Youth Unlocks Vryheid + Kalayaan
As freedom is being redefined by current political innuendos, the call for young leaders to stand for its true definition is a necessity. On June 22 in Taguig City, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation gathered youth leaders from student governments and youth groups that espouse and promote freedom and liberalism, to realize their potentials of forming a strong and effective youth organization that advances democratic ideals -- rule of law, respect for human rights, good governance and individual freedom.
The activity became a platform for these youth leaders to express their aspirations for a better Philippines and to give resolutions to the challenges that comes with it. Facilitating the workshop is Ms. Marike Groenewald, former Executive Director of Development, Learning, and Training of South Africa’s Democratic Alliance (DA), former Director of DA’s Youth Leaders Programme and founder of Anew, a leadership development, coaching and facilitation company.
“The experience of DA’s Youth Leaders Programme in honing South Africa’s future leaders has been extraordinary. We are privileged to learn from one of the best in the world. We hope to develop a similar kind in the Philippines.” says JP delas Nieves, one of the youth leaders who participated in the workshop.
Democratic Alliance is continuously working on youth leadership development programs in South Africa by broadening the political knowledge, critical thinking and communication skills through the Young Leaders Program. She was responsible for the development and learning needs of almost 700 staff members and nearly 2000 public representatives.
Ms. Groenewald shared the essence of proper brand development and content marketing strategies that could help further their organization’s causes. Further, she emphasized the importance of being a learning organization more than just being an event organizer. “The need to show the people that the organization could do amazing things is one strategy that could attract potential members,” said Ms. Groenewald. The Democratic Alliance’s Youth Leaders Program was used as the case study.
The event was capped off with the participants’ take on the workshop and how these new ideas would be incorporated to their personal leadership style and development needs.
“The youth’s passion for innovation and love for their country should be greatly encouraged to motivate them to be the front runners of development as the future lies within them,” remarked FNF Philippines’ Head of Country, Wolfgang Heinze.
