Teen shares what responsibility means

Edson’s learning on being a responsible teenager, something that he got from a World Vision child leadership training, was put in good use this pandemic.

“I comply with what our officials say about wearing face masks and face shield, and constant handwashing to avoid getting COVID-19,” Edson,12, says.

Prior to pandemic, Edson attended several World Vision trainings that enhanced youth skills and creativity, and taught them their rights as children and responsibility as well. “I’ve attended a training on peacebuilding that taught me self-confidence, especially when I was tasked to lead a prayer. I also learned the meaning of being a leader and being responsible,” he shares.

When COVID-19 pandemic devastated different countries, putting several communities in restricted movement, Edson is one of the many teenagers who were not allowed to go out and must stay home most of the times.

His school was also cut short and his study was continued at home. He’s using the workbooks that his Aunt Marlene, 41, and Uncle Edmar, 36, get from his school since he is not allowed to go far from his house.

“In our village, youth and children are still prohibited to go out of the house unless there’s an emergency. One cannot go out without a face mask and face shield especially when you go to the market or church. These safety protocols are constant reminders from our village officials,” Edson shares.

Around this time, Edson received a storybook from World Vision. The story revolves around a fictional character named Super Mikmik and her reminders to children about COVID-19.

“I learned a lot from this book such as the different super heroes this pandemic like the doctors and police officers who have been helping a lot of people,” Edson says.

He continues, “Aside from these real super heroes, I think the book wants to tell us to be responsible and abide to the protocols set by the government.”

Edson sees a lot of people being responsible in what they do. “I saw a lot of adults following the health protocols like when there’s a village meeting, the people do social distancing, wear face masks and face shields.”

Though he missed school, Edson enjoys studying at home. “I enjoy studying from home because I have cousins whom I can ask questions about my subjects. It’s also safe to stay home,” he says.

Story by Judith Baasa | Photo by Eunice Valmoria