Maranatha Brogado Estrado, of Kalibo, Philippines, is the chair of the Cagayunan-Aglucay Adolescent Reproductive Health Organization (CARHO), an organization that offers education and skills training to at-risk girls. As the chair of the organization, Maranatha has changed the lives of young people in her community by providing training and information to teenagers on domestic violence; teen pregnancy and reproductive health; and nutrition. The center runs dozens of events each year, including smoking cessation programs and health workshops.

Just 17-years-old, Maranatha serves as a positive role model to other young women and girls, and helps local teens make positive choices. For her dedicated work, Maranatha received an award of outstanding achievement from the office of the president of the Philippines and the Department of Education. And in 2004, Maranatha and the Teen Center were nominated for a best practices award by the United Nations Population Fund for its work to promote reproductive health awareness.

Maranatha encourages other young people to volunteer. “I believe that as young people we are not excused from lending a helping hand in improving our community,” she says, adding that the rewards of volunteering are manifold. “I feel contentment and happiness from helping people. I am happy knowing that I was able to save lives.”