Children International Youth Reymart Selected as Official Philippines Representative to Attend ASEAN Children’s Forum

Kansas City, MO, May 29, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Children International youth Reymart, age 17, has been selected as the official Philippines representative to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Children’s Forum in Thailand on June 1-6, 2014. The ASEAN Children’s Forum serves as a platform for child participation in the ASEAN and addresses the rights of children and youth in the region.  

Earlier this year, the Council for the Welfare of Children organized the Pre-ASEAN Children’s Forum Conference in the Philippines with the theme “Child Friendly Philippines: A Caring and Protective Society for Children.” The purpose of the conference was to discuss emerging issues that affect children’s and youth’s rights and select delegates to attend the ASEAN Children’s Forum (ACF). Reymart was selected as one of three delegates to represent the Philippines at the ACF.

The ACF is a venue for children and youth to express their views on issues affecting their lives, cooperate and work together toward regional development, promote mutual respect for different cultures and build friendships and common understanding among young people, advocate children’s rights in the region, and enhance the capabilities of children as leaders and representatives of their generation.

Reymart believes that youth participation is important, especially when it comes to decision-making on matters that affect children and youth. “We hope that our government consults us if they make plans and projects for children and youth,” he said. “We can learn from them, but they can also learn how to address our needs if they ask us.”

Reymart has been actively involved in Children International’s youth programs and currently serves as his youth council’s president. Children International’s youth councils consist of elected representatives who promote their peers’ interests and implement community-improvement projects. Reymart has been involved in projects like “I Care I Teach,” which helps children in grades 1-4 improve their reading and comprehension skills, and “5 Little Instructions for the Youth,” which helps youth develop self-awareness and communication skills. Reymart believes that being involved in the youth council and other Children International youth programs has helped him improve his leadership skills and become a better person who wants to help his community. Additionally, it has taught him the importance of empowering children and youth, like himself, and encouraging them to participate.    

Before leaving for the conference, Reymart said, “It is important for youth to participate because it will help them learn and grow. Participation will make youth productive. Participation will also help youth realize that they need education to prepare them for a better future, and so that they can change for the better.”

Learn more about how Children International empowers youth through its youth programs.    

About Children International

Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.

For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.

Follow Children International on Facebook and Twitter.

 ###

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christy Howard
Corporate Communications
Children International
Direct:  (816) 943-3730
Email: choward@children.org

Brittany Gelbach
Public Relations
Children International
Direct: (816) 943-3832
Email: bgelbach@children.org