8 Things we’re thankful for this season

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2016 was a year of growth and was filled with countless stories of hope.

As we greet the holiday season, it’s only apt that we take a look back at the things that made our year worth remembering. Here are 8 things that WYA Asia Pacific is tremendously thankful for this holiday season…


WYAAP New Chapter

 

#08 New WYA Chapter

This December 2016, we officially opened a new WYA Chapter in the province of Laguna. Thanks to some dedicated and talented members, we are now present in Laguna, Philippines and we can’t wait to welcome more members to the WYA Family. The WYA Laguna Chapter, currently led by Certified Member, Lorie Ann Cruz, will begin their journey by touring the province to share the mission and vision of WYA to more youth.

Learn how you too can open a WYA Chapter, here.

 

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#7 More Dignity Defenders

This year we were able to launch the WYA Human Dignity Curriculum (HDC) to Filipino youth of Highway Hills Integrated School in Mandaluyong City, and Play, Learn and Serve in Quezon City. We educated more than 60 students from different walks of life. Our HDC graduates–who we fondly call our little Dignity Defenders–are now able to affirm their dignity and the dignity of others and are more knowledgeable about respecting others, remaining hopeful, and choosing what is true, good, and right. We will surely miss seeing them!

 

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#06 Enthusiastic Alumni

We couldn’t have achieved so much success this year without the constant support, and wisdom of our WYA alumni. They continue to inspire us to give a piece of ourselves to others. With their support we were able to launch projects and expand our reach, allowing us to slowly and humbly rebuild a world that affirms and protects the dignity of every human person.

Among our Alumni-led projects this year is this ongoing fundraising campaign started by WYA Alumna, Donna de Jesus. Support her campaign as she runs 42 km for WYA this 2017.

 

WYAAP Online

 

#05 Buzzing Online Community

Cyberspace would be a boring place without the WYA online community. Thank you to all our followers on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for engaging with us online through our posts and campaigns, for sharing our advocacy to your friends whenever you hit ‘share’ and for sending us enthusiastic messages on our social media accounts and emails. You continue to encourage us to make better content and to share positivity whenever we need it the most.

 

WYAAP Design

 

#04 Design that inspires

This year we explored the power of culture and good design in communicating our advocacy. With that we are thankful for organizations and individuals who continue to help us make sure that we not only communicate, but also inspire one another to be socially-aware and proactive individuals who yearn for and work toward person-centered solutions.

Earlier this season for instance, we launched our campaign for the environment. You can still join the campaign here.

 

WYAAP Share

 

#03 Opportunities to share joy

WYAAP will not be complete without opportunities to practice self-gift. We are beyond thankful for our partners and friends who gave us opportunities to share joy and to touch the lives of others. Through our Sulong Workshop, Human Dignity Curriculum (batch 1 and batch 2), Christmas Outreach Party, among many other events, we were able to share knowledge, laughter, gifts, and above all, our time, to the little people who need it most.

We’re also grateful to our donors and sponsors who made each encounter more memorable for our kids. You can leave us a message at asiapacific@wya.net to know how you can donate to any of these projects for 2017.

 

WYAAP Internship

 

#02 Super Interns

All our projects and programs would not be possible without the amazing work of our regional interns. This year we were lucky enough to welcome 22 hardworking, intelligent, and fun-loving interns from our three internship batches. Their presence lights up the office and helps us make great, impact-driven ideas happen. We know for sure that they will achieve great things (if they haven’t already).

 

WYAAP Family

 

#01 A Growing Family

And to top off the list—we are thankful for our growing WYA family. This 2016 we welcomed at least 4,000 new members (and counting). That’s 4,000 more brilliant minds, 4,000 hardworking bodies, and 4,000 genuine hearts. All of you keep our mission alive.

Obviously there are more to be thankful for, and we really couldn’t have had all of these without your help. May this list warm your holiday season and keep you hopeful and enthusiastic for the year to come. Happy holidays from your #WYAFamily!

 

Have anything to add to this list?

Let us know what you’re thankful for this 2016. Tell us about it at asiapacific@wya.net or visit www.wya.net to learn more about what we do.

 

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