For a very young age, Jenny, Patricia, and Jenny Rose have been bearing the true grit of serving the people. From being project beneficiaries to regular staff members of the Community and Family Services International (CFSI), these ladies in their early 20s have transformed for the better and are now living their found purpose in life.
Jenny Torzar
The young educator
I am the type of girl who usually shies away from people. I had difficulty speaking in front of many. But these things changed when I joined CFSI. Bit by bit, I gained confidence and courage to try new things. Today, I am known within my community as a mentor, an “ate” (older sister).
I have known CFSI for the longest time. During my childhood, the community workers of CFSI’s Park Avenue Initiative saw me on the streets playing with my friends and invited me to join their puppetry and theatre acting workshops. I became an active participant in their youth awareness sessions, and later on, became one of the trainers.
In June 2020, after graduating from college, I was applying as a schoolteacher in several schools. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to land in any position. Sadness and helplessness almost consumed me, as I really needed to be employed to help my family. Luckily, CFSI had vacancies for peer educators. I applied and got selected. This engagement helped me overcome my negative emotions and provided me with the opportunity to provide for my family. I always tell myself, “Baka siguro hindi pa nga ako kailangan ng school ngayon para magturo kaya hindi ako na-hire. Baka mas kailangan ako ngayon ng community to teach them about reproductive health and rights.” (“Maybe it’s not yet the time for me to teach in a formal education; that’s why I wasn’t hired. Maybe I’m needed more in the community to teach them about reproductive health and rights.”)
Being with CFSI brought me good things and opened a lot of opportunities for self-growth. My confidence built, my facilitating skills improved, and my network widened. I grew up with the people of CFSI, and it was a pleasure growing up with them.
Patricia Dizon
The active community leader
I am pretty much involved in my community and was exposed to various community activities even before joining CFSI. I was president of our
youth organization, was a Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) member, and was involved in the Youth Development Office of Pasay City. These activities paved the way for my consideration to be a barangay (village) coordinator in the city.
My passion for community service has led me to CFSI. I have been with the organization for seven years as a youth volunteer and now, as a regular peer educator of its Sexual and Reproductive Health Project. With my present work, I can impart my knowledge on sexual and reproductive health to my peers and help them face their problems.
CFSI was my foundation in creating a network and in establishing a strong and reliable relationship with child welfare organizations that I know will be beneficial for me in the future. It continues to be a big part of my life and career.
My personality is loud. And being loud contributes to being a voice for others. CFSI empowered me to use my voice proactively, and I want to return that favor by also empowering other youth to use theirs.
Jenny Rose Torzar
The budding community mobilizer
I was a simple student with a simple life. I grew up staying at home, taking care of my niece and nephew. I am also a loner and talking in front of many people scares me. It’s not that I don’t have anything in my mind, but I am just reluctant and shy to share my ideas with others.
My definition of “fun” was spending most of my time at home. This changed when I met the volunteers of CFSI who were educating the youth about sexual and reproductive health. At 15 years old, I got involved in the activities and met a lot of new people who eventually became my friends. Weekly sessions were something I looked forward to. Little did I know that my interaction with participants, volunteers, and the staff was a way of developing my social skills.
I was inspired by that experience with CFSI, and I eventually started volunteering at the organization. Being a volunteer was the springboard I needed. It honed my skills and improved the way I communicate with others. It made me come out of my comfort zone. There was a time that I was asked regarding teenage pregnancy and abortion. I was young and nervous, but through the guidance of my mentors in CFSI, I learned how to effectively listen to other people’s problems and give advice that is appropriate for them, especially taking into consideration their mental and physical health.
For five years and counting, I am still engaged in CFSI, and now as a youth community mobilizer. I cannot imagine myself not being part of the organization. This is not only because of what I have learned with CFSI but most importantly, I want to pay forward the opportunity given to me. I want to be a guide in rebuilding people’s lives.
Jenny, Patricia, and Jenny Rose are CFSI workers under the Sexual and Reproductive Health Project (SRHP), which aims to inform and empower young people in Pasay City to access sexual and reproductive health services. The three-year project is implemented in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union in the Philippines.