SKYE Youth office - Growing Together Through Youth Leadership

Ou Sera, Vice President of the SKYE Youth Leader Club, first joined the group with a simple but powerful goal: to learn. She wanted to gain experience from senior youth members and use that knowledge to bring positive change to her community. For Ou Sera, being part of the youth club was not just about participation, it was about growth, responsibility, and service.

Through the SKYE Youth Leader Club, she learned how young people can come together, share ideas, and take action for their community. One challenge the group often faced was the lack of a proper meeting space. In the past, they held meetings at the pagoda, where gatherings were frequently interrupted by religious ceremonies or overlapping activities with other organizations. These disruptions made it difficult for the youth to focus and plan effectively.

Determined to find a solution, the youth group discussed the idea of having their own office, a safe, quiet space where they could meet, learn, and organize activities. What happened next deeply moved Ou Sera. Community members stepped forward to support the youth, some contributing small amounts of money, others offering their time and labor. Seeing the community unite in support of the youth club brought her close to tears.

“This showed me how much our community believes in young people,” she shared with pride and excitement.

The journey was not without challenges. Limited resources and inconsistent participation from some members made the process difficult at times. Yet, these obstacles did not diminish her determination. Instead, they strengthened her belief in collective effort and the importance of youth leadership.

Today, Ou Sera feels proud and hopeful. The experience has reinforced her confidence and her commitment to community development. For her, the SKYE Youth Leader Club is more than a youth group, it is a living example of what can happen when young people and communities work together toward a shared vision.