EVEN before the pandemic, we have seen how various challenges faced by our youth affect their holistic development. The increase in the number of teens committing suicide, teenage pregnancies, cases of anxiety and depression, and juvenile delinquency has caused an alarm not only for the education sector but entire community in general. There is a pressing need to deter the damaging and irreversible consequences of technology, digitization, and the fast-changing standards which the modern society has imposed on our young population. Now is the time for us, duty bearers, to make a collective effort to redirect them to a healthier and constructive environment.
The International Youth Fellowship Philippines was established as a worldwide youth organization and an international NGO based on Christian mindset in 2001, to raise leaders with a global insight through youth education, social service, local & international exchange and cultural activities, and to provide realistic solutions to problems in the global village.
Rev. Dr. Ock Soo Park, Pastor and Founder of the International Youth Fellowship, Pastor of IYF said that “although young people these days wear the latest designer brands and do what they can to create an ideal lifestyle for themselves, they do not have true freedom or peace in their hearts. Today’s youths have long since been ill-equipped to bear the responsibilities of their generation, and do not possess the values to lead this world into tomorrow. Nevertheless, they are our hope. IYF strives to take on the difficulties and worries of our young people, as well as support their fights and efforts, because they represent the future.”
In celebration of its 20th Anniversary and as a timely and crucial intervention to ensure the over-all well-being of our children and youth amidst the hardships caused not only by the pandemic but other socio-cultural factors that are in trend now.
This online world camp, which is packed with engaging and worthwhile activities such as mind lectures, online academy, digital dance presentations, and other fun activities which our youth can do at home is a culmination of the strong partnership between the IYF, DepEd, and other government agencies that tirelessly work for the welfare of our children and young citizens.
The highlight of this virtual camp is the mind lecture by Rev. Dr. Ock Soo Park where participants will be able to take a peek into the world of the heart. Dr Park says that we do not know the world of the heart partly because we are too preoccupied with the speed and competitiveness of today’s world. Through learning the world of the heart, the participants find the value and happiness in life. The lectures provide a chance for participants to establish a clear life goal.
We must always safeguard our youth by providing them the environment of positivity, critical thinking, creativity, and spirituality, and guide them to be responsible, nation-loving, and God-fearing individuals as they grow older.