At just 14 years old, Kleirns from Cagayan de Oro City is far from your typical teenager. While he enjoys spending time with family and playing outside like any other young person, his role in his community is what truly sets him apart. Kleirns has embraced a leadership position that is not only guiding his peers but also making a lasting impact on youth in his city.
Kleirns is an active participant and facilitator at a teen center, a safe space created by ChildFund Philippines in partnership with KKKK – Xavier Science Foundation. These centers provide young people with the support, guidance, and education they need to tackle the challenges they face, including issues like mental health, adolescent well-being, and children’s rights. As a peer educator, Kleirns has become a voice for his peers, helping them navigate family struggles, insecurities, and health concerns, all while raising awareness about critical issues like teenage pregnancy and mental health.
“At the teen center, we don’t just talk about problems, we find ways to solve them together. It’s a space where every young person feels safe, heard, and supported,” says Kleirns.
His journey to becoming a youth leader has not always been easy. Kleirns was once a shy and reserved teenager, hesitant to speak up or take charge. However, through his involvement with the teen center, he gained the confidence to stand up for others. He quickly recognized the importance of giving youth a platform to voice their struggles, concerns, and ideas. His advocacy is driven by a deep passion for helping children who face abuse, neglect, and challenges at home. Kleirns believes that every child has the right to be heard and protected, and he works tirelessly to ensure that other young people understand and exercise their rights.
Beyond his work as a peer educator, Kleirns is committed to strengthening the relationships between young people and their parents. He knows firsthand how critical it is to have open and honest conversations about adolescent health. Through training sessions and community activities at the teen center, Kleirns helps foster a dialogue that breaks down taboos and encourages mutual understanding between parents and their children.
ChildFund Philippines is dedicated to improving adolescent health by equipping young people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. The teen centers play a key role in this mission, providing not only education but also mental health support and counseling. They also offer e-learning modules that allow adolescents to explore important topics at their own pace. These resources, along with ChildFund’s collaborations with local communities, schools, and government agencies, help create a more responsive and sustainable healthcare system for young people.
Looking ahead, Kleirns hopes to see more programs focused on addressing vices among teenagers. He recognizes the lasting impact that harmful habits can have on a young person’s future, and believes that youth should be active participants in discussions about their health and well-being. He also emphasizes the critical role of parents in providing the love and understanding that children need to make positive choices.
