How One Young Teacher is Empowering Students in the Bangsamoro Region

Story by Denise Rafaeli Cadorniga

In the heart of the Bangsamoro region of the Philippines, Najah Untong, a 25-year-old teacher and youth representative, stands as a beacon of hope and change. Her inspiring journey—from overcoming shyness to becoming a leading advocate for education, women’s empowerment, and peace—reflects how the right opportunities can unleash someone’s full potential.

As an Early Warning Early Response (EWER) monitor and Youth Representative, Najah serves not only as a voice for the youth, but also as a role model for women in her community. Her dedication to making a difference continues to have a lasting impact on those she works with.

In reflecting on her belief in the power of young voices to influence change, Najah shared,

Training and Transformative Moments

Najah began working with NP back in 2019. It was through this relationship that she met Xarifah Sanguila, an NP staff member, who introduced her to the Bangsamoro framework of promoting both peace and security in the region. 

This partnership later led to her involvement in several initiatives, including the STRIVE Project, which was implemented in collaboration with our partner, Pakigdait Inc. By 2022, Najah had participated in over 10 trainings organized by NP, which helped her build crucial skills in conflict transformation, gender equality, and nonviolent action.

One simulated conflict scenario still sits vividly in her memory—older participants were paired with younger participants and challenged to come up with a way of providing direct physical protection protection for their younger counterparts. Although physically demanding, the exercise taught Najah the power of unity and shared objectives—values that she continues to champion in her work today.

Overcoming Shyness to Inspire Communities

Najah had always been shy about speaking in front of large groups, but participating in NP's trainings gave her the confidence to overcome her fears and the opportunity to facilitate workshops. She was pleased to address the intersections of peace, gender, and nonviolence within her community. Today, Najah not only volunteers to give lectures but also organizes workshops for her community.

“I'm shy around everyone; I like to be in the corner. Trainings have such a big impact on me.”

"Mahiyain ako sa lahat, gusto ko nasa sulok lang ako. Ang laking impact ‘non (trainings) sa akin"

“I’m young but I give lectures to older people and I try my best doing it. I want the youth to see that even from a young age, we can already be voice's for our community.”

"Ako bata ako, malalaki na’t matatanda na yung mga nili-lecture ko pero kinakaya ko rin kasi gusto ko makita ako ng mga kabataan na at that young age pwedi na sayang maging voice out ng community nila." 

Championing Gender Equality and Youth Participation

Despite her young age, Najah has taken on leadership roles in her community, advocating for youth involvement in decision-making processes. As the youngest member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB), she regularly facilitates workshops on peacebuilding and conflict resolution. 

One of the workshops she led was geared towards women and youth. Attendees were taught nonviolent and peaceful ways to build community while incorporating key values of their faith. Najah emphasized the importance of including youth in discussions that affect their lives and communities. So far, she's successfully engaged more than 150 young people in these sessions, demonstrating both the interest and value of youth participation in peace initiatives.

Beyond her work with BIWAB, Najah is dedicated to the younger generation through her role as a teacher and volunteer at her local daycare center. As a teacher, she has mentored more than 50 children, helping them develop skills in reading, writing, and critical thinking. Najah is passionate about education, especially for girls, who are often at risk of early child marriage and labor.

“These days, if you are not educated, they [society] will ignore you”.

"Ngayon kasi kung hindi ka edukado, wala eh. Hindi ka nila pinapansin" 

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), approximately 12 million girls around the world are married before the age of 18, and the Philippines is no exception. Early child marriage often results in girls dropping out of school, limiting their future opportunities and reinforcing the cycle of poverty. Najah’s work is especially significant in addressing these issues.

Najah’s advocacy has made a significant impact on her community. Through her advocacy, more than 100 families have embraced the value of education and acknowledged the risks of early child marriage. These initiatives have resulted in a noticeable increase in school enrollment among girls. A report by UNICEF found that girls who finish secondary school are three times less likely to marry early, which highlights the importance of education in preventing early child marriage. In addition, her work with NP has given her the opportunity to expand her reach and influence, not only in her local community but also within the larger Bangsamoro region.

Creating Lasting Change

Najah's involvement with NP has transformed her life in many ways.

“I am a woman and I stand for everything.”

"Babae ako at may paninidigan ako sa lahat”

The training and support she received from NP have given her the confidence to express herself, both as a woman and a youth advocate. Through NP, Najah has learned that her voice matters and that she can lead change in her community, no matter her age or gender.

Today, Najah continues to inspire others as a teacher, mentor, and community advocate. She remains committed to using her voice to empower young people, especially women, and to help them navigate the challenges they face. The reality is in the Philippines, 1 in 10 girls aged 15-19 have already given birth, often due to early marriage.

This is a statistic that Najah is determined to change through education and advocacy. Through her work, Najah exemplifies the potential of youth leadership and the power of education to transform communities.

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Najah is one of many beneficiaries and training participants of the Women- STRIVE Project 2.0 or Women Supporting the Transformation and Institutionalization of Local Initiatives on Violent Extremism. Funded by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australian Government. The Women- STRIVE Project is being implemented in the province of Basilan and Lanao del Norte in Partnership with Pakigdait Inc. or Pakigdait Alang sa Pag-Amoma sa Kalinaw in contributing in preventing and countering violent extremism through women empowerment in local peacebuilding, community-based conflict transformation and peace advocacy in communities.