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?

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.

​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.

​By: Alvin Perez

Kuya Vic also said that his involvement in the organizations activities, especially when he became a scholar officer back when he was a 2nd year high school, and the mentors who guided them have developed his leadership skills.

“Yung mga involvement talaga at mga seminars talaga yung naghubog sa akin… Yung mentorship nila Ate Carla, Ate Kring at Kuya Randy yung nakatulong sa amin.” He quoted.

Through meeting people and exposures that he gained being a scholar of 2KK, he was able to acquire self-confidence in dealing with different kind of people from different walks of life.
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Kuya Vic shared that the involvement of everyone in the organizations one of the things that he loves the most. It’s like a big family that everyone has their own voice that they can use for development of 2KK.

“Ang maganda kasi sa 2KK una ay humble ang founder. Iyon yung root kung bakit isang pamilya talaga tayo na may respeto at paggalang. Na hindi natin iniisip kung sin yung mataas. Sa 2Kk lahat pantay-pantay mula sa scholars, tutees, volunteers Board of Advisers at staffers.”
 
Being one of the first scholars who saw how 2KK grows over a decade, he saw how 2KK grows. He witnessed most of its achievements and struggles, and he wanted to continue growing with the organization even after he graduates as a college student. 
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“Gusto ko pag nakatapos ako, mas maging malaki yung parte ko sa 2KK. Na gusto kong Makita yung growth at kung paano pa lalago yung 2KK.”