At-Risk Youths: Narrating Their Lived Experiences

Abstract

Youths are an important segment in a community as they are seen as the future leaders of a nation. One cannot deny that at-risk youths grow in environments not conducive to their well-being. These youths are victims of families where there is neglect, violence, poverty, sexual abuse and many other conflicts. Due to poverty and family instability, these youths are more sensitive to social ills. Based on a positive youth development perspective, this study aimed to share some real stories narratively from several identified at-risk youths via in-depth interviews conducted individually. The informants were selected by using purposive sampling taking into consideration their background and variables related to socio-economic status, dropout numbers from school and family instability. The study indicates that youths who are engaged in risk behaviours are capable of making some changes to take positive paths in life. This qualitative study will present several stories of youths who share their transformation journey and it is our belief that there are more youths in such predicament who need to receive interventions through education and values just like others and be empowered in society to become productive citizens of the nation.