TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Students at Kalinga National High School (KNHS) now have a safe haven to gather and discuss their problems with their peer counselors.
On Tuesday, another school-based teen center in the city, after one at Tabuk National High School last year, opened at KNHS, “serving as a hub for youth activities with the aim of promoting overall adolescent health and youth development.”
“This center will function as a safe space to support and provide opportunities for the youth, to educate at-risk teens and help them meet their health needs, and to discuss issues like mental health and teenage pregnancy,” City Population Development Officer Jonalyn Kiser said.
The center, a renovated classroom on the second floor, is equipped with musical instruments, games, implements for practicing arts and drawings, and information and education campaign materials. The school guidance counselor will also be present at the center to provide counseling and guidance to students.
Kiser acknowledged the city officials who supported the program and all the agencies, departments, and offices that have worked hand in hand to realize this project.
She also thanked KNHS Principal Mildred Cabay for her support in this project and vowed that their office will continue to provide capability-building and education campaigns to the school’s students, teachers, and counselors.
KNHS also expressed their commitment to addressing “not only the academic but also the psychological and social needs of their students at this time when they are in a very crucial stage of development.”
“KNHS recognizes that a holistic approach to education is vital in attaining the goal of producing well-rounded students,” the school’s guidance counselor said.
Meanwhile, the city government of Tabuk, through the Population Development Office, and KNHS signed a memorandum of agreement to ensure the maintenance, support, and management of the teen center.
Students, teachers, and stakeholders alike also signed a pledge of commitment and support for strengthening the Adolescent’s Health and Development Program for teens “to become more productive and responsible individuals for themselves.” By Rod Asurin