YMCA Manila’s Youth Committee Elevates Young Leaders and Gender Equality
Pioneering Progress: YMCA Manila’s Youth Committee Elevates Young Leaders and Gender Equality
The Youth Leadership and Development Committee (YLDC) of the YMCA of Manila, under the leadership of its Chair, Czieloh Villajin, has successfully orchestrated two significant projects in 2024, demonstrating their commitment to empowering youth and promoting gender equality.
Women's Y Sportsfest: Championing Gender Equality in Athletics
In an initiative aligned with International Women's Month, the YLDC, in partnership with the Gender Equity Committee (GEC), launched the Women's Y Sportsfest in March 2024. This event addresses the historical disparities in recognition and opportunities for women in sports in the Philippines.
The event kicked off with an exciting exhibition game in March, setting the stage for the first-ever YMCA Women’s Basketball Tournament whose discipline has traditionally seen less female participation.
As the eliminations concluded on August 25, 2024, the anticipation builds for the grand finals scheduled for September 8, 2024. This event not only celebrates women's athletic prowess but also serves as a powerful platform to challenge stereotypes and inspire future generations of female athletes.
Equipping Youth Through Effective Fundraising Workshop
Recognizing the importance of sustainable resources for youth-led initiatives, the YLDC organized a fundraising workshop on August 24, 2024. Titled "Fundraising Strategies: Effective Tools, Tips, and Tactics," this workshop equipped YLDC members, College Y Officers, and Hi-Y Officers with essential skills in grant writing and resource mobilization.
The workshop covered various aspects of fundraising, including:
● Preparing organizations for fundraising
● Leveraging modern tools like social media and crowdfunding
● Identifying funding opportunities
● Writing compelling narratives
● Budgeting for projects
Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and received constructive feedback on their outputs. This practical approach ensures that the YMCA of Manila's youth leaders are well-prepared to secure funding for future projects.
Leadership Rooted in Experience and Global Perspective
Czieloh Villajin brings a wealth of experience and global perspective to her role as YLDC Chair. As the Philippines representative to Cohort 5 of the YMCA Change Agents programme, she has received extensive training in various areas such as Communication for Change, Good Design, and Fundraising. Her personal experiences with fundraising challenges as a student have informed her approach, making the workshop content both relatable and practical for participants.
In addition to her role with the YLDC, Villajin chairs the GEC and represents the YMCA Philippines on the Gender Equity Committee of the Asia Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY). Her successful completion of the Change Agents programme will culminate in her attendance at the Mombasa Acceleration Summit and graduation in Kenya this October, further enhancing her ability to drive positive change within the Y community.
A Vision for the Future
Reflecting on these initiatives, Villajin shared, “Through our previous and upcoming projects, we're not just organizing events—we're building a foundation for lasting change. We're equipping our youth to break barriers, challenge norms, and create sustainable solutions for our community. By combining our focus on gender equity with practical skills in fundraising, we're equipping our young leaders to make a real difference."
As these projects unfold, the YLDC of YMCA Manila continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing young leaders, promoting gender equality, and ensuring the sustainability of youth-driven programs. These efforts serve as an inspiring model for YMCAs across the Asia Pacific region and beyond, showcasing the power of youth-led initiatives in creating positive social change.