96 hurdle screening, join YMA Season 8
The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. - Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI-EADSC) welcomed a new batch of brilliant minds to the 8th season of Young Minds Academy (YMA).
During a covenant signing and orientation last April 11, RAFI-EADSC Executive Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro dared the scholars to "surprise us with your ideas" with regards to embedding disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, which is in line with this season's theme of "Urban Development," into their output projects.
Castro emphasized that YMA was established to build each scholar's competence, to strengthen their character, and to promote active citizenship. She expected them to be accountable leaders and proactive citizens and servants not just throughout the duration of the program but, more importantly, even after.
The scholars will undergo an eight-month experiential education, learning visits and youth exchanges, capability building, immersion, research and concept development, and conferences. In its eight years, YMA has produced 662 graduates, 119 project models and proposals, and 17 community-based projects in eight cities and municipalities in Cebu, wherein 1,200 individuals benefited.
"I know through YMA, my vision will be changed, and I would start thinking not just about self-improvement but also the community," stated Jennifer Alinsoot, a first year Accountancy student of University of San Jose-Recoletos, and YMA Season 8 scholar.
Also, both Abigail Lauro, a junior Computer Science student of the University of the Philippines Cebu, and Marquem Mondido, a fourth year Electronics and Communications Engineering student of Cebu Institute of Technology-University expected that they, with their fellow scholars, would develop their leadership skills and whole character not just for their own good but for the country.
These expectations were reinforced by RAFI President Roberto Aboitiz, when he acknowledged that each of the scholars came to learn and improve themselves.
"You recognized that everything can be better," he told the scholars. Aboitiz revealed his mantra — Dream, Design, Implement — as a guide the scholars in all their undertakings.
Alinsoot, Lauro, and Mondido, and the other 93 scholars expressed their gratitude to RAFI-EADSC for the opportunity to develop their capabilities.
"I am greatly inspired by RAFI because even if we haven't started yet with the actual programs, they made the fire to change and serve burn brightly in each of us," Mondido said.