TULAY'S PURPOSE

TULAY is the Filipino word for 'bridge'. A bridge is very important physically and symbolically in the Philippines, which is composed of more than 7000 islands. A bridge is, in essence, an instrument for making connections and in uniting diverse lands and peoples. TULAY seeks to tear down the walls that segregate young people and build a bridge that would connect diverse young people together to celebrate the fullness of life. This will be done through ministries carried out by young people for young people.

In the long run, TULAY will become a center for youth in the province of Isabela. This center will provide educational, social, leadership and spiritual development as well as livelihood education that will enable them to become self-employed and self-reliant. It is a response to the unemployment problem. TULAY seeks to advocate for the welfare of the young people for them to experience the fullness of life.

TULAY's purpose is to help create a community that celebrates life in its fullness; a community that is alive in Christ; a community that could work together. TULAY seeks to alleviate human sufferings by working with diverse groups of young people and the local community to realize the community and the society that we envisioned.

OBJECTIVES

1. To advocate for young people in Church and in the Society.
2. To provide pool of leaders for youth and young adult ministry.
3. To establish United Methodist Student Movement within the surrounding schools and colleges in the community.
4. To engage this youth organization in a mentoring tutoring program during weekdays, and Sunday school during Sundays.
5. To provide safe haven for young people who are not attending school.
6. To provide livelihood education for the Out of School Youth.
7. To provide an educational resource center for young people who are attending school and those who are not.
8. To establish network with different communities of faith.

STRATEGIES

1. A regular awareness building through forums and newsletters.
2. Provide development trainings such as leadership training, spiritual formation and other seminars that will enhance their leadership skills.
3. Conduct regular bible studies in the schools/colleges, and conduct regular fellowships that will strengthen the bonds between these young people.
4. Provide training for an academic outreach program in partnership with the schools, and training for Sunday school teacher's training in partnership with the Committee on Christian Education of the District Conference.
5. Engage young people into some recreational activities in order to divert their attention from gang related activities.
6. Provide various seminars and workshops for livelihood education program in partnership with the Pangkaunlaran Development Association Incorporation (PDAI)
7. Provide educational resources such as; access to computers and Internet, encyclopedias and other materials that are essential for educational development.
8. Engage young people to a quarterly ecumenical youth gathering such as, ecumenical youth fellowship, sport festival, and community service projects.