Posts by Shekinah Benitez
First youth development course in Asia launched
Aiming to professionalize youth development work in the country, the Master of Arts in Governance and Development Major in Youth Development Work (MAGD-YDW) officially launched last February 17, 2020, at Yakan Hall, Garden Orchid Hotel, Zamboanga City. Ateneo de Zamboanga University, in partnership with the National Youth Commission and UNICEF Philippines, offers this 45-credit unit…
Read MoreZambo del Norte to establish youth development alliance
Aiming to improve the referral mechanisms to link the youth to opportunities for education, employment, and entrepreneurship, a youth development alliance will be formed in the province of Zamboanga del Norte. With the strong support of the provincial governor, Roberto Uy, the youth development alliance is set to roll during the second quarter of the…
Read MoreSUGPAT awarded as one of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines
Out of more than 300 applicants, Ateneo de Zamboanga University’s SUGPAT Program is recognized as one of the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) in the Philippines. “This TAYO award is given to SUGPAT, that has worked hard for harnessing creativity and innovation,” TAYO Awards Foundation President Perci Cendana said. The national awarding was held on…
Read MoreZamboanga city mayor delivers state of the children’s report
Over 150 people gathered last November 28 to listen to the Zamboanga City Mayor as she delivers her State of the Children’s Report at Centro Latino, Paseo del Mar, Zamboanga City. Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle “Beng” Climaco-Salazar highlighted in her speech the programs, activities, awards, and policies centered on children. “We are proud to…
Read MoreChildren gather in making a child-friendly Zamboanga City
To celebrate world children’s month every November, 35 children ages 10-15 participated in a 2-day workshop last November 14-15 at the Grade School Library, Ateneo de Zamboanga Kreutz Campus. The local city government of Zamboanga, UNICEF Philippines, City Social Welfare Development Office (CSDWO), and AdZU-SUGPAT partnered to organize “Children Building Child-friendly Cities.” The activity was…
Read MoreAdZU SUGPAT trains children facilitators for World Children’s Month celebration
In preparation for the celebration of World Children’s month every November, children facilitators were trained for the 2-day workshop “Children building Child-Friendly Cities” by the team of AdZU SUGPAT. Last November 13, seven children facilitators were introduced to the workshop activities which they will be leading. The facilitators also took part in crafting the module…
Read MoreMental Health Camp caters adolescents and children in conflicted areas
To raise awareness on mental health among adolescents and youth, Children and Adolescents Mental Health Workshop was held last November 16 at Sauras Hall, Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The one-day workshop was organized by the Council for the Welfare of Children, UNICEF Philippines and Department of Health, in partnership with AdZU-SUGPAT and Katilingban. Twenty adolescents…
Read MoreHow an out-of-school youth rediscovered his love for learning
Staying in school was difficult for 17-year-old Rajiskan, “Nawalan na talaga ako ng gana sa pag-aaral (I just lost all interest in going to school).” For three years, Rajiskhan Hadjula from Barangay Mariki, Zamboanga City was out-of-school. During those three long years, he considered himself as “tambay” (from the word standby, meaning being idle). When…
Read MoreLearner to teacher: An ALS teacher’s journey
For Virgo, the Alternative Learning System (ALS) is not only the home of her profession; it has also been the tool for her to reach her dreams. Among nine siblings, Virgo Lumanao was the only child to step into high school, a milestone for their family. Although because of their family’s hardships and scarce resources,…
Read MoreLives changing through the Alternative Learning System: Myla Alid
“When you have a dream, you must not be shy to pursue it and make it happen,” Myla said. Myla Alid is a 19-year-old Alternative Learning System (ALS) Learner from Siocon District, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines. Myla was an out-of-school youth for six years before she learned about the ALS Program. When she heard about…
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