Community Sharing Session in safe spaces is one of the approaches Pailig integrated in this project that contributes to building mutual understanding, respect and tolerance among diverse tribes and faiths or none, for cohesive community. This activity allows young participants to listen to one another on how their respective community members and the others cope and manage to the present context. The output of the sessions becomes a reference for youth leaders and for Pailig for mapping out needs and designing of solutions suitable to the present context. For Pailig, the platform affirms and guides the designs for the youth trainings and webinar-workshops in galvanizing skills and innate capacities of the youth leaders as valuable actors and contributors in the promotion of positive change for peace and development alongside their adaptability to the pandemic COVID-19.
The Empowered Youth for Mutual Understanding, Respect and Increased Tolerance project
facilitated by Pailig Development Foundation, Inc. in partnership with People in Need funded by Eur opean Union journeyed with the youth of Lanao Province when COVID-19 troubled the communities upon its arrival in the country. The Conversation with the Lumad-Moro-Kristyano leaders began on the 17th of August 2020 up to present. This have been attended by youth leaders from Iligan City, Marawi City, Munai and Butig coming from different backgrounds but not limited to Young Local Government Unit Leaders, Out-of-school youth, Young Professionals, Students, Internally Displaced Persons and others.
“I volunteered in the Relief Goods Distribution of BARMM in Lanao del Sur Province. We had to walk miles to deliver the goods into their houses as the trucks couldn’t get anymore closer to the remotest part of the villages due to the bad road condition. We carried the goods under the heat of sun to ensure it reaches the recipients. It was where I encountered a certain Barangay Captain who spoke harshly and threatened us because he was not satisfied of the content of the goods given. At first, I thought of fighting back yet I remembered what Pailig taught us during the CamPayapaan, that we can resolve things non-violently, so instead of talking back and fighting back I chose to answer and explained calmly. I am thankful we’re able to resolve and continue our distribution that day peacefully and calmly. That incident has proven and reminded me of the things and lessons we’ve learned during CamPayapaan.” -Jamaloden Malawani, Marawi City'
Being part of the Sangguniang Kabataan Council comes with responsibility and challenges. In the five months of being affected by COVID-19 and being restricted from most of our usual activities. We pour out our time in packing and distribution of relief goods to our constituents and seeking ways to provide basic necessities and survival for our families. We’ve heard complaints and hurtful words being one of the representatives of the local government from our neighbours and got hurt by their harsh comments about the limited social services but we persevered, risk our lives and rendered our time out of hope and concern that the little things we do will better things for our constituents. - Khristine Regidor, Iligan City
The pandemic COVID-19 restrictions and new systems in learning have change the environment. It is harder for students like us since the new system requires additional cost to avail online classes. Not everyone has the gadget and money to pay for internet connections to attend online classes. - Nina Isabel Ladioray, Iligan City
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