Event Geek

Roberto Aboitiz, president of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), emphasizes to the new batch of scholars of RAFI’s Young Minds Academy their important role in nation-building. (Inset) Scholars sign their covenants to show their commitment to fully participate in the youth development program designed to develop young leaders who are ready to serve the public and its interests.

Five months since it culminated the fourth season of the Young Minds Academy (YMA), the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) held a covenant signing and orientation last Feb. 12, which signalled the commencement of the fifth season of YMA.

During the signing held at the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, 89 scholars representing 18 teams inked contracts that signify their willingness to fully participate in and finish the eight-month YMA program that will include experiential education, learning visits and youth exchanges, capability building, immersion, research and concept development, and conference.

The signing was also attended by RAFI President Roberto Aboitiz; his daughter, Amaya; and Maria Goolsby of the Unionbank of the Philippines. Unionbank and City Savings Bank are partners of RAFI for the YMA program.

“We’re very excited about YMA 5. It is a program for the youth who have the potentials in nation-building. Through YMA, you will be trained to be action-oriented,” Aboitiz addressed the scholars before the covenant signing.

The YMA 5 scholars went through rigorous screening process, which included an Intelligence Quotient and personality test, essay writing, team dynamics, and panel interview before they were accepted in the program.

YMA is a youth leadership and citizenship development program of RAFI that aims to develop young leaders who are ready to serve the public and its interests.

It was launched last October 2006 and already ran for four seasons, including a special summer edition held in 2009 for Region 8.

It is one of the programs under RAFI’s Leadership & Citizenship focus area, one of the five focus areas in RAFI’s comprehensive approach to elevating lives and communities. Its other focus areas are Integrated Development, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, and Education.

Unlike the previous runs wherein there were three categories, YMA 5 will feature only two—Generation A (17-20 years old) and Generation B (12-16 years old). The program modules are anchored on the theme of poverty and social welfare, which is based on the Millennium Development Goals. Formal training of the scholars starts in March.

For more information about YMA 5, please contact 418-7234 loc. 110 and look for Mel Yan.