The Youth-Inclusive Learning Academy (YILA) Program is an extension of the Indigenous Rights to Education for Sustainability Project, supported by the Youth Empowerment Fund 2024. It provides a space for young people to engage creatively and actively in building a just and inclusive social and ecological society.
Through online learning and training focused on storytelling and public speaking skills related to sustainability and regeneration, the YILA Program advances its mission to boost youth participation in inclusive education. By prioritizing underprivileged youth aged 16–25, YILA ensures that no one is left behind, reinforcing its long-term commitment to developing community-based initiatives.
We call the youth participating in our program as YILA Changemakers, as we empower them with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through nine interactive sessions, YILA Changemakers will learn, ideate, and collaborate to strengthen their resilience in addressing social injustice, ecological challenges, and climate issues, while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
YILA Mentor
The YILA Changemakers Program is led by Anna Christi Suwardi, Ph.D., a certified educator under the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) with Fellow (FHEA) Status.
The UKPSF is a globally recognized system for managing and delivering quality teaching and learning, developed by The Higher Education Academy (HEA), now known as Advance HE, an independent national body in the United Kingdom.
YILA has adopted this framework to enhance the quality of its course, ensuring that its mentor and teaching meet international standards.
Why become a YILA Changemakers?
As a YILA Changemakers, you will:
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle social injustice, ecological challenges, and climate issues.
- Build self-esteem and leadership through online learning and training on public speaking and storytelling related to sustainability, equipping them to design and implement impactful social projects.
- Learn from a certified educator under the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) with Fellow (FHEA) status.
- Engage in a supportive, inclusive, and interactive community of like-minded young people across Southeast Asia, fostering collaboration and shared learning.
How to apply
Applications for Batch 2 (July – August) open from May 26 to June 21, 2025.
Please note that a pre-recorded video must be submitted along with your application.
FAQ
Here are some questions you might have about the YILA Program, along with the answers.
Q: What does "coming from or working with under-represented communities" mean?
It refers to individuals who either belong to, or actively engage with, communities that face marginalization. These communities may include: 1) People facing gender-based barriers; 2) Refugees and displaced persons; 3) Young people at risk; 4) Ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities; 5) People living in rural or remote areas; 6) LGBTQ+ community members; 7) Communities affected by climate change; 8) People with disabilities or chronic illness; and 9) People living in poverty.
Q: Is there a fee for the program?
Selected participants will receive a scholarship covering the program fee, making the program completely free of charge.
Q: Do I need to be a school or university student to participate?
No, you do not need to be a school or university student to participate. If you are 16–25 years old during the program and passionate about creating change in your community, you are a perfect fit for this opportunity!
Q: Can I get some help to submit my application from someone else?
Every applicant must create their own submission material. However, you may have assistance from your parent, guardian, or teacher to upload your materials to the shared folder and complete the online submission form.
Q: Do I need to speak English perfectly in order to join the program?
The program is conducted in English. Online sessions, discussions, and most resources will be in English, so it is important that you can communicate in English. However, fluency is not required—a basic level of English is sufficient!
Q: Is there any travel involved?
No, travel is not required. The program is fully online, with a WhatsApp group where participants can connect and chat at any time.
Q: What do I need in order to participate?
This program is entirely online, so you will need access to a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer with a stable internet connection. Online communication will take place in a WhatsApp group, and participation is required.
Q: How much commitment I need to give for the program?
To get the most out of the program, participants should dedicate 1.5 - 2.0 hours per meeting during the nine-session program to attend online sessions with inspirational instructors. All sessions will be recorded, allowing participants to watch them later if needed.
Q: How will I attend the online meetings, if we are all in different time zones?
Since YILA Changemakers are from the Southeast Asia region, where time zone differences are minimal, sessions will be scheduled in the evening (Jakarta/Bangkok time, GMT+7).
Q: In what language will the program be held?
The program will be held in English.
Q: What are the main goals of the program?
The main goal of the program is to empower young people with public speaking, storytelling, and problem-solving skills to address social injustice, ecological challenges, and climate issues.
Q: What will I get at the end of the program?
The Top 3 Best Participants will receive a 1-Year Premium Educational & Career Mentorship, which includes coaching for public speaking competitions, guidance on writing winning motivation letters for scholarships and fellowships, and support in preparing strong academic applications. They will also receive a Certificate of Appreciation. Additionally, the 7 Most Active Participants will be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their active engagement throughout the program.