“Ate, Can We Do This Again?” The Simple Question from 17 Young People That Stayed in My Heart

hi its me again ..today i justg want to share my story..

One time, while I was reading some news on Facebook and watching videos on YouTube, I came across a very sad story about young people. I don’t want to mention the exact details, but it really touched my heart. I started thinking about the youth in our community. I asked myself, “What if some of them are also experiencing the same things? What if they have problems but they don’t have someone to talk to?”

Because of that, I became more interested and I started researching about the situation of young people. The more I learned, the more I felt concerned. I realized that sometimes, young people look happy outside, but inside, they are already carrying many problems. Some of them are having difficulties in their family, some are struggling emotionally, and some just need somebody who will listen to them.

So, I decided to organize a simple one-day activity for the youth in our community.
I only had a short time to prepare, so I planned the activities one day before the event. I thought about what activities we could do that would not only make them happy but would also give them an opportunity to express themselves. I contacted some young people, invited them, and told them about the activity. We also scheduled the time and prepared the things that we needed.

When the day finally came, I was very happy because around 16 to 17 young people attended. At first, some of them were a little quiet and shy. You could see that they were not yet comfortable talking to everyone. But as we started the activities, slowly, they became more active.

We played some games, talked together, and did activities where they could share their thoughts and feelings. There was a moment when I looked at them while they were talking and laughing, and I felt something in my heart. I was thinking, “Maybe this simple activity means more to them than I expected.”

Some of them started sharing their experiences and the things that were bothering them. I could see from their faces that some of the stories were not easy to tell. They were carrying burdens that they usually keep to themselves. I did not want to judge them. I just wanted to listen.

After some activities, we had our meal together. We ate, talked, laughed, and enjoyed the moment. It felt like we were not just having an organized program. It felt more like a small family gathering where everyone could feel accepted.

Some of the youth came to me and said, “Ate, can we do this again?” They were asking when we could have another activity like that. Hearing those words made me happy, but at the same time, I felt emotional.

Some of these young people came from difficult family situations. Some of them belong to broken or struggling families, and I felt sorry because I knew that they also needed guidance, encouragement, and someone who would care for them.

I wished I could always stay there and help them, but I also knew that I could not be with them all the time. I am not always available to guide them whenever they have problems. But that one day taught me something very important.

Sometimes, helping young people does not need to be something big. Sometimes, we just need to give them our time. We need to listen without judging, make them feel that they are important, and remind them that they are not alone.

That day was only one day, but for me, it became a very meaningful experience. Seeing their smiles, hearing their stories, and watching them enjoy the activities made me realize that even a small effort can bring happiness and hope to someone.

And honestly, if they ask me again, “Ate, can we do this again?” I would really love to say yes.

thanks for reading my story..

the photos are mine edit by canva

until next time see you.