Engaging young minds towards peaceful community

Molded by the challenges and struggles of being raised in conflict-affected community, Samarudin Samsudin is now one of the most active youth leaders in Mamasapano, Maguindanao and a role model to the youths on his community. 

Samarudin started volunteering when he was Grade 7 when conflict startled their community after the Mamasapano clash between SAF and suspected BIFF. At that time, very few youths are active into volunteering services, as mostly are just focusing on either helping their parents earn income or in studying in hopes of better future in a community with full of uncertainties. This has something to do with the traditional belief of just letting the elders settle and decide for their community.  

Eager to help build peace and development to his community, Sam believes that “kung alam mong may magagawa ka at kaya mo rin naman, you have to take actions rather than just planning on it, you have to impart your time, and be part of the solution than becoming part of the problem”

To continue strengthening his advocacy, Sam joined the S’bang Ka Maguindanao as a community patroller. For him, being part of the program helps him amplify different voices of his community and for the duty bearers to hear. As he goes along, the program led him to dig deeper understanding about his community, the issues that are present and the inspiring stories that the listeners can reflect at. Some of the outputs Sam had share to the program includes the situation of the evacuees in Mamasapano after series of exchange of fires between armed groups and the Philippine military. “naging mas maalam ako, natutunan ko ang importansya ng pagiging Patroller ko. Hindi lang pagbibigay ng balita o kwento, kundi nagsisilbi ding tulay ng pagkakaunawaan.”

Sam is currently leading an organization, known as Child Peace Movement Council, where its primary advocacy is to promote child rights, child participation and protection. They go to the remote communities in Mamasapano and conduct family sessions to promote child rights. This organization is run by Sam together with his fellow youths from their Barangay. This is Sam’s way to help them enhance their community participation as youth members of their community. 

Despite the long and cyclical struggles in their community, Sam continues his advocacies as he is in hopes to have a healthy and happy family living in peaceful community.