Empowering Youth Through Life Skills: Building Resilience Against Substance Abuse

Light for All Foundation has launched a Professional Learning Series aimed at fostering self-reflection, self-care, and critical evaluation among professionals. This initiative helps participants identify areas for personal and professional growth while addressing current and emerging challenges in psychology and social work. By doing so, the program ensures practitioners are well-prepared to respond effectively to evolving client needs and societal issues.

As part of the series, participants engaged in a practical training program that involved conducting a community needs analysis and forming three committees based on the findings. Among these, the Health Committee focused on addressing the needs of youth in Quezon City.

The analysis highlighted a significant concern: the alarming availability of drugs and other harmful substances to the local youth. While the 32 youth participants themselves were not involved in such activities, the committee prioritized enhancing their protective factors to prevent potential risks.

To achieve this, the committee implemented a comprehensive life skills training program designed to equip the youth with essential tools and strategies for navigating challenges, making informed decisions, and resisting pressures that could lead to substance abuse. The program also emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, fostering a safe and supportive environment where participants from varied backgrounds could openly share their experiences and learn from one another.

By celebrating the unique identities, perspectives, and strengths of each participant, the training aimed to build a sense of belonging and mutual respect. This inclusive approach not only enhanced the program’s impact but also contributed to reducing stigma and promoting equity within the community.

By focusing on building resilience, self-esteem, and problem-solving abilities, the program empowered young individuals to adopt healthier coping mechanisms and make positive life choices. This proactive strategy addresses the root causes of vulnerability to substance use while fostering a generation of empowered, informed, and resilient youth prepared to contribute positively to their diverse and inclusive communities.

Voices of Success:

“Ang natutunan ko po dun is all about drugs, controlling ourselves or making right decision and putting yourself into the right path, kasi po kung basta basta lang po kayo nagdedesisyon sa isang bagay naglilead po ito sa wrong desisyon sometimes, pero may 50/50 chance na tama din po yun but most probably wrong desisyon din yan kasi po nagkocause yun ng pagkasira satin or maling epekto sa atin. At yung uses of drugs po is like pagiging paranoid sa sarili pagkakaroon ng anxiety causes din po yun lahat ng pangyayari o event sa isang tao kung bakit sila natitrigger para gumawa ng masama or gumamit ng drugs yun lang po.” – Khalil Baral

“Natutunan ko ngayon is lahat ng triggers natin and lahat ng mga desires ng katawan or isip natin is maglilead sa atin into wrong path or gagawa tayo ng decisions na di natin magugustuhan pagtapos nito and kung pano ko maibabahagi itong natutunan ko sa iba’t ibang bata or iba’t ibang lugar. Magsisimula ako sa pagkausap sa kanila at pagsali sa mga mission na connected sa drugs o sa lahat mental health na makakatulong sa mga bata o sa community.” – Andrew Raguirag