In celebration of ASEAN Day on 8 August 2023, the ASEAN Foundation and Maybank Foundation welcomed 120 youth volunteers and ten representatives from civil society organisations (CSOs) and social enterprises (SEs) across the region to the grand opening ceremony of the Regional Capacity Building Workshop.
This workshop marks the commencement of the eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN (EYAA) programme, Cohort 3, held at Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok.
Before embarking on their community projects in Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, the youth volunteers will participate in a regional capacity-building workshop from 24 to 27 July 2023.
This workshop serves as a platform for extensive project management training and the finalization of their project proposals, providing them with valuable skills and expertise.
The community projects, jointly undertaken by the youth volunteers and CSOs, will address various issues concerning Arts and Culture, Community Empowerment, Education, and Environmental Diversity across the five countries. For instance, initiatives like Thrive Together, Tenun.
In Belu, and BerDAYA in Indonesia focus on personal development, empowering local artisans, and fostering leadership skills. These projects aim to empower individuals, preserve cultural heritage, and nurture future leaders capable of driving positive change within their communities.
The EYAA programme is tailored for youth aged 19 to 35 years from all ten ASEAN Member States, providing them with an immersive and educational platform through social volunteerism.
As part of this initiative, a diverse group of young changemakers will have the unique opportunity to turn their ideas into impactful projects across selected ASEAN countries.
In its third edition, the EYAA programme offers a host of opportunities and benefits for participants. Each group of youth volunteers and CSOs stands a chance to receive a grant of up to US$27,000, supporting the implementation of their community projects.
Moreover, participants will build a robust regional network, connecting with individuals and organizations throughout Southeast Asia. This expanded network opens doors for future collaborations and partnerships.
Additionally, the programme provides exposure across ASEAN by involving various stakeholders from the region, enabling participants to gain visibility and recognition for their valuable contributions.
