Youth proposes projects for the environment

Youth teams proposed projects to help solve environmental problems. This was done in a conference held last August 18, 2007 at the Cebu International Convention Center.

The presenters were the scholars of the Young Minds Academy (YMA), a youth citizenship and leadership program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI). Launched in October 2006, YMA aims to develop the character, build competence, and promote active citizenship among the 16 teams with 5-members each who were admitted to the program.

The teams were classified into three: Generation 1 (21-30 years old), Generation 2 (17-20 years old) and Generation 3 (12-16 years old).

After various training and immersions since January 2007, the scholars formulated projects addressing issues on YMA’s theme - environment. Ten short-listed proposals on global warming, biodiversity conservation, coastal management, solid waste, endemic bird protection, river rehabilitation and environmental awareness, among others, were presented during the conference.

Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), United Nations Development Program Global Environment Facility – Small Grants, Ayala Foundation Inc., Association of Foundations, Guiuan Development Foundation, Peace and Equity Foundation, and the Foundation for the Philippine Environment, were invited to evaluate the proposals.

Teams from each generation were awarded the “Innovative Young Minds Award” for their most innovative, relevant, and sustainable proposals.

Team Mt. Manunggal of Generation 1 received the award for their proposal, “Promoting Local Government Initiated Clean Development Mechanism to Mitigate Climate Change.” The team is composed of Karl Hegel Damayo, Kaira Zoe Alburo, Brenette Abrenica, Aldwin Empaces and Jiah Sayson.

From Generation 2, the same award was given to the Mt. Licos team’s, “Medellin Coastal Management Initiative”. The team members are Mel Fatric Rhai Yan, Heno Rey Chin, Charmie Trixie Homecillo, Rehne Gibb Larena and Danilo Sabarre.

Team Osmeña Peak composed of Vashti Castro, Mischa Castro, Chelo Cala and Theresa Yee,
of Generation 3, also received the “Innovative Young Minds Award” for their “Youth Empowerment in Zaragosa”.

The said proposals will be funded by RAFI and other interested private and public institutions.

In his message during the culmination ceremony held on the same day, RAFI President, Roberto E. Aboitiz, emphasized the importance of making the right choices. He encouraged the YMA scholars to discover their purpose in life and fulfill their roles “To give back to society, to your community, and to your country”.

The 74 pioneer YMA graduates underwent the 8-month training on leadership, basic social development, research, and proposal development. They also immersed in different communities in Cebu and were exposed to the work of other environment and social development-oriented organizations in Davao and Samar.

“Your trust and confidence is an encouragement for us to do more and share more,” said Bonifer Nacorda, one of the scholars upon sharing his insights on the program.

Young Minds Academy Season 2 will be launched in September this year which will focus on public health. Interested applicants may contact the Program Officer of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center at (032)255-5626 or email myan@rafi.org.ph.

RAFI offers citizenship program for the youth

Breeding a generation of young and responsible citizens ― through a process of transformation, developing a deep sense of love of God, love-of-country and an understanding of multi-cultural diversity ― lays the groundwork for good governance, nation building, and regional development.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) through the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) launched last October 18, the YOUNG MINDS ACADEMY, a citizenship development program for the youth. It aims to mold and develop the youth to become responsible and pro-active citizens, accountable leaders, and successors who are ready to serve the public and to promote the universal virtues of peace, respect, and understanding. Young Minds ― a scholarship provided by the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. ― is now open for enrollment for all Filipino youth ages 12-30.  The scholarship will be granted on a team basis, where a team is composed of 5 members. Teams will be clustered into three generations: Generation 1 for ages 21-30, Generation 2 for 17-20 years old, and Generation 3 is for 12 to 16 years old. Interested candidates will undergo the process of enrollment, screening, panel interview and selection before they will be admitted to the academy and awarded with the scholarship. Through the academy, the scholars will undergo and learn the following: research and critical analysis of societal issues; theories and practice of social development; field immersion; adventure education and scripture-based training on citizenship and leadership; proposal or policy development and advocacy for civil society, private sector, and government. There will also be project awards competition where the chosen proposal will be given seed money for pilot implementation.

YOUNG MINDS. Dominica B. Chua, RAFI Chief Operating Officer (left) explains to the press about the Young Minds Academy.  With her are Roberto E. Aboitiz, RAFI President (center), Evelyn Nacario-Castro, RAFI-EADSC Executive Director (right)  and Tim Soberano, RAFI-EADSC Program Officer and in charge of the whole project. (far right)

Enrollment is now open and the deadline will be on November 18, 2006.

For inquiries and other program details, you may call (032) 255-5626 to 27 and look for Mel Yan.