Character and Leadership Training for Thai Youths

Empowering Teens to Reach Their Highest Potential

The Foundation has been working with youths for around 30 years and it has come to our attention that the majority of Thai youths are generally lacking in self-esteem. But unfortunately, they tend to look for self-worth in the wrong places, ending in addictions, underage sexual activities and even involvements in criminal gangs.

Therefore, we are focused on "preventing" rather than "curing" the social ills that youths may fall into, by engaging concerned and caring adults to nurture and mentor young people, to see them through their turbulent growing years. Our Volunteers help run healthy, yet challenging activities, so that the young people can be rooted on a good strong foundation of love and care, learn life-skills and leadership that will benefit them for life!

There are two young people who have been in our program for around 10 years.

Nancy (not her real name) was a shy girl by nature who kept much to herself, says "Through years of nurturing and guidance I have become confident in public speaking and dare to lead others in school".  She was able to choose to concentrate on her studies even when all around her in the slums were temptations that easily lure a teen. 

Will (not his real name) is lively boy, to point of being disruptive especially in a group setting.                He reflects, "Through being in the program that emphasizes self-discipline and being exemplary in character and behaviour, I now know how I should behave as a leader." He became more temperate knowing as a leader these characteristics are essential. 

Both were given opportunities to travel overseas to a neighbouring country, where they are to present the program that they have been involved with, to groups of foreign adults and children, in English (a foreign language to them).

During the 1 month preparation, they are to do up their presentations, prepare to lead in songs and games, as well as dish up a local Thai snack to give out to their new overseas friends. Consistent mentoring and guidance by Thai adult leaders, which also included their friends, helped form a firm support system for them to reach their highest potential.

Trip has been truly memorable for all, and especially these 2 young lives together with their supporters.

The Foundation thanks all who have given sacrificially, so that young people can grow and in the future serve their communities where they are in, having experienced how others have sacrificed for them.

 

The Leader Must Model Good Leadership


In the Foundation, we understand that Leaders are in high visibility. Therefore, his or her life has to be transparent, and the inner life and outer expressions are to be in sync, otherwise they would appear somewhat hypocritical. We need to say what we mean and mean what we say. Integrity, honesty and humiity forms the buidling blocks of a  good leader.

We had the honor of inviting a Master Traininer to help our adult Volunteers Leaders for a 3-day training and deep reflection on what a leader should be like, while studying the lives of great historical leaders of the past.

During the course of training, our leaders were given the opportunity of interacting with each other in small groups, then sharing thoughts and ideas in bigger groups.

Many of us were deeply touched by what we learnt, ie that many times leaders' reaction and decisions may be based on Fear or based on Pride ... and participants were encouraged to look within ourselves to see what motivates us in our actions. To consider humilty and love for those whom we lead.

As we pondered on renewing our purpose and mission in life, we re-committed to lead our children, youths and even fellow volunteers with love, trust and in an environment of forgivness and humility.

Puk said,"I am glad that after the training, I was able to practice what I learnt with the young charges under my care."

"I realised that many times I have been leading with pride, and I really need to make changes in my life." Mrs P responded

All in all we spent time in deep reflection, which in a normal day we would not have done so...It was well worth it!

We thank all who gave, so that we would have a chance to RE-Vision what's important and needful in nurturing our young so that they would be of Exemplary CHARACTER and be a Model LEADER for the next generation!