Sangguniang Kabataan Federation. It’s that small part of the government for young people to exercise and experience politics. It’s that small branch that’s been said to be decaying and that the big trunk has been wanting to cut down. It’s perplexing really, as well as embarrassing. Those young leaves decaying at a fast pace and they wanted to cut down without even looking at how and why?
Two weeks ago, I spoke to my friend’s daughter who is running for SK Chairman, that I would like to conduct a Self-Awareness and Leadership Session to her own party. She agreed. Before I started, I explained to these 8 young people the purpose of the session.
We are not here to insist principles or beliefs on others, we are here to know ourselves so we can better understand what motivates us, what drives our actions and decisions, why we judge the way we do, why we react the same way or differently to the same or different circumstances. We are here to learn the principles behind our own choices and understand why as a nation we have to deal with all the corruption, bad news, and manipulation. It’s a serious talk, huh! And they say young people don’t want to listen to that. Are they right? Only you has the answer to that. We will try to uncover your potential and how much of it have you known. Your uniqueness is often disregarded because of other pressing issues at home. Your individual capabilities are often disregarded and considered the bottom of priorities, and I hope we parents know for sure it should not be. That is a fault and we have to change that. We cannot give what we do not have or what we do not know we have and knowing is a step closer to doing. Let it be known that what you will find out may or may not be of your liking. But, recognizing your own imperfections and the things that you don’t like is also a step closer to accepting them and doing something. Above all, we must be honest with our selves. This country cannot run on weak and blind leaders. Please don’t think and feel that this country have forgotten the role and the importance of young people in nation building, because a lot of us do. We are working on a small-scale and we will start here in our own Barangay. Actually, we have to start at home and that is totally a given, and you all know that. I hope that you will think of this as an opportunity, to grow and be good citizens of our beloved country. Because you are that small branch that they said are decaying and you have to prove them wrong.
Our session only lasted half-day. I know that they wanted more than 4 hours, and I wanted to give them 2 days of my time except that I have obligations at work and at home, too. That session was short but it gave them a profound understanding of what they are up to. These young people aiming for change and wanting to do more than just make their parents happy. They want to make a difference to their fellow young people, and we the older ones (the phrase “old ones” is making my knee hurt) should be here to guide, support and encourage them. They are that branch that has a lot to offer and has so many opportunities. I hope we give them the chance to sprout and blossom. After all, they are part of the tree. And we are that tree.
count.steps.forward 