by Dr. Teresita M. Malabuyo
As soon as Adamson University (AdU) and Caritas Manila found out that they have one thing in common—which is that of having a deep concern for a marginalized sector of society, particularly the youth—a joint mission was forged between these two institutions. A venture called YSLEP (Youth Servant Leadership and Education Program) gave birth to two projects: one utilizing modern technology to reach out to more young people through webcasting at www.youtube.com and the other, the facilitation of a three-day training program last April 29 to May 1, 2008 at Oasis of Prayer in Silang, Cavite.
One of the goals of YSLEP is to empower the youth to become responsible and conscientious servant leaders. Also, through conducting training programs, the participants were expected to have developed self-awareness, a sense of well being, self-knowledge that can provide personal integrity, useful leadership skills, and clarified values.
Through Fr. Atilano “Nonong” Fajardo, C.M., popularly known as “Fr. Riles,” Director of AdU’s ICES, the University was able to involve itself in the undertaking. In partnering with Caritas, some of the personnel of AdU’s Information Technology Center were given tasks in preparing the modules, providing the needed technology, and granting of certificates to the youth who were able to finish the training. By taking part in these activities, the Adamsonians were again given the opportunity to serve the socially-disadvantaged.
