By Sr Ashwena Apao SSC

The author is from Jimenez, Misamis Oriental, Archdiocese of Ozamiz. The town is named after a Recoleto friar and is one of the oldest parishes in Mindanao. For many years it was staffed by Columban priests. Sister Wennie, as she is known, has been in Myanmar (Burma) since 2003.

Have faith! With God nothing is impossible . . . These are the words that I hang on to when I start to dream and hope for something that is way beyond me. 8 May 2009 was a day of joy, a day of wonder, a day of celebration of a dream come true. On that day many youth from the different parishes came to celebrate the official opening of our new Diocesan Youth Centre in Myitkyina Diocese, Kachin State, Myanmar. Priests, Sisters and neighbors also joined us. Bishop Francis Daw Tang of Myitkyina blessed the Centre and we celebrated the Eucharist. Afterwards we were entertained by the youth who sang their own musical compositions before partaking in the traditional meal that followed.

We call our building the Centre for Learning Alternatives for Youth (CLAY). The purpose of this Centre is the advancement of the youth. We want to help and support them in their human development so that they will realize their gifts, deepen their self-worth and, in time, reach their full potential. We have taken the first steps to make this dream a reality.

Looking back, I asked myself how this dream started. When I was a novice in the Philippines, I visited a campus where I met young students who were warmly welcomed, accommodated and facilitated in their educational, emotional and spiritual needs. I was very impressed by the effective program. I kept that experience in my heart as I continued my missionary journey.

In September 2003 I arrived in Myitkyina, Kachin. It is located at the extreme north of Myanmar with an approximate land area of 78.000sq/kms. (Editor’s note: Mindanao has a land area of 102,423 sq/kms.) It shares borders with China to the east, Tibet to the north, and India to the northwest. Most of it lies on the west bank of the great Irrawaddy River. The country is rich in natural resources but only a few people benefit. People live in small villages scattered through the vast area.

My heart was drawn to the young people when I heard the stories of their lives. Many are deprived of education because from a young age they have to work to help support their families. Some go to mining and logging areas; some go to cities or big towns to work in factories and restaurants; some go overseas. The youth carry the burden of their family problems resulting in psychological instability leading to alienation, drug addiction, alcoholism, and prostitution. Many of these young people come back to their homes with contagious and serious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB, hepatitis, dengue fever and malaria. The mortality rate for that age group is very high.

I began to visit the young people in the parish, slowly getting to know them. I tried to join them in all their activities, to understand better where they come from, what their interests were. Despite my limitations as a foreigner – I was still getting to know the language and culture - I was able to organize youth camps, basic human development courses, leadership training and awareness courses. My dream was ignited again, a dream to help young people and provide them a space where they could feel free to express their own dreams and hopes. My hope was to train and develop them to become animators and leaders of the youth in their respective areas.

It was a slow process but I continued to journey with them. Gradually I introduced them to different ways of approaching and dealing with issues. Their willingness to learn encouraged me. Now, a few years later, we can see a big development. Many of the young people work with me, organizing and conducting activities and programs for their peers. They are able to give seminars and lead debates on various topics. One participant shared, ‘I am happy to know myself more, although it is confusing and painful’. Another, ‘It’s good to know where I come from and where I would go. I now have a sense of direction in my life’. With new awareness another young man said, ‘If I did not attend the youth programs maybe my life would just be drinking and drugs’. Many others admitted, ‘We gained self-confidence and it’s good to be aware of many things’. I was overwhelmed and energized by their sharing. I was more determined to look for a place for them.

People committed themselves to help us realize our dream. Generous people sent in donations and promised to help. I would like to thank all of you who support and help me to make this project successful. We are blessed by you. In particular I am grateful to Misean Cara, Ireland, for their generous help.

I recall a day the youth and myself were having a meeting in a rented small bamboo room, dreaming together of having our meeting in a large youth center. Now, thanks in no small part to your help and prayer, that dream has come true. Our two-storey building can accommodate around 150 youth. We still need to develop our grounds and outdoor sports facilities. We are also developing our programs and training courses. Our dream has not ended, but now that it is taking shape we will nourish and care for it as we face the uncertainties and big challenges here in this country. So may I ask your continued support and prayers.

I would like to end with the words of Pope John Paul II during the World Youth Day in the Philippines 1995: ‘My dear young people, be an agent of love. Be a communicator of peace.’ These words sustain me in my religious journey especially working with the youth. May they inspire you too. Thank you very much.

Sr Ashwena Apao, a Columban Sister from the Philippines, has been in Burma for six years.

CathNews Philippines published this story on 5 April: Myanmar children join summer catechism camp. The Archdiocese of Yangon has only about 82,000 Catholics, 0.5 percent of a population of 15,000,00 in the area it covers. The Diocese of Myitkyina, where Sister Wennie works, has nearly the same number of Catholics in a population just over one tenth that of Yangon, or 4.7 percent of the population. (Source: www.catholic-hierarchy.org).