Young leaders from across Albay are stepping into new roles as peer educators under Project CLAP. From April 4 to 6, thirty-one members of Barangay Children’s Organizations (BCOs), aged 15 to 17, joined a Training of Trainers session to prepare for their next task: guiding their fellow children and youth through the CLAP curriculum. 

The training focused on building the capacity of YES Teachers, or Young Empowered Small Teachers—adolescent learners trained to lead sessions for other children and youth in their communities. Over three days, these YES Teachers studied the curriculum’s five modules, practiced facilitating learning activities, and took part in demo teaching sessions. They also explored how to guide their peers in completing tasks, leading discussions, and connecting the topics to real experiences in their daily lives. 

Project CLAP, funded by Educo and implemented by ChildFund Philippines, promotes child participation, leadership, and protection through structured, community-based learning. The Training of Trainers plays a vital role in making sure YES Teachers are not only familiar with the curriculum, but are also confident and capable of delivering it with care and clarity. 

This training followed an earlier mentoring session with ChildFund staff and partners from FACE, also one of ChildFund’s local partners, and the Bicol Center for Community Development (BCCD). This shared preparation ensures that both youth leaders and adult facilitators are aligned in their goals and ready to work together in bringing the curriculum to life in their barangays. 

By preparing YES Teachers to take the lead, we are investing in more than just peer education. We are building a culture of support and leadership among children and youth, where learners are also teachers and every session becomes a space to listen, reflect, and grow.