The Adventist Church in Southeastern Asia (SEUM) recently hosted its inaugural Youth Alive (YA) program at the Center of Influence (COI) in Battambang, Cambodia, drawing over 100 young leaders from four countries. This landmark event, running from July 25–27, 2024, brought together delegates from various missions and attached regions, marking a significant milestone in SEUM's commitment to nurturing youth resilience and leadership.

Youth Alive is designed to empower teens and young adults by fostering healthy choices and deeper self-awareness. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in transformative activities that highlighted their gifts and purpose while building robust connections with their faith.

The importance of the Youth Alive program becomes even more apparent when considering the significant challenges faced by young people in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. In these countries, youth make up a substantial portion of the population, with over 50% of people under the age of 30. However, this demographic faces a multitude of challenges.

In Cambodia, nearly 65% of the population is under 30, with many young people struggling with unemployment and limited access to quality education. In Vietnam, 50% of the population is under 25, with a significant number of youth encountering issues related to substance abuse and mental health, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and social changes. In Lao People's Democratic Republic, out of a total population of 6.5 million, some 59 percent are children and young people below the age of 25. This young generation faces similar challenges, particularly in rural areas where access to resources and opportunities is limited. Meanwhile, in Thailand, where more than 40% of the population is under 35, the youth are increasingly exposed to risky behaviors, including drug use and internet addiction, often due to the pressures of a highly competitive society.

The Youth Alive program addresses these urgent needs by offering a holistic approach that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The program’s emphasis on making healthy choices, promoting self-awareness, and strengthening spiritual resilience aligns with the Adventist Church’s mission to provide holistic development for young people across the region.

As the first Youth Alive event in SEUM, it was a groundbreaking experience for many delegates who were joining for the first time. Leaders from diverse backgrounds shared their profound personal experiences and the positive impact the event had on their lives. Attendees connected with youth from different areas and gained valuable insights into creating spaces for open reflection and emotional expression.

The event organizers hope these newly trained leaders to return to their communities inspired to initiate and champion similar programs. The success of this event underscores SEUM's ongoing commitment to equipping young adults with the tools and support needed to thrive both personally and spiritually.

The Youth Alive program is set to become a cornerstone of SEUM's efforts to cultivate a vibrant, resilient generation of leaders ready to make a meaningful impact in their communities. The program’s introduction in Cambodia and the broader region represents a significant step forward in empowering the youth to navigate the challenges of modern life while remaining rooted in their faith.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.