National Service Training Program participants from the University of San Jose-Recoletos and their mentors from the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. and USJ-R do the “Mega Cebu wave.” Contributed
Fifty-four students of the University from the San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) have completed the pilot run of the Young Minds Academy–National Service Training Program (YMA-NSTP).
The participants, grouped into 11 teams, underwent a series of competence-building, character-strengthening and citizenship-promoting workshops, and learning and mentoring sessions.
The 5-month training program culminated with the students presenting their project proposals that aimed to address community issues and concerns in support of Mega Cebu.
The “Dry Composting Toilet” of Team Helsinki was chosen as the best project. The team was composed of Derwin Crisologo, Jenlen Santiago, Mike Lawrence Carpentero, Leslie Chloe Marie Rubia and Rusjen Claire Villamero.
Team Dubai was chosen as the best presenter during the project presentation. Team Dubai was composed of Mabel Shaira Calaban, Al Janree Bayucot, Lovely Mae Coca, Jazriel Bles Fuentes and Azalea Candyd Redoble.
“Starting from the session where we talked about our project concept, I have learned many things about my community. Through the program, I felt like having a big responsibility because I wanted to share with other people everything I have learned from the program,” said Katrina Anne Tredes of Team Vienna.
“I learned that making a change is possible if we put our heart, mind and soul to it. In regards to Mega Cebu, I learned that we should not compromise the future for the actions that we have done today. Projects should be sustainable economically and environmentally,” said Krystelle May Gerzon of Team Seoul.
Representatives from the different departments of USJ-R and RAFI served as the panel of evaluators.
Under the agreement, RAFI and USJ-R would adopt the project proposals of the participants and integrate them into the NSTP curriculum.
YMA is a training and development program that will help the youth become “responsible and accountable leaders and proactive citizens ready to serve the public and its interest.”