By: Edward C. Maratita, Jr.
Eskuelan San Francisco de Borja students participated in a 3-day event called Youth for Youth LIVE Guam (YFYLG), a conference for middle and high school students to experience outlets for living positive lifestyles.
The annual Youth-for-Youth Conference kicked-off at the Hyatt Regency Guam Hotel on March 31, and ended on April 2.
ESFDB administrator and principal Carmen H. Atalig said, “the organization aims to promote a drug, tobacco and alcohol-free lifestyle for teens. I want the students to practice these lifestyles.”
“What this conference is dong is basically giving the youth in the insight to what Youth-for-Youth does, it brings them in and shows them activities on how to live a healthier lifestyle, give them workshops on tobacco and suicide prevention, and other topics include human sexuality and anger management,” added Atalig.
“Youth for Youth has been known as a peer-to-peer program that addresses youth orientated issues like suicide prevention and positive self-esteem building,” according to class adviser and Pacific Regional Training Institute/Child, Youth, & School Services training director Maratita, Edward Jr.
“Successful prevention programs for youth are based on the influence of positive peer support,” says Maratita. “YFYLG teens use their creative energies to spread drug-free messages to others.”
During the conference, participants were placed into family groups where they’ll be able to bond with one another and share their stories. Participants will also be able to attend a number of workshops, with topics ranging from substance abuse prevention to human sexuality. YFYLG also invites local keynote speakers as well as speakers from off-island to share their stories with participants.
Student Council president and 8th grade student Jeremy John Atalig II said, “I enjoyed the event, and would like to thank all who helped to make our trip happen.”
“Mr. Ed (Maratita, Jr.) shared stories about this conference because he is always involved. I am glad for my last year (graduating) at ESFDB to take part of a great prevention conference,” added Atalig II
“What makes Youth for Youth special is that it is youth driven. Youth are leading the youth to positive lifestyles,” said 8th grader and youth participant Marvin Clitar.
“Our group got together and shared personal experiences,” said 7th grader and youth participant Auston Guiawan. “I’ve met our family group for only three days, but it feels like I’ve known them for a long time, knowing they trust and open up to you.”
ESFDB Youth For Youth delegates are Jeremy John Atalig II, Marvin Clitar, Auston Guiawan, and Edward U. Maratita III.
They were accompanied by class adviser Edward Maratita, Jr.
The administration and faculty would like to extend their appreciation to the parents, principal Carmen H. Atalig, Francisco and Ofelia Atalig, Vice Speaker Janet U. Maratita, Barrigada Mayor June U. Blas (Guam), Vice Mayor Jessie Bautista (Guam), Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (Hawaii), COL. Takamura, J. (Hawaii), Charise Mundon (Hawaii), Jareeza Namoca, Esq. (Hawaii), Verona Resort & Spa (Guam), Pacific Regional Training Institute Guam/Hawaii management and staff. Thank you, Un Sen Dangkulo Na Si Yu’us Ma’ase, Oloomway, and Maraming Salamat Po!
