Unlocking Potential: The Importance of Education, Health, and Youth Organizations During Adolescence

Adolescents play a vital role in shaping a better future, and Intan’s story is a testament to how young people can contribute meaningfully to their communities. At just 16 years old, Intan is already active as a student council member and involved in various social and educational initiatives. 

Unlike many teenagers who spend most of their time on social media, Intan chooses to participate in activities that help her grow. She is actively involved in the Generation with a Plan (GenRe) program and Adolescent Reproductive Health (Kespro) education supported by the PASTI Program. PASTI (Partnership to Accelerate Stunting Reduction in Indonesia) empowers youth to understand the importance of health and education as key foundations for their future. 

Through this program, Intan has gained valuable knowledge on the importance of education, health, early marriage prevention, and the risks of stunting. She has since taken the initiative to share this information with her peers at school and within her family. 

In July 2025, Intan and two of her peers who also joined the GENRE Workshop carried out a follow-up activity at their school. They conducted a campaign for 10th-grade students on the topics of Nutrition and the Human Life Cycle, as well as Anemia in Adolescents. The campaign reached 115 teenagers aged 15–19 years. 

“I want my friends to understand that early marriage is not the solution. We need to prepare ourselves—both in terms of education and health,” said Intan. 

However, Intan’s journey hasn’t always been easy. She admitted that she used to lack confidence when speaking in public. But after attending various training sessions and workshops—including public speaking sessions facilitated by the PASTI Program—she began to improve her communication skills. She also took the initiative to practice by watching educational videos online and asking her older sister for support. 

Outside of school, Intan is also actively involved in her local faith-based youth groups such as SEKAMI and OMK, which have further enriched her experience in teamwork and community service. 

“After joining the PASTI program, I became more confident and more open to trying new things. I’m also more motivated to learn and take part in positive activities at school and in the community,” she shared. 

Intan is aware that not all teens have the same access or opportunities to join personal development programs like she does. That’s why she hopes that programs like PASTI can reach more schools and rural communities. 

“I want more of my friends to have similar opportunities. Every adolescent deserves the chance to grow and thrive—not just for themselves, but also for their families and their communities,” she added. 

Today, Intan is recognized as one of the youth actively promoting change. She proves that limitations are not a barrier to learning and sharing. With the right support and determination, young people like Intan can become agents of change—not only for today but also for the future. 

The PASTI Program will continue supporting communities in accelerating stunting prevention and improving nutritional status in Indonesia through January 2027. This partnership initiative is led by the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN), in collaboration with the Tanoto Foundation, PT Amman Mineral Nusa Tenggara (AMMAN), and PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA), and is implemented by Wahana Visi Indonesia. 

Author: Mariana, Pransiskus Pran (PASTI project team member in Bengkayang, West Kalimantan)