In early August, I participated in the Service Learning Program (SLP) held in Davao City, Philippines. As it was my first time, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, it quickly turned out to be a transformative experience that broadened my understanding of democracy and social issues. Students like myself from across Asia Pacific exchanged ideas and concerns about the state of democracy worldwide.
One of the most eye-opening aspects was learning about the different democratic systems and issues faced by neighbouring countries. Beyond theoretical knowledge or academic lectures, we heard firsthand accounts from people living under various political regimes. This gave me a deeper, more nuanced understanding of democracy in different contexts and highlighted how our struggles for justice, equality, and freedom are deeply interconnected. The discussions weren’t just theoretical; they tackled real-world challenges, practical solutions, and emphasised the urgent need for active civic participation.
The visit to a small community left a lasting impression on me. It was a humble yet vibrant place where people demonstrated a strong sense of unity. I will never forget their kindness, mutual support, and deep care for one another. Despite their limited resources, they showed remarkable generosity and resilience, reminding me of the importance of community solidarity in the face of adversity. This experience reinforced the idea that, while governments play a role, the people themselves are often the backbone of democracy—standing up for each other, defending their rights, and ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
What struck me most was the collective determination of the participants to address the growing threats to democracy. We came from diverse backgrounds, countries, political climates, and personal experiences, but we were united by a shared goal: to uphold justice, equality, and the fundamental freedoms that should be accessible to all individuals. Hearing the stories of struggle and perseverance from fellow participants was incredibly motivating. Some of them came from nations where democratic values are under serious threat, yet they continue to fight, knowing how vital it is for future generations to live in a fair society.
This experience has deepened my own resolve to not only be more aware of the democratic challenges in my country but also to take an active role in advocating for human rights and freedom. I’ve realised that democracy is not a passive system; it requires active engagement, constant vigilance, and a deep commitment from every citizen. I feel a strong responsibility to apply the lessons I learned from the programme to my own society. I’m determined to share these insights, start important conversations, and encourage others to recognise the power of their voices in shaping our collective future.
The friendships were equally inspiring. I met people who share the same vision, despite coming from such diverse backgrounds. Their courage, optimism, and relentless drive to create a better society fuel my belief that change is possible when we work together, transcending borders and differences to support the common cause of protecting democracy.
Darawan Wihokpraiwan is a senior studying Liberal Arts in English at Xavier Learning Community in Chiang Rai, Thailand. She participated in the Service Learning Programme of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities – Asia Pacific from 2 to 20 August at the Ateneo de Davao University.