New batch of young bloods were initiated to the Young Minds Academy of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. - Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI-EADSC) last April 2 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Hall. The new batch belongs to Season 7 and their theme for this year will be "Urban Development" of metropolitan Cebu.
The hall was filled with much enthusiasm and excitement. One can feel the youthfulness of the hall because the emerging leaders are from the ages 10 to 20. One can also perceive the dominant feeling they emit, a combination of excitement and apprehension. Nonetheless, it was good to see youth all packed up in one room.
Young Minds Academy is the brainchild of RAFI. The reason of its conception is to prepare and nurture the leaders of tomorrow to guide the community for implementing changes that will benefit the greater good. Learning from YMA is not limited to the four corners of the classroom because the modules that they have formulated imply a holistic approach. As much as theoretical knowledge is best learned inside a classroom, one cannot possibly comprehend how it is to live like our poor brothers and sisters on the streets unless one would experience their lifestyle first at hand. An experiential approach is indeed an eye-opener in learning through semi-structured environment. The scholars will be shown how to show their best character and leadership traits, learn from visits, exchange ideas with other youth, and initiate forums. The crème de la crème at the closing of the academy will received the Jon Ramon Aboitiz Medal for Personal Excellence and Roberto E. Aboitiz Medal for Team Excellence.
A Covenant Signing was made on April 2, 2013 at 2 PM and it signaled the beginning of a new life for the scholars of YMA. 94 vibrant youth made it to the top and all of them will experience the modules formulated by RAFI. Teamwork will the key to their success as they would have to work hand in hand with their teammates, LGUs, and their beneficiaries.
The scholars of Season 6 managed to come up with various solutions to existing problems regarding safety and security, violence of youth, transport and traffic management, flood, and reduction of risks during disaster. With the help of social media, they were able to obtain support from 2,000 people who believe in their ideas. Dream block exhibits were also made to help their beneficiaries.
With the new breed of youth leaders, RAFI is very optimistic with the change that they will show the community. The Young Minds Academy's primary aim is to mold the young lads with wonderful ideas for community change, a change for the greater good of everybody.
For more information about YMA or RAFI, you can contact Mel Yan (418-7234 local 110), visit the official website of RAFI or the official Facebook page of RAFI. More photos from the Covenant Signing can be found here.
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