RAFI scholars propose solutions to education issues

CEBU, Philippines - Ninety-nine talented young individuals yesterday proposed projects to help solve problems of education in the country as they graduated with pride being scholars of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation’s Young Minds Academy Season 3.

The Young Minds Academy is a youth citizenship and leadership program of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.

There were three generations, each discussing issues concerning education and how to address such: Generation 1 (21-30 years old), Generation 2 (17-20 years old) and Generation 3 (12-16 years old).

Three teams out of 21 emerged and were awarded the innovative Young Minds Award with Team Franklin winning in generation 1, Team Da Vinci in Generation 2 and team Socrates for Generation 3.

Team Franklin composed of Melody Federico, Irenea Ferolino, Jennibeth Garcia, Cecilia Listones and June Villarubia discussed on community-based center learning for farmers in the town of Alegria.

Team Da Vinci, on the other hand, composed of Lordie Grace Garcia, Mindy Pomeline Jadraque, Janna Eucel Lua, Ivy Florence Rafols and Joan Ybañez discussed on improved teacher performance and reduced turnover rate in Cebu City through enhanced teacher recruitment.

Team Socrates composed of Sayre Bongo, Camielle Faith Jimenez, Prexie Jade Ligaray, Rhomeljustein Redoble and Annamhel Monique Roa discussed on teaching Science through Scouting Education.

They all received a plaque and a cash price from the RAFI-Young Minds Academy.

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

Launched in October 2006, YMA aims to develop character, build competence, and promote active citizenship among the 16 teams with five members each who were admitted to the program.

All the scholars underwent an eight-month training program on leadership, basic social development, creative thinking, research, proposal development, presentation skills and communication skills.

They also visited and immersed in various communities and organizations in Cebu and other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao.

Young Minds Academy Season 4 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 [email protected]. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV