| Abstract |
The 21st-century life is here, and to which the youth sector of the society reflects: who are they? what are their roles to play? and how their potential is optimized to meet the demands of this rapidly changing society. The role of the youth in society highlights development e.g. culture, values, education, and peace. However, the youth in its vulnerability experiences a blend of favorable and unfavorable conditions allowing them to cope, thrive, and survive. The youth in their lifetime offers a promise for a better future. Hence, looking into the youth of today in the most challenging time and environment posits an effort to reach them and provide avenues for them to voice out. There are some challenges besetting the Young Meranaws having lived through a crossroads. Thus, this study delved into the exploration and conceptualization of the Young Meranaws intersecting into post-conflict and COVID-19 environment employing qualitative research design: narrative inquiry among twelve mixed-gender Young Meranaws as willing participants who have given consent. The participants were residents of Marawi City and safely fled to the Municipality of Saguiran in a transitional shelter during the Marawi Siege. The participants consented to face-to-face, one-on-one interview sessions,30-45 minutes to convey their narratives three years ago and eventually transitioned with the COVID-19 pandemic surge. Conversely, the Young Meranaws echoed their voice through their lived experience as a collective body in society. There were stories chronologically arranged: The Sojourn: From Marawi to Saguiran; The Safe Space: From Siege to Shelter and The Stories in Themes: State of Shock, Support System, Struggles, Survival Tools, and Succinct Statements. The five (5) emergent story themes were based on the seven-step narrative analyses, (Colorado State University; EDRM:600). The Young Meranaws echoed their rhetorical voice amidst intersecting positions post-conflict and COVID-19 environment. Interestingly, the Young Meranaws can take the central position and be at the forefront of post-conflict reconstruction initiatives in building their capabilities and capacities amidst the COVID-19 environment in due time. With their narratives being at the intersection, creating a safe space and platform for their voice to be listened to and be recognized as social actors is imperative. |
Mindanao State
University - Iligan Institute of Technology