Growing Leaders from Within: A Day of Gratitude, Learning, and Hope

On June 20, 2026, the St Joseph Chapel Multi-Purpose Hall became more than just a venue for learning. It became a space where gratitude met purpose, where experiences were celebrated, and where future leaders took another meaningful step in serving others. The Philippine Jesuit Prison Service Foundation, Inc. Scholarship Program gathered 27 scholars, 9 parents and guardians, dedicated staff members Jesusa Ramos, Fresco Pequit, and Aims Nicolas, and facilitator Mennen Aracid, for the in-house Facilitators’ Evaluation and Thanksgiving and Facilitation Training. The gathering was a celebration of service and a reminder that leadership often begins with the simple willingness to listen. Throughout Fiscal Year 2025 to 2026, the Scholarship Program encountered a practical challenge. With only a limited number of volunteer facilitators available to guide small group sharing during formation sessions, sustaining meaningful conversations became increasingly difficult. Yet hope has a remarkable way of finding faithful hands. Our youth scholars and parents chose to step forward. Equipped with commitment and generous hearts, they served as in-house facilitators, ensuring that formation sessions continued to provide safe and intimate spaces where participants could share, reflect, and grow together. Their presence became a quiet but powerful testimony that communities flourish when people choose to serve one another. Recognizing their invaluable contribution, this gathering became both an expression of thanksgiving and an investment in their continued growth. The Facilitation Training deepened participants' understanding of what it truly means to accompany others. More than learning techniques, they discovered that effective facilitation begins with genuine presence, compassionate listening, and creation of spaces where every voice is respected. One participant shared a reflection that beautifully captured the experience: "Ang pinaka-wow moment sa training para sa akin ay ang mga bagong natutunan ko tungkol sa pagiging facilitator. Nagulat ako na ang Ikigai ay maaari pala i-apply sa facilitation, at mas lalo akong naengganyo na matuto ng iba’t ibang paraan kung paano mas magiging epektibo sa pagfa-facilitate. Nagustuhan ko rin ang mga recommended questions na ibinahagi ng speaker dahil malaking tulong ito sa paggabay sa mga participants. Isa sa mga mahalagang aral na natutunan ko ay ang kahalagahan ng pakikinig bilang facilitator. Kailangan nating bigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga participants na ma-voice out ang lahat ng gusto nilang sabihin at siguraduhing naririnig at nauunawaan sila. Napukaw din ang atensyon ko sa mga alituntunin ng facilitation, lalo na ang pag-iwas sa paggamit ng salitang bakit, dahil maaari itong magmukhang pagdidig ng impormasyon sa halip na simpleng pakikinig at pag-unawa. Bilang facilitator, mahalagang hindi tayo ang nangunguna sa pagsasalita o pagkukuwento, kundi tayo ang gumagabay at nagbibigay ng espasyo para makapagbahagi ang iba. Masaya at inspiring ang training dahil hindi lang ako nag-enjoy, kundi nakapulot din ako ng mga kaalaman at karunungan na magagamit ko at maibabahagi ko sa kapwa parents at scholars. Na-realize ko rin na masaya ngunit challenging ang maging facilitator, at nangangailangan ito ng tamang mindset, mahusay na pakikinig, at patuloy na pagkatuto." These reflections remind us that facilitation is not about having all the answers. It is about making people feel seen, heard, and valued. It is about walking with others on their journey rather than leading from a distance. This initiative also reflects a deeper vision for the Scholarship Program. By investing in the capacity-building of parents and youth scholars, PJPS is cultivating a sustainable culture of servant leadership from within the community itself. Rather than relying solely on a limited number of external volunteers, families and scholars are becoming capable leaders who can continue nurturing future formation sessions with confidence and compassion. Every trained facilitator represents another beacon of hope. Every parent who chooses to serve strengthens the family. Every scholar who steps into leadership inspires another young person to believe that they, too, can make a difference. Transformation grows where people are empowered to serve. As we look ahead, we remain deeply grateful to every scholar, parent, staff member, volunteer, and facilitator who continues to journey with us. Your generosity of time, your willingness to learn, and your commitment to accompany others make our mission possible. Together, we continue building communities where dignity is honored, hope is restored, and leadership is shared. You can be part of this mission. Your generosity helps provide formation opportunities, leadership development, and holistic support for scholars and their families, empowering them to become compassionate leaders within their own communities. Together, let us continue creating spaces where every person is heard, every family is strengthened, and every act of service becomes a source of lasting hope. #PJPS #AMDG #ScholarshipProgram #LeadershipFormation #YouthLeadership