Character and Leadership Training for Thai Youths

Leadership has its Challenges

As leaders in the Foundation catering to the development of Children and Youths, some hundred plus of us are fully aware that Children and Youths of Today are so different from us as adult leaders when we were growing up, in terms of the changed environment of the present world.

The presence of digital, instant information and the expanse of knowledge (both good and bad) bombard our young every second of their waking lives. At the same time, the COVID pandemic has segregated the human 'touch' and contact in our relationships, making young people lacking in social skills that develop when children gather to play in schools and with neighbors. This has triggered a number of mental stresses on people, especially the young.

Therefore the Foundation felt it was timely to conduct an in-depth training for our Volunteers who have the passion to minister to our Children and Youths, featuring how we should twig our Leadership Skills to cater to them, leading in a way that is caring, showing tough love, with the aim to develop them into a self-disciplined, reverent, caring and responsible global citizens.

We were fortunate to have an expert trainer PP, to help us be aware of our present leadership styles and to realize that there are certain Leadership Challenges that we have to address, IF we want to IMPACT those we care for, in order to adapt to their needs. Our Volunteers Leaders had an insightful experience, which was both meaningful, fun and helped us to relate better to each other.

As a way to relax and instill fun, an outdoor ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) adventure was also organized for our trainees, as our Foundation believes in developing the WHOLE person, in Knowledge, Spiritually, Physically and Emotionally to Serve our local communities.

Ms Wan said, "Before coming to the training, I did not know what to expect, but having been here for the past few days, I realize that there is much to learn and I feel EMPOWERED, and have ENJOYED this training immensely!"

"I will use what I have learned to hone my leadership skills to help those I lead." Ka declared.

Other than addressing the Challenges that Leaders face, the Training also sought the help of Volunteers to help initiate a Curriculum to engage young Thais to learn English as 2nd Language through use of games.

We were also Challenged to revisit our initial Visions and Passions that have brought us together to serve the young. A call for re-dedication to our initial calling was made and the Volunteers re-committed to that call in a closing ceremony.

The Foundation thanks all partners and supporters who share the same mission to serve the young through programs and mentoring, to help them achieve their FULL potential.

Gathering of the Like-Minded

Amongst the volunteer leaders who mentor and work with children and youths around the world, is a group who operates in the Asian Region. These leaders are trained to run programs for the young, having the same Vision and Mission to build the next generation of young leaders to be reliable, have high moral standards, self-disciplined, with a sense of responsibility and readiness for good works, helping the community be a better place.

The network of leaders from Asian countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand decided to hold a Bi-Annual Conference for their Volunteer Adult Leaders. This time it was to be held in Bangkok, Thailand.

A total of 100 leaders from the South-East Asian countries came together for a time of renewal, sharing of ideas, reflections and fellowship.
Amongst individuals, there were opportunities for conversations and encouragements as we talked about the challenges facing leaders in mentoring and nurturing the new generations of young people, namely the Gen Zs and Alpha.

The leaders also decided to do good by helping a small school in Khon Kaen to  replenish their computer room, with better updated computers rather than the Pentium computers that they were still using.. many of which were tattered from much use and fungus found on the screens.

" I am so happy to be here in Thailand, getting to know so many of us who are working for the same purposes to build young people up..., " Gretch, from the Philippines said.

From Singapore, Angeline reflected, "It's so nice to be in the same group as you ladies!" ... when the participants were divided into various groups.

All in all, we had a wonderful time together, getting to know like-minded leaders, encouraging each other in our journeys together, moulding the next generation.

Thanks to all sponsors and partners who have enabled the less priviledged leaders especially from the upcountry to make it to an unforgettable gathering!

Happy Easter to all!
Vena Lung
Project Leader