Seventeen young learners from a primary school are proving that leadership knows no age.

On August 1, 2025, these selected student leaders took part in a one-day leadership training held at Don Benito Lopez Elementary School in Isabela town, Negros Occidental.

The event was organized and facilitated by the Hope Builders Organization Negros Island Inc. (HBONI), a group committed to shaping the next generation of changemakers through values-based leadership development.

The training aimed to nurture the potential of young leaders by deepening their understanding of leadership and service even at their early stage in life.

The sessions emphasized core leadership values: honesty, communication, vision, creativity, and confidence. These values, HBONI believes, form the foundation of effective and compassionate leadership.

Beyond the lectures and discussions, learners were immersed in team-building activities designed to build unity, trust, and collaboration.

Also, learners gathered around the warm glow of the fire, where young learners shared their reflections, personal goals, and commitments as future leaders.

Their night concluded with a reflective coloring activity, allowing them to express their renewed sense of purpose and the lessons they had learned.

“This is a milestone for our school,” said Waren Geronca, Head Teacher I of Don Benito Lopez Elementary School. “This is the first-ever leadership training conducted specifically for our elementary student leaders, and we hope this marks the beginning of more opportunities to empower our learners as future leaders of our school community.”

The leadership journey didn’t end there. On August 2, the learners joined a tree planting activity, a symbolic gesture of growth, responsibility, and care for the environment.

With every seedling planted, the students were reminded that leadership also means stewardship—of people, community, and nature.

This two-day experience was more than just a school activity. It was the beginning of a new chapter for Don Benito Lopez Elementary School, where leadership begins with listening, grows with learning, and thrives with service.

These pupils may still be young, but they are already walking the path of leaders—guided by values, driven by purpose, and united by the hope of a better future.*