Journal #1 - Health and Well Being of Youth

As I reflect on the topic of Health and Well-Being of Youths, I am struck by how multilayered and critical this area is—not only in the context of HFLE instruction, but in shaping the future of our societies. In today’s world, youth face a wide range of challenges that go beyond the physical realm. Their emotional, mental, and social well-being are increasingly under threat due to factors like social media pressure, family instability, academic stress, and a changing global landscape.

This course has encouraged me to move beyond a surface-level understanding of health education and to embrace a more holistic, life-skills-based approach. I am beginning to see that promoting health and well-being is not simply about transferring information. It’s about creating safe spaces where young people can develop self-awareness, resilience, empathy, and decision-making skills.

What resonates deeply with me is the idea of becoming an ambassador for HFLE—not just within the classroom, but in the broader community. I now realize that fostering youth well-being involves active advocacy, challenging harmful societal norms, and bridging the gap between education and real-life application.

The course’s emphasis on critical reflection and specialized pedagogy has helped me reconsider my own attitudes towards topics such as mental health, sexuality, and gender identity—areas that often carry stigma but are central to a young person’s sense of self and safety. By examining different theoretical frameworks and applying them to practical classroom scenarios, I feel more equipped to deliver HFLE in a way that is inclusive, transformative, and relevant.

In conclusion, the health and well-being of youths cannot be viewed as a single issue, but rather as an interconnected web of physical, emotional, and social factors. As future educators and advocates, we must approach HFLE not as a static subject, but as a dynamic, evolving tool for empowerment and change. I am grateful that this course is helping me develop both the knowledge and the courage to take on that responsibility.