Young leaders organize community programs

CEBU, Philippines - Graduates of the Young Minds Academy of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. presented yesterday a number of community-based programs they have organized and implemented.

YMA, a program of RAFI – Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI- EADSC), which runs for eight months during the summer and weekends, hones young individuals to become community leaders and responsible citizens. 

Yesterday, five groups from different YMA seasons presented projects they have been undertaking to give back to the community, including programs on education, environment, health, among others.

RAFI- EADSC executive director Evelyn Nacario-Castro said the five groups are finalists for the first YMA- Alumni Engagement Awards.

One group, graduates of YMA season 7, presented a project which “aims to mobilize the youth to develop creativity and resourcefulness” by making eco-notebooks.

Graduates of season 6 organized a pageant which showcased gowns made of recycled materials.

Winners for the YMA-AEA will be awarded on April 10. First, second to third prize winners will get P20,000, P15,000 and P10,000, respectively. Other finalists will get P3,000.

Castro said the YMA, which was launched in 2006, has produced over 741 graduates.

“There may be a lot of scenarios that you might have undertaken but you have made a choice which allowed you to contribute in helping our communities and in essence, help build our nation,” she said in her message to the graduates.

Castro was grateful to the individuals and groups who have carried out their community-based programs even after graduating from YMA.

“The step you have taken, the deliberate decision you have made is really worth recognizing, and what is even more special is that after your long-month journey in YMA you have continued in your engagements,” she said. —  /ATO (FREEMAN)