What does it take to inspire hope and nurture dreams? For the youth at the Regional Rehabilitation Youth Center (RRYC) in Sablan, Benguet, Project Arapaap provided an answer. Organized by the SEA Honor Society and the SLU Chiro Youth Movement under the CICM Campus Mission Volunteers, this outreach program aimed to empower children in conflict with the law (CICL) through academic support, creative expression, and spiritual growth. By fostering connections and providing opportunities for learning, the program embodied the CICM advocacy for Justice and Peace and supported the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of quality education, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.
Preparation for Project Arapaap began in October 2024, with detailed planning, fundraising, and coordination with the RRYC staff. On November 22, Mr. Bernard Talla from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted an orientation for the volunteers, sharing the do’s and don’ts of working with the youth, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment for the program. The outreach itself spanned two Saturdays, 23 November and 30 November, combining academic tutoring, music and art lessons, and faith-based activities to create a holistic learning experience.
Day 1 introduced the youth to academic tutoring sessions tailored to their specific needs, complemented by group dynamic games that fostered camaraderie and teamwork. Art lessons focused on sketching, while music sessions engaged participants with guitars and ukuleles, sparking their creativity and enthusiasm. The day also included a fellowship session that encouraged reflection and connection through faith, reinforcing the CICM advocacy for Justice and Peace by nurturing their spiritual growth alongside their educational and creative development.
Day 2 built on the foundation of the first day, with deeper academic sessions and art lessons evolving to include vibrant colors and creative projects. Music lessons expanded to piano, culminating in a heartfelt music jam where the children performed and celebrated their progress together. The group dynamics games continued to inspire teamwork, while the faith fellowship provided a safe space for reflection and spiritual expression. These activities supported SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting emotional and social growth and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing their learning experiences in engaging and meaningful ways, all while providing them meals and snacks for both days.
As the program concluded, volunteers said their goodbyes with a spirit of gratitude, leaving behind book donations to enrich the RRYC library and snacks and materials for the children. The gesture emphasized SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by ensuring sustained access to resources and opportunities for the youth. The event’s success reflected the power of partnerships, aligning with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), as SEAHS, Chiro, and the RRYC staff worked collaboratively to empower the youth and nurture their potential.
Project Arapaap underscored the importance of creating spaces where education, creativity, and faith converge to inspire hope. It demonstrated that meaningful change is possible when communities come together with compassion and shared purpose. By embodying the CICM mission and the SDGs, this initiative has laid the groundwork for future programs that can further empower marginalized youth and build a more just and inclusive society. (Article and Photos by SEA Honor Society and SLU Chiro Youth Movement)
