Phil Atoigue teaching Expression not Repression

Phil Atoigue in The Blessing Crew:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6ibfJLRBAQ

Phil Atoigue seems like an average student at HPU, dedicating four years to his passion of English and Writing. Although what Phil does in his spare time makes him a truly extraordinary person. Everyday Phil works as a life coach helping, approximately 150 disadvantaged youth from the ages of six to seventeen years old. Phil explained the position of a life coach, “First we tutor their school work, and we do bible study. We also teach them life lessons, morals, discipline, respect and love.”

The program is about dance and support, where adolescences can turn to creative expression and guidance. The program, run through ‘Word of Life Christian Centre’, helps young citiziens dealing with alcohol and drug addictions, and focuses their energy into more positive areas, such as dance. The program gives alternative, healthy options to dealing with problems; focusing on expression instead of repression.

Phil reflected on an emotional journey of a 9 year old boy that turned to the program in an attempt to help his young troubled life. “I met a nine year old boy who was drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and smoking ice at such a young age. Since starting the program, four months ago, he has stopped all of those addictions.” The simple expression of dance allows kids to express themselves in unique ways instead of turning to substance abuse. Phil said the range of dance allows a variety of passions, “we do hip hop, cultural, sign language, as well as interpretative in a contemporary style.”

Phil has been a part of the ‘Blessing Crew’ dance group for three years and often travels to surrounding islands to perform at schools and special events. “We have also been to the mainland, Texas, California and Florida for performances.” Phil is one of thirty life coaches that have developed a dance group called ‘The Blessing Crew’ to promote the program. The program is called ‘Life 360’ and helps youth that are under privileged or with substance abuse and is held most nights at the “Word of Life Christian Centre’.

Phil spoke of the challenges that accompany dealing with troubled adolescents, “it is sometimes really challenging but it is always very rewarding.” The group gets support from the ‘Word of Life Christian Centre’, ‘Weed and Seed’ a part of the Honolulu Police Department and voluntary work. With homeless numbers increasing in the economic challenges, Life360 is constantly looking for help from dedicated volunteers.

Phil’s attachment to helping the children is truly uplifting, proudly showing homework of some of the young children and explaining the characteristics of the talented teenagers. Phil summarised his role in the program, “we teach them how to be constructive citizens, refocusing their life to more positive influences.”

The Blessing Crew performing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6owvZN7GjzI