RAFI opens 9th season of Young Minds Academy

CEBU, Philippines - To develop young people on becoming accountable leaders and responsible citizens, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. – Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI – EADSC) yesterday opened the 9th season of its Young Minds Academy program.

A number of students from elementary and secondary schools in Cebu City and province filled the Eduardo Aboitiz Hall during the launching event. Out-of-school youths were also present.

RAFI – EADSC executive director Evelyn Nacario-Castro said the program has been consistent in their design to the 3Cs namely; building competence, strengthening character and promoting active citizenship.

“We would like to call young people, to explore the possibility of becoming YMA scholars,” she further said.

 Part of the academy, she added, is to allow the qualified scholars to see the concerns and issues affecting the community in relation to the theme, which is the disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

“It actually creates an impact to the community. The experience is also having an effect on them,” Castro said.

One of the Season 8 graduates shared that through the YMA program, it gave her the chance to help the community as she was able to build her character and pursue her passion in making a difference.

 “It (YMA program) gave me the opportunity to be able to help the community aside from strengthening my character and promoting active relationship in the community,” said Moca Charity Cañal.

 The 20-year-old joined the YMA program while she was attending her studies as graduating student at the University of the Philippines.

 “Lisod i-balance ang duha pero personally, it’s about the dedication to help the community,” she said.

 She was recognized as the Don Ramon Aboitiz Awardee among other graduates.

 Young Minds Academy is a youth leadership and citizenship development program aimed at developing young emerging leaders aged 12 – 20 years old.

The program has opened for application to all qualified young people, who are committed to serve the community in the areas of social development. The scholarship will be granted on a team basis per category.

Interested candidates will undergo the process of application and screening before they will be admitted to the Academy and awarded with the scholarship.

Since the program started in 2006, it has already trained 761 youth leaders.  (FREEMAN)