Young Hands: Breaking Taboos, Protecting Children

In the Philippines, young people have been empowered to break long-held taboos around sexual health and children’s rights. By forming the youth-led group Young Hands, these students now deliver peer-to-peer education and advise local government on child protection.

In Borongan City, conversations about sexuality, children’s rights and the sexual exploitation of children were once largely absent from young people’s lives, both at school and at home. Such conversations were considered taboo, or seen as topics that only adults could understand.

This began to change in 2023, when the Down to Zero: Step Up the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation of Children (DtZ: SUFASEC)project, implemented by Terre des Hommes Netherlands and the Center for Empowerment and Development in Eastern Visayas, was launched in Borongan City. Through the project, young people like Aira, Kat, Krista, and Luke were invited to attend trainings and seminars that discussed sexual and reproductive health and rights and child protection.

What started as a series of trainings soon inspired and empowered these young advocates to form Young Hands, short for Youth- and Child-led Organization United in Nurturing Generations. Together, they took on roles as advocates, youth leaders, and peer facilitators in their community.

Challenging harmful beliefs

Prior to joining the project’s activities, these young people admitted that they had little awareness of their rights as children. Conversations about sensitive issues were often avoided both at home and in school.

Kat, who is studying in a religious school, shared: “In our school, even guidance counselors avoided topics about sexual and reproductive health and rights. It was treated as something off-limits. The DtZ: SUFASEC project’s workshops taught me that talking about it is part of protecting ourselves.”

Aira reflected: “In our community, people think that talking about sexual and reproductive health and rights will only make children curious about sex. But the truth is, it makes us safer. Knowledge helps us make better decisions.”

Luke added another layer, pointing out how misconceptions surrounding male puberty extended beyond sexuality. He said: “Some people believe that circumcision makes boys grow taller. In reality, it’s just because puberty starts at that age. Height has nothing to do with circumcision, it’s only coincidental.”

By creating a safe space to question misconceptions, the project provided children not only with accurate information but also with the confidence to challenge long-held beliefs.

When learning turns to purpose

As the trainings and sessions under the DtZ: SUFASEC project progressed, each of them began to discover their own passion.

For Aira, it was a moment of awakening. She learned how to challenge stereotypes, and more importantly, by participating in the project’s trainings, she gained skills to handle sensitive cases with dignity and compassion.

Krista, on the other hand, described her experience as a kind of culture shock. Coming from a school and family environment where such topics were cloaked in silence, the openness of the discussions felt both overwhelming and liberating. Kat initially joined out of her competitive spirit, thinking it was just another activity to excel in. But as the sessions unfolded, she realised the depth and importance of the issues. Her motivation shifted, moving from competition to conviction.

Together, these experiences became more than lessons. The project provided them with tools, confidence, and a safe space to grow. From a circle of ordinary students emerged a new generation of advocates — and with their sense of purpose came the courage to act.

Young Hands in action

Armed with passion, newfound confidence, and the skills gained from the project’s activities, the group began conducting youth-led awareness raising campaigns in schools across Borongan City. Their interactive rollouts featured colourful booths, rotating groups, and open discussions that helped students engage with even the most sensitive topics.

“We call ourselves peer facilitators because we are friends talking to friends,” Aira explained. “That way, they listen to us without feeling judged.”

For many students, these sessions were eye-opening. Some said it was the first time they truly understood not only these sensitive issues but, more importantly, their rights.

Growing beyond the project

Young Hands soon expanded their reach beyond the activities of the DtZ: SUFASEC project. They conducted research on children’s awareness of the local welfare code, and even facilitated child rights training for local youth council officials (Sangguniang Kabataan)*. They were invited as guest speakers at youth summits and children’s congresses. Their leadership was further recognised with a seat in the City Council for the Protection of Children.

For these young leaders, the journey has been transformative on a deeply personal level. One who once hid in shyness now speaks with the confidence of a leader. Another discovered not only a mission beyond school, but also a second family to belong to. One found strength in lifting others up, realising that true empowerment is shared. And another now carries these lessons so naturally that even everyday conversations with friends have become moments of change.

*The Sangguniang Kabataan is the youth council in every neighbourhood, first established under the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), and later amended by the Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 (Republic Act No. 10742), which provides enabling mechanisms for youth participation in governance. The Sangguniang Kabataan is composed of a chairperson and seven members who shall be elected by those with age of at least fifteen but not more than thirty years old who are residents of the same neighbourhood.

A call to allies

Today, Young Hands continues to grow, fueled by the belief that children and youth are not merely beneficiaries but active agents of change. Their message to allies is clear: listen to children, support their initiatives, and walk with them in their advocacy.

Their wish is simple yet powerful: more opportunities, a wider reach, and a future where children are safe, informed, and free to be children.