RAFI trains socially aware youth leaders

CEBU, Philippines - As part of the culminating activity of the Young Minds Academy program, 83 scholars were recognized for their participation in the leadership and citizenship program of the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies (EADSC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI).

In the Best of Young Minds Conference, the Young Minds Academy scholars presented their community-based projects, which was followed by the awarding and graduation ceremony held at the Casino Español.

Annually, the academy conducts the Best of Young Minds Conference. This year’s theme is “Poverty and Social Welfare” which is based on the Millennium Development Goals.

The YMA is on its fifth year of searching for potential leaders who were exposed to real community issues and concerns as part of their experiential and situation-based learning.

Non-Government Organizations and some local government units attended the ceremony as partners of the scholars in making their projects.

The scholars were assigned a type of project and paired with an NGO or LGU that will train and assist them. 

Ms.Maila Quijano of City Savings Bank, attended the ceremony as their official sponsor along with Union Bank. Both banks supported the program by giving P250,000 each for the program cost.

Ms. Evelyn Nacario-Castro, RAFI Executive Director, said that of the 17 entries, one winner from two categories will be given the chance to implement the project they proposed.

“The chosen project will be implemented. Actually they are staring to implement the approved projects.”, she said.

YMA scholars are divided into two generations with generation A composed og scholars aged 17-20 years old while the generation B is composed of 12-16 years old.

Team 6 Gawad Kalinga Women’s Development Center emerged as the winner from Generation B and received a plaque, special handcrafted medals and P20,000 cash prize.

Team 6 Meat on the Move won the Generation A division and also received a plaques, medals and P20,000 cash prize.

To thank everyone who supported them with their projects, the scholars rendered a song at the end of the ceremony. (FREEMAN)