NGO in Cebu hones youth for leadership, citizenship
BY: Minerva BC Newman
Cebu, Feb. 26 (PIA) – Eighty-nine (89) young students from various schools and universities in Cebu signed up for the 5th Season of the ‘ Young Minds Academy ’ training program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) that will run for eight (8) months starting March this year.
These youth are called scholars that signified their willingness to fully participate in and complete the 8-month course that will include experiential education, learning visits and youth exchanges, capability building, immersion, research and concept development, and conference.
RAFI president Roberto Aboitiz in his message during the YMA5 covenant signing said, “We’re very excited about YMA5. It is a program for the youth who have the potentials in nation-building. Through YMA, you will be trained to be action-oriented.”
Four seasons ago in October 2006, RAFI launched the ‘Young Minds Academy’ that aims to develop leadership and citizenship values among the youth who are ready to serve the public and its interests.
Before they are accepted as scholars to the YMA season, the prospective participant undergoes and must pass the rigorous screening process that include an IQ and personality tests, essay writing, team dynamics and panel interviews.
RAFI as an NGO based in Cebu has run programs on leadership and citizenship focus area that enlists the youth in a comprehensive approach to elevate lives and communities in the country.
The 5th season of YMA features only two generations -- the 17-20 years old and the 12-16 year old generation A & B respectively.
The program modules are anchored on the theme of poverty and social welfare which are based on the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of the government. Formal training of the scholars starts in March 2011, this was learned.
Five months after the fourth season of the Young Minds Academy (YMA), RAFI had a covenant signing and orientation of all the participants on Feb. 12 that signaled the start YMA5. (PIA-7/mbcn)