00:00The message was clear. Past mistakes and rejection do not have to define your future.
00:05Welfare officer Janice Sebastian Rees encouraged the young people to recognize the greatness within themselves
00:11and remain focused on their goals regardless of the challenges they face.
00:16She was speaking at the Special Psychosocial Intervention and Educational Engagement Initiative,
00:21a multi-sectoral program led by the Policy and Community Support Office at the Youth Transformation and Rehabilitation Center.
00:30Believe in yourself and your God-given potential.
00:35Many times we may not recognize our value. Many times we may forget our worth.
00:43But we are here just to remind you, it doesn't matter what happened before.
00:50It doesn't matter. What matters is what you do next.
00:55You can decide that, you know what, this happened, the world don't care, the world don't understand.
01:04And you might want to ask yourself, what's she even talking about? She don't even know me.
01:09She don't know my story. And you might be right.
01:12But I don't need to know the whole story to see the greatness in you.
01:17Corporal Derek Shabody also shared his personal journey, highlighting how determination and the support of others helped him overcome adversity.
01:25He encouraged the young people to get back up when life knocks them down.
01:29I grew up on Nelson Street. It's known as a concrete jungle.
01:36And today I stand here as a resilient adult.
01:41I am grateful for the people who have centered and allowed me to grow, blossom and become what I am
01:51today.
01:51I have listened carefully, I have paid attention, even when I fall at those my knees and get up and
02:00go again.
02:01That is a resilient youth.
02:03The speakers urged the young people to believe in themselves, protect their self-worth and take responsibility for building a
02:10positive future.
02:12Charlotte Kisto, TV6 News.
Comments