Via USAIDAsia. The ASEAN Youth Volunteer Program (AYVP) is an ASEAN-initiated program designed to support ASEAN’s objectives of regional integration and people-to-people connectivity through engagement of youth in volunteer opportunities that contribute to their personal development and leadership potential. Malaysia has taken the lead in implementing the program and engaging ASEAN youth from all member states. USAID provided funding to initiate the pilot phase in 2013 and will continue to support the program, alongside the Government of Malaysia and other partners. The program provides the U.S. government an opportunity to help develop youth leaders and their desire to build expertise and support development initiatives in lesser developed ASEAN nations. It also provides a platform for regional higher education institutions and youth organizations to collaborate actively to address critical issues in the region. In 2013, 97 volunteers recruited through a competitive process from the 10 ASEAN member states completed community service and volunteerism in four bio-diversity sites around Malaysia. Programs included community-based recycling programs, tree rehabilitation and planting initiatives and clean-up by the beaches, river banks and in the mangrove nursery. Following a successful first year, the expanded program will mobilize volunteers to develop innovative solutions to social, cultural, economic and environmental challenges facing communities across ASEAN by building relationships, competencies and skills in leadership, building a sense of ASEAN identity and connectivity, and promoting community engagement. The program will also develop and support work in other thematic areas, such as heritage conservation and poverty reduction, priorities that were identified by the youth volunteers themselves. The 10-month pilot phase began in November 2013 and is being implemented by the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in partnership with the Government of Malaysia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the ASEAN Secretariat. flickr/photos/usaidasia/sets/72157638309951646/
Posted on: Thu, 30 Jan 2014 04:34:21 +0000
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