Advisers

Irene D. Gaviola, MSCJ

Discipline

Criminology

Abstract

Youth engagement programs involve young people in community initiatives to promote social responsibility, develop skills, and help prevent delinquency. This study examined the respondents’ demographic profile age, sex, education, and length of residency or service and assessed the impact of these programs on positive social change in reducing children at risk, particularly in terms of skill development, personal growth, and empowerment. A quantitative descriptive design was employed using purposive sampling technique, with fifty respondents participating, including ten (10) Sangguniang Kabataan Officials, ten (10) Youth, and Thirty (30) Community members or residents. Data were gathered, tallied, and analyzed through a structured questionnaire using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal–Wallis H test to determine significant differences in the assessments among the three groups of respondents. Most respondents were aged 18–33, female, with high school or college education and 10 or more years of residency or service. Youth engagement programs were rated as having High Impact with an overall mean of 3.33. Inclusion of youth perspectives was rated highest, while confidence-building was rated lowest. The Kruskal–Wallis H test showed no significant difference among groups with p value of 0.082, therefore the null hypothesis was not rejected. Key challenges included limited critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills, and respondents recommended strengthening problem-solving and values-based activities. The study recommends strengthening the Integrated Youth Engagement Program through active youth participation and continued collaboration among stakeholders. Emphasis should be placed on enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills to improve program effectiveness. Future studies may further examine the long-term impact of youth engagement initiatives.

Keywords

Youth, Positive Social Change, Child at Risk