“Dignity gives the human person meaning in life. Without dignity, what is the meaning in life?” Aaron Halpine, an ISC Participant from Canada, shared.
World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific (WYAAP) wrapped up its first-ever International Summer Camp (ISC) on July 15th, 2023 in Iloilo, Philippines.
WYA members gathered in the Philippines on July 9th for an intensive Certified Training Program and to share each other’s cultures through fun and meaningful activities.
Katia Orozco, a certified WYA trainer from Mexico, shares her thoughts on the participants’ week-long experience: “Personally, for me, it was extremely enriching to listen to all the young people, their experiences, challenges, achievements, but mainly their context. As a CTP trainer, I think it is very important to connect with the trainees and try to overcome the superficial barriers to unite our hearts [in solidarity].
Alyssa Acejas, a student from Ateneo De Zamboanga University and ISC participant, also shares her experience, “[It was] a week of brilliant sessions, exciting and heartwarming activities, insightful breakout sessions, an amazing display of local culture and food, amiable facilitators, and campers that turned into lifelong friendships. The CTP sessions themselves were beneficial in a way that the youth of today would understand the importance of using their voices.”
For many WYA members, the ISC was the first step in becoming defenders of human dignity. The theme of the Summer Camp, “Building Solutions by Bridging Cultures,” allowed participants to collaborate to develop person-centered solutions that can bring WYA’s mission to their respective communities.
The Regional Director of Operations and ISC Camp Director, Rejean Marie Darroca, highlights the strong bonds formed between the participants at the camp and why these bonds are necessary to promote human dignity.
“The 2023 International Summer Camp was a heartwarming experience for me,” says Rejean, “as it was through this program where my WYA Journey started 12 years ago. I’ve seen the campers’ eagerness and excitement to learn since day 1. I saw them struggle as they experienced challenges, and I was amazed by their creativity, resilience, and strength to overcome what seemed impossible. They have demonstrated once again that when given the opportunity to express themselves and flourish, young people can achieve amazing things. I strongly believe that they will be able to make waves wherever they are, and their strong bond will eventually bring them together to effect positive change.
WYA looks forward to another International Summer Camp in the year 2024.
