Myanmar YMCA’s Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth Employment (S.D.S.Y.E) Program’s “Sharing & Learning Workshop”:

Myanmar YMCA’s Sustainable Development through Strengthening Youth Employment (S.D.S.Y.E) Program’s “Sharing & Learning Workshop”: A safe and supportive environment for youth to exchange knowledge and experiences

Myanmar YMCA’s S.D.S.Y.E Program successfully organized its biggest and most exceptional event, the “Sharing & Learning Workshop”, for the third time, from 4th to 7th August, 2025 in charmingly unique Kalaw Township, Southern Shan State, Myanmar. The workshop gathered 60 youths from 8 different cities across Myanmar to share their experiences, discuss their opinions and learning from one another.

After arriving Kalaw on the first morning, the event was formally opened with a speech by Myanmar YMCA’s NGS, U Maung Maung Win. He expressed his passion to empower young people unconditionally and pledged to continue his work to encourage and support youth. He also insisted that young learners ought to overcome every struggle with a smile.

The agenda then proceeded with the experiences sharing session by young participants. They evinced their emotions and feelings when they firstly joined S.D.S.Y.E’s activities and shared their improved attitudes during and after the activities. One participant highlighted that he always felt as if he were in a second family’s home whenever he took part in S.D.S.Y.E activities of Myanmar YMCA. Another participant raised an important point relevant not only for young learners but also for organizers and social workers. She said:

“Every young person has hidden talents, and the only thing missing is a warm and helping hand to bring out those potentialities. I found that pair of hands, which I needed in my life to awaken my talents, in S.D.S.Y.E’s famous activity, the Youth Camp Program.”

She expressed her gratitude to the program, appreciating the constructive advice she received instead of criticism from others.

The key stage of the workshop, the panel discussion, took place on the second day. Four participants were invited to serve as panelists, while the rest actively engaged throughout the discussion. The conversation mainly focused on two core topics: education and employment. One staff member from the S.D.S.Y.E Program served as the facilitator, while another joined as a panelist. The facilitator guided the discussion using a SWOT analysis framework to highlight youth involvement in these two areas. Each panelist came from a different region and had diverse areas of interest, which enriched the dialogue and made the exchange of ideas and opinions especially dynamic. This discussion was all about youth involvement in respective fields and the whole dialogue sessions were “by youth, for youth” and “from youth to youth”.

The last two days were all about networking and team building, while experiencing the beauty and adventure of Kalaw Township. All participants went on a half-day hike, holding hands to strengthen their friendship as they shared their dreams and inspiring ideas. Within these two days, our program led an Environmental Conservation Awareness and Culture Exchange Program in Kalaw City, Southern Shan State, Myanmar. During this program, the youth learned about important environmental issues such as deforestation, climate change, and carbon footprint. At the same time, they explored the local culture, including the way of life and main economic activities of the residents. The program also included trekking activities, where each group, organized by the SDSYE Team, will create a Learning Proof Video. These videos reflect their learning experiences and insights from the sharing and learning program, along with the beautiful natural landscape of Kalaw.

Over four purposeful days in Kalaw (August 4–7, 2025), the S.D.S.Y.E “Sharing & Learning Workshop” became a living network of youth who listen, learn, and lead together. From heartfelt testimony and thoughtful discussion to shared trails and laughter, participants transformed ideas into commitments and friendships into collaborative strength. The panel’s youth-led insights on education and employment, anchored by a practical SWOT lens, now provide a clear roadmap for action in their communities.

Myanmar YMCA extends sincere appreciation to the participants, facilitators, volunteers, and local hosts who made this milestone possible. Building on the momentum from Kalaw, the S.D.S.Y.E Program will continue nurturing young people with the guidance, opportunities, and “warm helping hands” they need to unlock their potential. The work does not end here but it grows from here, as these 60 youths carry forward their skills, networks, and renewed confidence to create positive change across Myanmar.