The 4th Pathways Youth Conference: A Story of Hope and Success
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in the category Behind the Scenes
The fourth Pathways Youth Conference last April 19-21 went smoothly as planned, starting with a bang and closing with an even louder one.
Seventy-seven participants from Pathways’ Youth Groups all over the country attended the three-day conference along with their respective moderators. Delegates started pouring in as early as 10 am on April 18, some of whom were first time visitors to Metro Manila. While waiting to be checked in to their assigned lodging houses, some participants took time to appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Ateneo de Manila campus.
The guests were greeted and attended by Pathways – Manila participants who, for the PYC, volunteered to take on logistical roles for three days. The student volunteers also handled the delegates registration and also helped in the various activities during the entire conference. The participants were welcomed by Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ, President of the Ateneo de Manila University.
The first day kicked off with Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt and the Eggstacle Race. Despite the sweltering heat of the sun, the participants gamely searched the Cervini garden for easter eggs, and even raced their hearts out for the Eggstacle Race. The following day proved more restful, however, as the delegates attended workshops and lectures on how they can improve their organizations and implement projects more efficiently. A separate moderators’ caucus were also held to further help them identify their roles and tasks as coordinators of the Pathways Youth Groups with the National Pathways Office and the school where their organization is based. As the day closed, they were treated to Pathways’ Anniversary Celebration at the Henry Lee Irwin Theatre, where Pathways – Manila students got to show off their thespic skills in a special presentation with the help of long-time Pathways friend Dr. Ricky Abad and Tanghalang Ateneo.
The third and last day started early with the educathon, where the conference delegates along with high school and college students from Metro Manila staged a walkathon from the Marikina Riverbanks to the Marikina Sports Complex. They were welcomed at the Sports Complex by celebrities Karylle, Dingdong Dantes, TJ Manotoc, the Philippine Allstars, and Starstruck survivors Vivo Ouano, Johan Santos, and Jeric Rizalado. The event was covered by Gameplan (Studio 23), RPN 9, and Manila Bulletin. A concurrent NGO and volunteers’ fair was also held at the same venue attended by some 12 cause-oriented groups. After getting some rest, the delegates were ushered to a farewell dinner and awards night, where outstanding achievements of the different youth group members and moderators were recognized.
