“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”
– John F. Kennedy
Transitioning from any stage of your life to another will always be a daunting feat. It is particularly admirable when you progress from being a “kid” to being a responsible youth – one who utilizes their skills to not only help an organization but also the community.
From the start, the kids of HAPI-Bulacan lit up their community with their cuteness and desire to help those in need as jovial volunteers of HAPI. As they began the aforementioned transition, HAPI-Bulacan was there to support them through a Leadership Training Program last April 30.
Led by HAPI CFO Mutya Valenzuela, the program aimed to guide the kids as they transitioned into HAPI Youth, a department more fit for their growing potential. It is worth noting that these are the same kids who have received care, social education, and opportunities for intellectual exploration from HAPI since 2021. As they grow into ethical and progressive people, HAPI will be there for them every step of the way.
The kids were educated on topics such as “How to be an effective Leader,” “Responsibilities of Leaders,” and “Mistakes that Leaders Make.” These will help them get an overarching idea of what it is like to be a leader. The kids showed curiosity and wonder every time a new topic was explained to them.
When asked how it was like to handle HAPI-Bulacan kids, Valenzuela said, “It was very difficult and fun at the same time. It’s not easy to juggle 17 young adults at first, but when I started to [read the house rules to them] and began the training, everything started to fall into place.”
The CFO added that the kids displayed active participation in every discussion and had a camaraderie towards each other. Before they embark on their new journey, these kids should be given proper guidance to lead effectively.
“I expect them to lead the HAPI Youth with pride and love for humanity while carrying with them the humanistic values, mission, and vision of Humanist Alliance Philippines, International,” Qiuming said hopefully.
The world’s future is truly in the hearts and minds of the youth. As the kids of Bulacan move on to this new period in their lives, let us all make sure that they continue to be supported and empowered.
