Muhajar D. Samad reflects on his experience joining the ToT practicum
I am Muhajar D. Samad, a second-year Political Science student at the University of Southern Mindanao. I am an engaged learner deeply interested in social issues and community empowerment. I decided to join the 2-day practicum because I wanted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of important topics, such as human rights, mental health, and peacebuilding. I saw it as an opportunity to connect, learn, and engage with others passionate about creating positive social change.
During the practicum, I learned a lot about the interconnectedness of human rights,mental health, and peacebuilding. One key insight was how protecting human rights is fundamental to improving mental health outcomes and fostering peaceful communities because when rights are respected, social tensions and grievances that often lead to conflict are diminished.
Moving forward, I plan to apply this knowledge by becoming more involved in advocacy efforts that promote human rights and mental health awareness within my community. The experience was enriching and eye-opening, providing not only valuable information but also a sense of solidarity and collective responsibility. This strengthened my commitment to supporting inclusive, people-centered initiatives that contribute to sustainable peace and social justice.
