RC Makati continued its commitment to fostering mental well-being among youth by hosting the SuPEER Heroes training program at the Sisters of Mary Girlstown in Brgy. Biga II, Silang, Cavite. In collaboration with the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, this initiative was held on July 20, 21, 27, and 28, engaging 81 10th-grade students. The program aims to equip students with essential life skills to support their peers experiencing emotional distress. Split into Basic and Intermediate training, the modules covered a wide range of topics, including Self-Awareness, Goal-Setting, Self-Care, Love Languages, Emotional Resilience, Communication Skills, Gratitude, Mindfulness, Basic Helping Skills, and Mental Health First Aid.
The program’s launch featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between RC Makati and the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation, accompanied by a P485K donation to NGFI. This ceremony was made memorable with a heartfelt birthday celebration for Pres. Keith Harrison by the 2,700 students clapping 65 times to celebrate his age that day. The event was attended by prominent RC Makati members, including Pres. Keith Harrison, PE Eddie Galvez, PP JunJun and Cecille Dayrit, Dir. Chris Ferareza, and rotarians Ronnie Siasoyco and CB Rivilla.
The Basic level training began by emphasizing the importance of mental health and self-care. On the first day, topics such as Self-Awareness, Goal-Setting, and Self-Care were introduced. The second day delved into understanding Love Languages, fostering meaningful relationships, and building emotional resilience. Students learned to embrace their imperfections and validate their feelings and those of others.
The Intermediate level training, conducted the following weekend, focused on enhancing interpersonal relationships. It covered Basic Communication and Listening Skills, the value of Gratitude, and Mindfulness practices. Participants engaged in various mindfulness therapies to manage stress effectively. The training concluded with lessons on Basic Helping Skills and Mental Health First Aid, where students were taught empathy, respect, trustworthiness, and maintaining a non-judgmental perspective. They were equipped with tools like “Egan’s Skilled Helper Method” to help peers navigate personal challenges collaboratively.
The training concluded on July 28 with a graduation ceremony. It was attended again by Pres. Keith, together with IPP Bing Matoto and Nick Matoto, PP Charlie and Chinit Rufino, featuring performances by the Sisters of Mary Girlstown’s Handbells ensemble and a dynamic dance by all students. The event also showcased a SuPEER Heroes poster-making competition, celebrating the creativity and dedication of the participants. The judges, Jean Goulbourn and IPP Bing, were faced with a difficiult decision as all 10 of the groups demonstrated beautiful artwork eloquently explained by their respective group leaders to share the story behind the art linking it to matters learned over the 4 day course. The awards were given to the top 3 (winners were Team 8). Then IPP Bing was himself honored with a birthday song, lively tune of “Celebrate Good Times”, a cake plus 77 brithday claps from all 2,700 girls. His thank you was even more loudly and excitedly received by the girls in the school – ice cream for everyone!!
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