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, which translates to “Support me to grow up responsibly,” according to Project Founder, Mr. Clovis Cajetan, 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 has witnessed a decline in educational performance and responsible youth behavior over recent years, which, in many ways, has affected the realization of the full potential of the community and its young people.

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.

“In recent times, 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 behaviors 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.

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 success of the project hinges on strong community support, as he indicated that initial engagements with local stakeholders, including Assembly Members and the District Education Director, have been positive.

Through the engagements, he noted that the project secured access to the Kaleo Resource Center and the GIFC Center, courtesy of 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 participants from the community and junior high schools.

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 alumni and experts, such as doctors, educators, and community leaders, who shared their experiences and insights with the students.

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 paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future, aiming to create a ripple effect of positive change, nurturing dreams, and empowering youth for a better tomorrow.

He invited everyone to be part of this transformative journey, whether through volunteering, financial contributions, or in-kind support, to help make a substantial difference in the lives of the young people, break the cycle of poverty, and create a self-reliant and empowered community.