he is proud to show his talents, especially in front of people he knows would appreciate his abilities and identity.
Pauline on Being a Voice for Those Who Can’t Stand Up for Themselves
Pauline joined Childhope almost seven years ago and later joined LAYT. Through LAYT, the sessions they were given equipped her with knowledge that opened her eyes, which she enthusiastically expressed with a passionate voice.
She learned that abuse does not only happen in the streets of the city but also within the four walls of a child’s home at the hands of someone they thought they could trust.
Upholding the rights of children, she also stressed the importance of being a voice for those who cannot stand up for themselves. “Kailangan talaga ng bawat kabataan na maging katulad namin– na maging boses para mabigyan ng karapatan [ang ibang kabataan].” (The youth need to be like us– to be a voice to give [other children] their rights.)
Childhope’s Unwavering Commitment to Empowering the Youth
Childhope Philippines has a longstanding commitment to inspiring the youth through various programs and initiatives, which are designed to provide comprehensive support to underprivileged and out-of-school youth, helping them reintegrate into the education system and equipping them with essential life skills. These youth-empowering programs include vocational training, alternative education, and psychosocial support, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Childhope’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment is evident in the organization’s holistic approach to child development. We understand that true empowerment comes from addressing all aspects of a child’s life, including their emotional well-being, physical health, and educational needs. Through these initiatives, we not only change individual lives but also contribute to the broader goal of community and national development.
Transform Lives Today by Supporting Childhope’s Youth-Empowering Programs
The Leadership-Aspiring Youth Team is making a significant impact on the lives of young individuals. However, they can’t do it alone. Your support is crucial in ensuring that these programs continue to thrive and reach even more children in need. By volunteering and donating to Childhope Philippines, you can help provide the resources necessary for these youth to succeed and become leaders in their communities.
Lend a hand to transform lives today. Your contribution can make a profound difference, empowering the next generation of leaders and creating a brighter future for all.