By: Lawrence Agustin
The culmination event of Learning to Earning Pathways (LEaP), under the SUGPAT Program of the Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center (ALTEC), was not merely a conclusion, but a milestone that marked the beginning of the future for youth development. This event, held on April 3, 2024, brought together educators, partners, and young leaders from Northern Samar, Zamboanga City, and Zamboanga del Norte, celebrating the progress and impact of the LEaP programs over the past year.
Before the main event, a Value-Adding Session (VAS) was organized to improve the capabilities of youth development workers and their organizations. The first session was about Resource Mobilization, led by Jude Russel Cuntapay, it aimed to equip participants with strategies for sustaining and scaling their impact. It was held on March 17, 2024. This session was followed by an Online Recollection themed “Paubayâ,” facilitated by Honey Rod Alfaro on March 24, 2024, which provided a platform for personal reflection and emphasized the importance of self-care among youth workers.
The LEaP Culmination, themed “Cultivating Meaningful Collaborations and Supporting Lifelong Learning,” served as a platform to acknowledge the achievements of LEaP and the contributions of various partners. Highlights included a keynote speech by Atty. Reena Vivienne Pineda, Assistant Secretary and the Commissioner representing Luzon of the National Youth Commission (NYC) underscored the critical role of youth empowerment in societal development, and an overview of the LEaP programs presented by Mr. Abmel Immid, the SUGPAT Program Officer of ALTEC and other key stakeholders.
Special messages from notable figures, including Mr. Akihiro Fushimi, Chief of Education of UNICEF Philippines, reinforced the wide-reaching support for the program’s objectives. The event not only celebrated the year’s successes but also shared compelling Human Interest Stories from Northern Samar, Zamboanga City, and Zamboanga del Norte, demonstrating the impact of LEaP on individuals and communities.
As articulated by Mr. Fushimi, the end of a project signifies the beginning of new opportunities. This principle reflects SUGPAT’s belief in the potential of every young individual and the importance of their dreams. “SUGPAT has always believed that as a project concludes, it is not the end but rather a takeoff point to a universe of endless possibilities. This is because, in SUGPAT, we believe that Every Dream Matters.” This philosophy underscores the commitment to ensuring that every achievement is a foundation for further growth and exploration.
The LEaP Culmination event highlights the commitment to empowering youth, fostering sustainable communities, and contributing to a better future. It celebrated the accomplishments while setting the stage for continued collaboration, learning, and achievement. As participants and partners look to the future, they carry forward the lessons learned and the shared belief in the power of dreams and collective action.
