12/08/2026
POWERED BY HOPE, DRIVEN BY PURPOSE: JESSA'S JOURNEY FROM CARE TO COURAGE AS A YOUTH LEADER
For Jessa, SOS Children's Villages has never been just a place to stay. It has been a home, a community, and a foundation that helped shape the young leader she is today. At 19, Jessa pursues Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL) and serves as the Youth Council Representative of SOS Children's Village Tacloban. She carries with her a deep commitment to inspire and uplift fellow young people as she prepares for independent living.
Like many young people navigating the transition to adulthood, Jessa's journey has been marked by challenges that tested her resilience and determination. In the Village, she learned to manage her own budget, take responsibility for daily decisions, and navigate life with greater independence. These experiences taught her valuable lessons about discipline, accountability, and resilience.
What makes Jessa's story remarkable is not that leadership was always part of her plan. In fact, it wasn't.
"Honestly, I never saw myself as a leader. But caring for my fellow youth and wanting to inspire them gave me the courage to step up and become a voice for our community."
Stepping into youth leadership opened doors to new opportunities and personal growth. One of Jessa's most memorable experiences was attending the SOS Children's Villages Pilipinas Youth Leadership Conference 2026, made possible through the support of DHL and Siegwerk. There, she gained valuable insights, strengthened her leadership skills, and broadened her perspective alongside fellow young people from SOS Children's Villages across the Philippines. More than just a learning opportunity, the conference boosted her confidence and reinforced her belief that empowered youth can lead positive change and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Jessa also witnessed firsthand the power of young people supporting one another. Despite the challenges of organizing activities with limited guidance and navigating different perspectives and personalities, the Youth Council remained united in its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for the children and fellow young people. Through teamwork, resilience, and mutual encouragement, they showed that when young people come together with a shared purpose, they can overcome obstacles and create lasting impact.
As she prepares for life beyond the Village, Jessa continues to draw strength from the values and support she has received from her SOS Children's Villages. Living independently has not always been easy, particularly learning to navigate real-world responsibilities on her own. Yet each challenge has become an opportunity to grow stronger and more confident.
Today, her vision extends far beyond the present.
"I dream of becoming a lawyer and advocating for others. I understand that achieving this goal requires a strong commitment to my studies. I must be dedicated. I must persevere."
This International Youth Day, Jessa's story reminds us that every young person has the potential to thrive when nurtured by a caring and supportive community. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, sponsors, and partners, young people like Jessa are empowered with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to navigate adulthood, pursue their aspirations, and become positive forces for change.
Because the right support can turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.
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Interested in supporting young people on their journey toward independence? Partner with us through volunteering, employee engagement, or corporate social responsibility initiatives. Contact us at [email protected].
DSWD Solicitation Permit No. DSWD-SB-PSP-S-2025-00018, valid until September 10, 2026, nationwide.
