Yangon & Myitkyina
The purpose of Young Lives Myanmar
Young Lives Myanmar program aims to develop young adults confidence and communication. It will empower them to navigate challenges faced in their daily lives. The process also builds their motivation and independence. It allows them to pursue their vocations in life while being aware of the importance of service and participation in their churches and communities. We form those who have been identified as potential future leaders in their villages and parishes. The program creates a sustainable cycle of future leaders. For example, they can serve in roles such as the Secretary of the Diocesan Youth Director Office .
Our students develop life skills through both applied and experiential learning. That is relevant and necessary in adapting to global work trends. For instance, they have English and computer literacy, with the Young Lives Development Centre (YLDC). This is particularly relevant for a post-pandemic climate. These skills allow youth to expand their opportunities beyond geographical borders, as digital learning and remote working are becoming the norm.
The team spends a significant amount of time with each student individually. It is a part of our formation approach. They monitor and evaluate their progress while accompanying them as they work through new challenges and discoveries. The program builds the students’ communitarian spirit through the household system, cell groups and inculturation sessions. It aims to bring together different ethnic and cultural groups to foster unity in the current and future generations of leaders.
Phase 1 - Life skills Module
The Life Skills module is the first phase. It targets, specifically, out-of-work, out-of-school and underprivileged youth. For this purpose, our methodological approach is a holistic development of the self towards moving others.
The students undergo one month of on-the-job training through Fondacio’s local networks under the vocational component (practicum) as part of the program. During this time, they can put elements of the Life Skills module into practice, such as work ethics.
In fact, the program offered by Young Lives Myitkyina is a replication of the four-month Life Skills formation program offered by Young Lives Yangon. Upon completing these four months, students have the option to transition to Young Lives Yangon to continue their journey through the Leadership program. Hence, this approach allows for continuity and provides students with opportunities for more targeted personal and leadership development.
Phase 2 - Youth Leadership Module
The second phase includes the Youth Leadership module for potential youth leaders in the villages and parishes or dioceses. It includes basic leadership and facilitation skills, faith development, social issues, 9 and critical thinking with other key topics, including peace education. Through this module, skills such as facilitation and accompaniment skills are developed. This enables them to act as leaders in their communities after completing the program. With these, they can mobilize others through strategic visioning of their missions. This is particularly important for their future roles as key persons coordinating between the church, its hierarchy and NGOs on the ground.
Young Lives Myanmar - Program Admission
We want to ensure that the program is offered to youths most in need for maximized impact. Individuals who are eligible to apply for the Young Lives program should ideally fulfil the following criteria:
- Under-privileged young people aged 17-30 who are seeking new perspectives on life
- Completed High School or 10th Grade
- Able to participate fully until the accomplishment of Graduation
- Able to participate with local grassroots communities
However, noting that existing opportunities in accessing formal education are limited, especially for some ethnic applicants, the education requirement is not strictly set. This ensures that the most marginalized are supported. No one is left behind, especially those motivated to upskill and attend the Young Lives Program.
Our Young Lives Myanmar graduates
Young Lives Myanmar Program Impact
Since 2016 (on hiatus during the pandemic since 2020), approximately 240 students have graduated and benefited from Young Lives program.
In addition, we had 321 beneficiaries from the previous Youth Leadership Program (YLD), which was implemented from 2005 to 2006. The total of beneficiaries with Young Lives Program, who was modelled after YLD is 561.
From this accumulated number of beneficiaries of both programs, 35 graduate alumni have been referred for further formation to IFFAsia, with a vast majority gainfully employed in the UN, NGOs, private companies and Church ministries.
Contact Young Lives Myanmar Team
- no (881), Aung Zay Ti Street Sub – Street (2) 10 miles, Inn Sein Township Yangon, MYANMAR
- + 95 9 97532 0720
- younglives.ygn@fondacio-asia.org