YES alum, Matias John Vicena Mercado from the Philippines, completed his recent Greenheart Impact Grant to support peer counseling and mental health efforts among the local high school students in his community. Check out his updates below!
On October 29, 2024, 60 participants from Brokenshire College Toril, Saint Peter’s College of Toril, JV Ferriols National High School, Dona Denia Carmen National High School, and San Miguel Integrated School, and 50 facilitators from Project Baka-One, Brokenshire College Psychology Society, and Collegiate Psychology Club of Davao gathered at the Brokenshire College Toril Covered Court for Project Kakampeer, a program based on Matias John Mercado’s award-winning paper, aimed to empower high school students to become peer counselors and mental health advocates, providing the needed resources, training, and knowledge to bridge the gaps in peer support and mental health awareness within the youth.
Kickstarting the event, an icebreaker was held where participants and facilitators intermingled through a game of human bingo. Project Lead and President Matias John Mercado delivered his welcoming remarks, touching on the project’s beginnings and outlining the program’s objectives. Ma’am Carla Gacus provided an opening message on finding one’s purpose, stating, “You do things through experience, not because you are told.”
Ms. Glydel Sevilla led the first session of activities with team-building games, encouraging active discussion and interaction among the students. A discussion about mental health in the Philippines was followed by another activity where students intermingled with peers from other schools.
CPCD’S President Reena Kyrene Nolasco spoke on pursuing psychology as a course in college, highlighting her own experiences as someone who graduated senior high school in a different strand. A wellness activity was held where participants were tasked with writing letters to their future selves, also addressing some of the uploaded to answer.
As the highlight of the event, Ma’am Leslie Fanugao led the second session of activities, starting with a talk on the stigmas surrounding guidance counseling, and also explaining the dos and don’ts of being a peer counselor.This information was put to use by the participants in the following Peer Counseling Simulation, where both individuals in a pair took 15-minute turns being the participants and volunteers.
Ending the event off, participants and facilitators alike raised their hands in vow of the KakamPeer Promise, vowing their commitment to becoming a guiding light to better mental health initiatives in their communities.
After the program, participants were invited to share notable quotes from the event. One participant reflected, “You’re not required to give someone advice; sometimes all they need is an ear to listen and affirmation. Reminding them that they’re not alone in the battles they face.” Another participant highlighted a quote from speaker Ms. Glydel Sevilla: “We are afraid to be judged because we do so ourselves,” showcasing the reflections and learnings that came with the program.
Throughout the event, participants consistently engaged in the prepared activities. The program’s success was evident in the active social media interactions, with participants utilizing hashtags and effectively launching the DP blast. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with only minimal recommendations for improvement, highlighting the event’s success in achieving its goal of effectively training and educating students on peer counseling.
As participants return to their respective communities, they are equipped with the skills and insights to lead further peer counseling advocacy efforts. This program not only meets immediate educational needs but also establishes a foundation for ongoing mental health awareness and support within the wider population. The long-term impacts of Project Kakampeer include diminishing the stigma associated with opening on mental health issues and encouraging more individuals to seek and provide assistance, fostering a healthier and more resilient student environment.
Check out Matias’ full project report here!
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