Workshop to focus on Mega Cebu

To encourage youth participation in creating a sustainable Metro Cebu, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.-Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI-EADSC) will tackle the Mega Cebu program and framework in the Young Minds Academy (YMA) Season 7 with the theme “Urban Development.”

This year’s batch of YMA scholars was announced during the covenant signing for the conduct of eight-month leadership and citizenship development program that will begin this summer.

The signing ceremony was held last April 2 at the RAFI-EADSC building.

Ninety-four emerging young leaders aged 13 to 20 years old will join the workshop which includes awareness-raising, experiential education, immersion, and open discourse on the dynamics and challenges facing the community.

The scholars’ final output is to generate ideas and possible solutions through a team project that they could implement in partnership with the local government units.

Evelyn Nacario-Castro, RAFI-EADSC executive director, cited Mother Teresa’s missionary work as a brand of service and leadership worthy of emulation.

“She (Mother Teresa) cultivated, nurtured and developed personal qualities and personal excellence. She lived as a great person by leading her life well and many people wanted to follow her footsteps,” Castro noted.

Last year, YMA Season 6 scholars were able to implement six community projects addressing issues and concerns on public safety and security, youth violence, transport and traffic management, flooding and disaster risk reduction in the cities of Naga, Talisay and Mandaue, and in the municipality of Liloan. They were also able to gather more than 2,000 supporters for Mega Cebu through their social marketing initiatives, and designed dream block exhibits to promote smart growth and better block principles in existing urban communities.

“An important part of the program is to let you know better the society that you are living in. You will be immersed in different communities in Metro Cebu to learn about their current situation, problems and best practices. This will hopefully allow you to understand how to bring about progress that even your future children and grandchildren can enjoy,” Dominica Chua, RAFI chief operating officer, told the new batch of scholars.

For more information about YMA, contact Mel Yan at 4187234 local 110 or visit www.rafi.org.ph/ leadership-citizenship/young-minds-academy/ or www.facebook.com/rafi.org.ph or follow RAFI on Twitter, @rafiorgph.