Youth Orientation on Cultural Preservation:
The Youth Capability and Enrichment Program
BACKGROUND
The
challenges of the 21st century in protecting the tangible and intangible,
cultural and natural heritage are increasingly threatened with destruction not
only by the traditional causes of decay, but also by changing social and
economic conditions. The world is changing at a rapid pace and conservation
efforts must keep up with these challenges.
This program promotes
the mobility of young people and understanding between peoples through three
types of actions:
A. Youth
Cultural Exchanges – which bring together groups of young people from the
Tri-people communities of Mindanao for five days.
B. Youth
Voluntary Service – supports trans-cultural voluntary activity for the benefit
of a particular community for a period of time.
C. Youth
Training and Networking – supports the development of youth, specially from the
Moro or IP communities and other marginalized youths.
Cultural
Heritage and Youth
In Mindanao,
youth engagement in cultural heritage promotion and preservation is seen as
vitally important. Firstly, in the regions of the South which are beset with
tremendous challenges. Secondly, young people are tomorrow’s elite and it is
they who will be able to bring new political visions and strategies to
fruition. Thirdly, young people are the base for promoting any kind of
development towards change and reform.
Youth
participation in this initiative is an important factor in social and cultural
development. Young people from all sides of the cultural divides will be the
leaders and decision-makers of tomorrow.
There is a
lot to be gained from further emphasizing the role of youth participation in
cultural programs in the area. In addition to the demographic context
highlighted above, the protection and enhancement of cultural heritage is a
long-term process which can only be fully promoted if skills and knowledge are
transferred across generations. In many instances, respect for and awareness of
cultural heritage must be learned.
Further to
this, the idea of a shared cultural heritage across the regions of Mindanao can
be taught, learned and understood by young people who have engaged in cultural
heritage programs.
It is for
this reason that sustained efforts must be made to strengthen young people’s
awareness and understanding of their cultural heritage and background and to
learn to take ownership of this heritage.
PROJECT
METHODOLOGY
The program
sets up with the understanding that “youth
exchanges should be the means to prepare future generations for a closer
cooperation of the Tri-People of Mindanao.”
The first
phase of the program was focused on supporting the mobility of young people,
and non-formal educational activities for young people through youth exchanges,
voluntary services and support measures.
The
cooperation projects are a significant space where cultural differences and in
particular, notions of active citizenship amongst young people, can be
confronted. These opportunities allow young people to develop new perspectives not
only of their own understanding of their cultural backgrounds but also, about
their neighbors, and to understand better their cultural differences – and
similarities.
Young people
can develop new tools and competencies in order to be more aware of their role
in society, but also to be prepared to take active part in it. This larger
perspective supports them to better understand the complex political and social
situation in Mindanao.
Young people
have the possibility, in this experience, to go beyond the political
stereotypes and the media information about the locale and to experience active
exchange and debate on such topics.
Together, the
group develops the following outputs:
1. A creative
map of one’s cultural heritage;
2. Collective
multimedia performances and exhibitions, drawing on the different experiences
of the participants;
3. Drafting
of resolutions on further engagements to cultural promotion and preservation.
There are
some important challenges involved in engaging young people in
PROGRAM &
ACTIVITIES
The program
will include a welcome ceremony entitled “Dyandi”, workshops and discussions,
and culmination program with output presentation and farewell “Kanduli” dinner.
The course will also include an exposure trip to a cultural location.
