Karen's life took a surprising turn when she joined Save the Children’s Kabataan Konek program as a last-minute replacement. Initially, she stood on the sidelines, offering silent support as others spoke passionately. However, in that silence, a spark of potential began to grow. Little did she know this moment marked the beginning of her journey from observer to leader.
At just 14 years old, she was elected president of her barangay’s child-led group and later of her entire municipality. By 16, she was a representative of her peers through Kabataan Konek.
“Bilang isang child leader, ang pangarap ko ay makamit ng bawat bata ang mga pangarap at gusto nila.” (As a child leader, my dream is for every child to achieve their dreams and desires.) — Karen
Connecting Children for Empowerment
Kabataan Konek (Children Connect) aims to strengthen and promote children's meaningful participation in governance and active citizenship at local, regional, national, and global levels. The program offers a platform where children can meet, share stories, and develop solutions for the issues affecting them.
Using the child-centered social accountability (CCSA) approach, the program encourages children to express their views and participate in decisions that impact their lives.
After the pandemic, Karen was unsure about joining the program: “Akala ko po talaga hindi po ako makaka-adjust, kasi one year na na-stuck sa bahay. Mahirap makipag-communicate sa ibang tao.” (I thought I wouldn't be able to adjust after being stuck at home for a year. It was hard to communicate with others.)
Despite her fears, Karen embraced the challenge, motivated by the opportunities provided by her peers. With constant encouragement from those around her, she blossomed into a confident young leader, representing her peers' hopes before government officials.
The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) and the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children (MCPC) are local councils focused on promoting and protecting children's rights. The BCPC operates at the barangay level, implementing programs to ensure children's welfare, while the MCPC supports the BCPCs and coordinates efforts for child-friendly governance. Through these councils, Karen engaged in meaningful activities from a young age.
“Sa BCPC, nag-create kami ng child-led group. Then, we proceeded to the MCPC, where all the presidents were elected. Super unexpected po noon. (In the BCPC, we created a child-led group, then moved to the MCPC where all the presidents were elected. It was very unexpected.)” — Karen
Learning to Lead
As part of the Kabataan Konek program, Karen and other children participated in leadership and public speaking sessions. Together, they identified issues faced by children and brainstormed solutions to propose to local government units.
“Kinakabahan po talaga ako magsalita noon kasi yun yung parang first ko na magsalita as MCPC child leader. So sabi ko po sa sarili ko, ‘Sige, kung kaya ko na magsalita in this, siguro kaya ko na din sa region, sa provincial.’” (I was really nervous to speak because it was my first time as the MCPC child leader. I told myself, ‘Alright, if I can speak here, maybe I can do it at the regional and provincial level.’) — Karen
With support from Save the Children, Karen felt empowered to voice her thoughts: “Sabi ni Ate Lulanie, wala namang mali. ‘Basta kung ano yung mga thoughts mo, yun yung sabihin mo.’” (Ate Lulanie said, ‘There's nothing wrong. Just say whatever your thoughts are.’)
Together, they addressed rising adolescent pregnancy rates in Maitum, a problem exacerbated by limited access to education and healthcare. Karen explains, “Nagrise po ang problem ng teenage pregnancy. Ang naging solution po naming doon, since hindi pa po pwede ang magkita-kita in person, doon po muna kami sa mga symposium.” (The problem of teenage pregnancy has increased. Our solution involves conducting symposiums since in-person meetings are not feasible.)
In response, the barangay allocated funds for health programs and adolescent health training. Following the dialogue, the barangay council passed a resolution to budget training programs that increase children's participation in the community and enhance their understanding of children’s rights.
Karen's advocacy led her to become elected as one of the Child Representatives for Region 12 through the Regional Commission for the Welfare of Children. This role provided her with more opportunities to connect with other children and discuss issues affecting them.
Moving Forward: From Dialogue to Action
Karen understands that engaging with community leaders is just the beginning. She values every dialogue with them as a chance to help children: “Magpresent kami ng ideas to the council, kasi super helpful siya na avenue sa amin.” (We present our ideas to the council because it's a helpful avenue for us.)
Karen believes in the significance of children communicating and leading their peers: “Super important po na ang bata kausap ay bata.” (It's important for children to talk to other children.) Karen dreams of becoming a lawyer, driven by the desire to be the voice for those without one: “Pangarap ko pong maging lawyer. Being the voice of the voiceless is something I look forward to.”
Karen's transformation from a shy observer to a confident advocate highlights the importance of child participation and empowerment. Her journey exemplifies how programs like Kabataan Konek foster strength, leadership, and community among children. Karen's commitment to amplifying her peers' voices serves as a beacon of hope for a future where children can shape their destinies.