The School of Education and Human Development (SED) invites everyone to its Faculty Lecture Series on March 25, 2026 (Wednesday), from 5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Ms. Eunice Contreras will deliver her lecture titled "Insights on integrating servant leadership and character formation: alumnae perspectives from a youth development program in the Philippines."

 

This study by Eunice Contreras and Pia K. Garcia, published in the Journal of Character Education, examines KALFI LEAD, a four-year program for female university students in the Philippines integrating servant leadership and personal growth. Through in-depth interviews with 19 alumnae, it explores how KALFI LEAD might contribute to participants' leadership and character development. Thematic analysis suggests that alumnae perceive the program as having effected positive change; that they strongly assimilate a person-centered ideal of leadership, and that they perceive mentoring and pro-social opportunities as program strengths. While participants seem to evince strong virtue motivation, identity and practice, results also imply gaps in virtue literacy. This paper provides insights for character educators and suggests the potential of servant leadership training as an avenue for developing virtue.