New OSY Meaning: Outstanding Selfless Youth

​By: Alvin Perez

Most of the time, it's the passion to make a difference that could lead to great things.

It's very usual for me to see emphatic youth in the development sector. There are teens who would sympathize by showing how they feel sorry for the living condition of others; whilst some express their sympathy through sharing the stories of indigent families and individuals, which, most of the time, bears fruit in making their condition a little bearable.
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In some ways, these actions create an impact to their lives.  However, is that the only intervention we can do for those in need of help and guidance?

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I found the answer to this question when I witnessed the first session of YAPAK (Yaman Ang Pag-aralin ang Kabataan) Scholars’ Out-of-School Youth Project which started this May, 2018.

They named this year's OSY project as "Outstanding Selfless Youth" which seeks not just to encourage people to strive for education, but also to create an impact to the community through volunteerism.
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The scholars, together with the invited speakers and partners, will be conducting a series of sessions in their community in Payatas to change the perspective of some out-of-school youth towards the importance of education.

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​Rather than taking advantage of the summer heat for vacation, these YAPAK Leaders/Scholars chose to share their knowledge, skills and experiences to inspire others and are willing to dedicate their time for them.

It feels so refreshing to witness these underprivileged youth making a difference to the lives of other people through their passion and compassion. I hope that this project of yours will also have a great impact to the lives of the youth you are inspiring.
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Showing empathy to those in need is a noble act to do. For me, it's already a good start. But most of the time, taking actions to uplift their condition could really make a big difference and could create an enormous impact, similar to what the YAPAK Leaders from Payatas are doing in their community.

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