Emerging Rosebuds:
A collation of Youth reflections from SEAPac’s 5th Regional Assembly

“Just like every night has its dawn, every rose has its thorn.” Being the means, by which a rose protects itself, the sharp yet guarding feature of the thorn is unique to the rose… Let us learn of the momentous journey which kindled the youth during the Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SEAPac) Regional assembly in Mindanao, Southern Philippines.

With stories of anguish, kidnappings, shootings and helplessness of civilians, plastered all over the news… we felt a sudden surge of fear, as we landed in Mindanao, the thorny place of suffering in Southern Philippines.

However, an aroma of peace was emanating from the lush countryside and the warm smiles of the people. An immediate feeling of camaraderie came over the delegates from various countries who were welcomed by the young volunteers from the host CC.

A first in the history of the SEAPac region, the youths were present in great numbers, and had a promising role last March 16-21 in the 5th Regional Assembly. The SEAPac CC leaders and Trustees gathered in the humble town of Tubod, Lanao del Norte, Mindanao to bridge leadership and strengthen relationships across the region.

The youth, who comprised over a quarter of the participation of the regional assembly and were first timers can be likened to little rose buds, small petals still in its early stages beginning to form an effervescent rose that gives beauty to all.

Gratefully receiving social and spiritual guidance, brimming with passion and idealism, the youth see their role as a responsibility, challenge, and opportunity in rising and extending the vision of URI. The responsibility in continuing the dialogue and peace-building work depends on the youth, and such is the challenge that the youth face. In brining more people, regardless of age, or level of wisdom and experience to the fore, and in the many choices we face, the opportunities for the youths are endless!

“Trailblazing” was a word used to describe the youth’s participation in the regional assembly, as the youth played a very pivotal part in the regional meeting. We were also greatly inspired by a memorable meeting with Gov. Khalid Quibranza-Dimaporo, the governor of Lanao del Norte - the youngest governor of the Philippines, of only 28 years. He is a shining exemplar of a youth leader who has taken a keen role in Interfaith and Peacebuilding Dialogue!

From coming up with witty energizers, such as the URI clap, to helping coordinate the program and also organizing a very organic and nourishing mandala activity, the youths were very much engaged and a part of the week!

The youths continued to enliven the spirit of the participants, by organizing two very successful Film Screenings of the various work being done by the CCs around the region, and of the local efforts to lessen the plight of the strained Muslim-Christian relations in Mindanao.

However, just like a rose that is in the midst of thorns, several thorns or obstacles stand in the way of the rosebuds reaching full bloom. A hindrance to the youth’s participation could be the language barrier and the fact that resources such as time and energy are limited. These physical thorns coupled with the emotional ones of relating with people from different backgrounds are the two types of impediments encountered along the way of reaching full bloom. But the tools of trainings and other resource mobilization techniques, continue to provide opportunities for growth to develop the skills of other youths and for the region. As just as a flower needs water and nutrients to grow, the wisdom and guidance provided by our elders will continue to mentor us as we go through this path.

They say that, where flowers bloom, so does hope. It is therefore fortunate that the seeds have been planted and the rosebuds have been formed so as to create a garden of peace in the world we live in.

*Sharon is the Youth Coordinator of the URI South East Asia and the Pacific Region. She also sits in the steering committee of the URI Young Leaders Program. She is active in bother her local interfaith group, Y4U: Youth for Unity and the Global Youth CC.