ACSPI Youth Peace Camp 2024: Peacetival of Learning
November 28, 2024 – December 1, 2024. We are Claretians, and we are missionaries! On November 28, 2024, let us come together to welcome the Claret Schools from Fr. Roel Gallardo’s Provinces, including Zamboanga City, Quezon City, Maluso, Isabela, Tumahubong, and Lamitan! This event will showcase talents and gratitude as we celebrate the unity and diversity of the Claretian community, providing a space for participants to connect, share their stories, and prepare for deeper reflections to come through vibrant performances and cultural expressions.
The theme, “Young Missionaries Called to Be Joyful Witnesses,” is a seminar that will encourage youth to recognize that joy is a central part of their mission in life. Rev. Fr. Mauricio T. Ulep led the discussion on three key aspects of joy: The joy of being blessed, where participants are reminded to be grateful for the gifts of life, health, and time. The joy found in challenges, which teaches that even in difficulty, happiness can emerge as we overcome obstacles and support one another. The joy of being sent, emphasizing that true fulfillment comes from serving others selflessly.
The parade at Paseo del Mar brought the camp’s themes of joy, peace, and unity into the community. Through vibrant performances and symbolic marches, participants demonstrated their commitment to living as joyful witnesses of peace, spreading a message of hope and solidarity. The ACSPI Youth Peace Camp 2024 offers an opportunity for youth to make a lasting impact, showing how the spirit of peace and joy can transform not only their lives but also the lives of those around them.
Showcasing Youth Talent and Leadership: Highlights from Day 2 of ACSPI 2024
The second day of ACSPI 2024, held on November 29, 2024, featured a showcase of youth talent through singing, poetry, visual arts, dancing, and acting. One of the highlights of the day was the Solidarity Night, where each group presented cultural dances, highlighting the diversity and unity of the delegates. This day underscored the importance of creativity, faith, and cultural exchange in fostering transformative youth leadership.
Mindanao Week of Peace 2024 Center-Based Peacetival of Learning | November 30 – December 1, 2024
On the third day of the ACSPI Youth Peace Camp: Peacetival of Learning, three key sessions were held to deepen participants’ understanding of this year’s theme, “Wanted: Transformative Leaders to Achieve Positive Peace.” The morning session featured an Interreligious Dialogue, where Catholic, Christian, and Muslim leaders discussed the essence of positive peace, which goes beyond the absence of war. They also emphasized the importance of cultivating transformative leaders, highlighting the role of youth in building a peaceful future.
In the afternoon, participants took part in the Amazing Race organized by the YSP and facilitated by Peace Program Officer, Mr. Darwin Maglangit. Each station featured games designed to promote values such as honesty, effective communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. These activities aimed to inspire participants to become transformative leaders in the future. The Amazing Race also provided an opportunity for delegates to explore and learn more about Zamboanga City’s landmarks.
Two seminars were also held: one on the Six Petals of Peace and another on Transformative Leaders. The Six Petals of Peace explored six key components: dismantling the culture of war, understanding the roots of conflict, promoting human rights and responsibilities, clarifying moral boundaries, living with justice and compassion, building cultural respect, protecting the Earth, and cultivating inner peace as the foundation of all peace efforts.
The final seminar on Transformative Leaders showcased influential figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who advocated for peaceful methods of achieving justice; Nelson Mandela, who fought for racial equality; and Greta Thunberg, who raised awareness about climate change as an urgent global issue.
Celebrating the Peace Weaver Awardees and Bidding Farewell to the Participating Schools: Final Day of ACSPI 2024
The final day of the ACSPI Youth Peace Camp 2024 took place on December 1, 2024. On this day, participants wore traditional clothing representing various Filipino cultures as they prepared to showcase their performances. The first part of the day featured a session on Peace Security. The guest speaker discussed several security measures, including how to familiarize oneself with the environment, stay alert, be aware of bomb threats, and properly report incidents.
The day continued with the awarding of the Peace Weaver Awardees, interspersed with intermission numbers. The performers displayed their remarkable talents in singing, dancing, and acting. The four-day event formally concluded with the Schola Cantorum Claretianum singing the song “One Candle.”
As the event ends and we part ways, it is important to cherish the memories we’ve made and continue promoting peace, as we are all peacemakers.
Written by:
El Fuego Claretiano Literary League
