Youth leaders, former out-of-school youth, exemplary 4Ps children, and information officers gathered on Saturday (12 July) for the “Youth Engagement Meeting for the Communication Campaign on Addressing Children Not Attending School (NAS) Cases” organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). 

The event, held online via Google Meet, aimed to empower young people to participate in communication and advocacy efforts to address the persistent number of school dropouts or not-attending schools (NAS) 4Ps beneficiaries.

DSWD Conditional Cash Transfer Group Assistant Secretary Marites M. Maristela, CESO III, in her opening remarks, encouraged the youth to become advocates for education within their own communities.

“Isang initiative ang sinisimulan natin sa araw na ito dahil from time to time nakikita na natin na may mga 4Ps children ang hindi nag-eenroll sa school… Nakakapanghinayang na ang tulong sa pamamagitan ng 4Ps ay hindi nila namama-maximize,” Assistant Secretary Maristela emphasized.

“Nakikita namin na bukod sa Family Development Session, magkakaroon sana ng complementary effort kung kayo ang magiging advocates… Layunin natin na sama sama ang atin effort na napagtulungan ang usaping ito,” the Assistant Secretary added.

Through a mix of creative activities, myth-busting sessions, storytelling, and breakout group discussions, the participants explored the realities of NAS and developed strategies to support their fellow youth in returning to school.

Participants shared their personal experiences and realizations during the plenary session.

Former NAS youth, Alleah Piang, emphasized the value of education, sharing how she became a role model in her community by proving that returning to school can change lives.

“Ano nga ba ang kayang kong gawin? So, bilang batang babaeng NAS, naging halimbawa po ako sa aming komunidad. Panatilihin ang pag-aaral at ipalaganap ang magandang dulot ng pagtatapos sa pag-aaral, dahil alam naman po nating lahat na ang edukasyon ay mahalaga po sa atin pagdating ng future,” Piang said. 

From the discussions emerged several youth-driven proposals. Among these was the Adopt-a-Learner Program, led by Richard Gamboa, a March 2024 LET topnotcher, which aims to connect learners with special needs to community sponsors who can provide school materials, transportation support, and mentorship. 

Gamboa also advocated for home visits with school focal persons and community volunteers to understand the real reasons behind school absenteeism and offer practical support.

Another plan presented by the exemplary children and 4Ps topnotchers during the breakout sessions was the organization of a Study Buddy System, a peer mentorship initiative wherein students with better academic standing or graduates would help struggling learners cope with school work. Participants also highlighted the need for school materials, internet connection, and volunteer mentors to make this initiative effective.

Other breakout groups proposed barangay-level awareness campaigns and flexible learning systems for youth in remote areas. These include the development of social media content, posters, and infographics about education support programs, as well as community dialogues involving parents, local officials, and 4Ps youth leaders. 

The participants also recommended the inclusion of former NAS children and exemplary students as ambassadors of the Back-to-School advocacy.

In one of the emotional highlights of the meeting, Kate Chloe, a youth leader and 4Ps advocate, underscored the importance of understanding students’ individual circumstances. 

“Ang pagiging flexible ay nagpapataas ng posibilidad ng tagumpay. Makipag-ugnayan sa mga magulang—ang pagtutulungan ay susi sa tagumpay ng mga mag-aaral,” she said, emphasizing the role of families and communities in the success of learners.

The youth action plans will form part of the communication strategy being developed to address NAS cases under the 4Ps. 

The communication plan will include local campaigns, social media engagement, and school-based activities, aligning it with the DSWD’s commitment to improving school attendance among 4Ps children by addressing behavioral, system-related, and supply-side issues.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all participants to carry forward their action plans at the local level in partnership with schools, parents, barangay officials, and the broader 4Ps network. #