In the heart of Kaleo, a once-thriving community known for its excellence in education and sports, the Sung Kang Baasung Project is breathing new life into the dreams and aspirations of its children and youth.
Sung Kang Baasung translates to “Support me to grow up responsibly,” according to Project Founder Mr. Clovis Cajetan, who aims to transform the lives of children and youth in Kaleo and its surrounding communities.
He said the community-driven initiative is dedicated to empowering young people through education, skill-building, technology, and community engagement, aiming to foster sustainable development and positive change.
Addressing Declines in Excellence
Mr Cajetan recounted that Kaleo had witnessed a distressing decline in educational performance and responsible youth behaviour over recent years. This decline, in many ways, affected the realization of the full potential of the community and its young people, highlighting the urgent need for the Sung Kang Baasung Project.
He cited that the best Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) grade at St. Dominic Junior High School in Kaleo plummeted from a single-digit figure to a mere 34 in 2022, and other schools face similar challenges.
“Recently, we have witnessed a heartbreaking decline in these areas of excellence. The once-celebrated halls of education now echo with a lamentable decrease in academic performance, with the best BECE grade at St. Dominic plummeting to a mere 34 as of 2022, and the other Junior High schools are not an exception,” he indicated.
He added that irresponsible behaviours among the youth, coupled with inadequate educational resources and opportunities, have further exacerbated the situation.
Objectives and Key Activities
The Sung Kang Baasung Project aims to holistically develop the young people of Kaleo and its surrounding communities by providing essential skills and knowledge with a focus on education, technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, culture, and talent discovery and development.
By this, Mr Cajetan said the project offers supplementary classes and academic support to improve learning outcomes, provides access to technology and digital literacy skills vital for success in the modern world, and cultivates entrepreneurial mindsets and skills essential for economic independence.
He added that it equips youth with agricultural knowledge for sustainable livelihoods and food security, promotes and preserves cultural heritage through cultural education, and unearths and nurtures young local talents in various fields.
Community Engagement and Support
Mr. Cajetan stated that the project’s success is not just dependent on strong community support, but it is integral. He indicated that initial engagements with local stakeholders, including Assembly Members and the District Education Director, have been positive, and the community’s continued support is crucial.
Through the engagements, he noted that the project secured access to the Kaleo Resource Center and the GIFC Center, courtesy of Hon. Fusca Ninkpieng, an Assembly Member, to serve as venues for its activities.
Impactful Programs and Panel Discussions
The Sung Kang Baasung Project has already made significant strides. Sensitization programs and needs assessment sessions have been conducted, involving community and junior high school participants.
Recognizing the importance of parental support, the project organized a successful engagement with parents and guardians featuring esteemed speakers who shared valuable insights on education, child upbringing, and preventing drug abuse and teenage pregnancy.
These events featured enlightening panel discussions with esteemed alums and experts, such as doctors, educators, and community leaders, who shared their experiences and insights with the students.
Conclusion
The Sung Kang Baasung Project is more than an initiative; it is a beacon of hope for the youth of Kaleo and its surrounding communities.
Mr. Cajetan intimated that by providing holistic development opportunities, the project is not just paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future, but it is actively creating it. It aims to create a ripple effect of positive change, nurture dreams, and empower youth for a better tomorrow, instilling hope and optimism in the community.
He invited everyone to participate in this transformative journey, whether through volunteering, financial contributions, or in-kind support, to help make a substantial difference in the lives of young people, break the cycle of poverty, and create a self-reliant and empowered community.
