The DBS faculty and staff attended a talk on human rights last August 20, 2025, as well as the Grades 10 to 12 students of Don Bosco School Manila on the same topic last August 28, 2025, delivered by Sr. Sarah B. Garcia, FMA. Sr. Sarah is the Director and Main Representative of the Istituto Internazionale Maria Ausiliatrice (IIMA) Human Rights Office to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Guided by her background in advocacy and international work, she reminded the youth of their important role in fostering justice, peace, and respect for human dignity. The session encouraged students to reflect on their identity as young people and reminded them that they are not simply leaders of tomorrow but active participants in shaping today’s society.

In her discussion, Sr. Sarah highlighted the importance of becoming informed and convinced of one’s role in defending human rights, building meaningful connections with others, and working actively for justice. She emphasized youth empowerment, pointing out that the present generation must strive to be agents of social transformation. Students were also tasked to share insights on the strengths and weaknesses of today’s youth. They identified traits such as sensitivity and lack of voice as weaknesses, while openness and technological competence emerged as strengths. Students also pointed out challenges such as lack of education, poverty, and self-control, while recognizing opportunities like utilizing media platforms to make their voices heard. Sr. Sarah urged Bosconians to respect themselves, fulfill their potential, and elevate their capacity to create change in the world.

The ability of a child to make a change should not be underestimated because of age. They say that when you are young, you know nothing, but in reality being a part of the youth of today is such a privilege, a power, and a responsibility. A privilege because the young have such power to create change and shape the future. But, like Spiderman once said “With great power comes great responsibility.” Today’s youth have a responsibility to use the power and abilities they have in the right way. Just as Jessica Soho said during GYS 2025 that she admires today’s youth because they are good at using their voices to draw attention to things that need attention. The corruption of those in the government gets highlighted, the problems experienced by Filipinos are exposed to be solved, and most of all, injustices are called out because the youth are aware that what is happening around them is wrong and unfair.

Listening and participating in the talk given by Sr. Sarah is a great opportunity for the grades 10-12 Bosconians. For some, it might be an eye opener and a stepping stone to finally take action to defend human rights. Like discussed, the Bosconians present were fully aware of strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and opportunities that they have as young people in the context of being empowered youth. This alone is the starting point for something bigger, because being aware precedes change. Young people are not just the future of our society, but they are the present. Sr. Sarah ended with two impactful reminders for the young Bosconians: “Enable yourself,” and “Fulfill your potential.” As the talk ended, each Bosconian made a silent promise to themselves that they will be an agent of change, a defender of human rights for all.