Communities urged to listen to struggling youth after Zamboanga school shooting
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula urged communities to provide greater care and attention to struggling youth following a school shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University. He emphasized the need for safe spaces for young people to express themselves without judgment and called for a culture of care, compassion, and dialogue to prevent further violence.
Why it matters
This article highlights the societal impact of school violence beyond physical injury, advocating for proactive community engagement and mental health support for youth to address underlying issues that can lead to such incidents.
Content warning: School shooting, violence
MANILA, Philippines - Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula called for greater care and attention to the struggles of young people following the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
In a message of solidarity posted by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila - Office of Communications on Facebook, Advincula offered prayers for the victims, their families, those injured and traumatized and the entire university community.
"An act of violence within a school community wounds more than those who are physically injured," Advincula said.
He said such violence also damages the sense of safety and trust that allows young people to learn, grow and pursue their dreams.
The Manila archbishop urged the public to listen more closely to young people, particularly those who may be silently struggling.
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