The JUSTYouth Programme, an initiative designed by Asia Centre with support from the ASEAN Foundation in partnership with Maybank Foundation, brought together nine passionate young volunteers from across Southeast Asia between July and October 2024. These volunteers collaborated with community-based organisations in Chiang Mai, Thailand, addressing critical social issues such as gender inequality in education and child rights. The programme provides an experiential learning platform that empowers youth to engage in social volunteerism, build leadership skills, and foster cross-cultural collaboration. In the programme’s fourth cohort, nine volunteers from nine ASEAN countries each contributed to local development and social change in their unique ways.
Situated in the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, a regional hub for many CSOs and INGOs due to its proximity to neighbouring countries, two exceptional young volunteers, Pran Kittivirapat from Thailand and Alya Nur Azizah from Indonesia, embarked on transformative journeys through the JUSTYouth Programme during their two-week field residence from August 6-20, 2024. Their mission was not only to deepen their understanding of complex social issues but also to inspire their peers to advocate for justice and equality. Through their work, Pran and Alya embodied the essence of the EYAA Programme, demonstrating leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to social inclusion.
A Shared Vision for Impact
Pran, an engineering student from Bangkok, Thailand, joined the programme with a deep desire to connect with local communities and gain hands-on experience addressing the challenges they face. His particular focus was on women’s empowerment, and he hoped to contribute meaningfully to initiatives that uplift marginalised voices. “I wanted to be part of something meaningful,” Pran shared, reflecting on his motivation to make a tangible difference.
Alya, a final-year Business Management student from East Java, Indonesia, was inspired by her family’s cooperative background and her passion for social entrepreneurship. Her goal was to explore how cooperative models could be used to address gender equality at the grassroots level. “I wanted to dive deeper into social issues, especially gender equality,” she explained, recognising the urgency of tackling these challenges directly within communities.
Despite having no prior formal training in social sciences, their time in Chiang Mai proved to be a steep yet rewarding learning curve for both Pran and Alya. They navigated the complexities of community engagement, social inclusion advocacy, and collaboration with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). Pran, as the only Thai member in a diverse international team, faced logistical challenges, especially when coordinating with local partners like Greenhouse, a community space supporting media allies, including female journalists from minority communities. “We had to adapt quickly, but that taught me valuable problem-solving skills,” Pran noted.
Alya, who was new to gender advocacy, was inspired by the work of local NGOs already tackling pressing gender-related issues. “Seeing their impact made me realise how crucial advocacy is,” she remarked. Their shared commitment to social inclusion deepened as they recognised the power of community-led efforts in driving systemic change.
Contributing to the Community
As part of their work, Pran and Alya collaborated with Greenhouse to organise the onsite “JUSTYouth Sharing Session“ — a youth-led forum focused on addressing issues affecting women and girls within the ASEAN region. The session featured stories and case studies drawn from Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, and other ASEAN countries, with participants based in Chiang Mai. This platform enabled local voices to discuss key social issues alongside all youth volunteers involved in the project, as well as other collaborators and supporters from diverse organisations. The volunteers also made connections and formed friendships with local leaders and individuals they met during their field residency. Topics discussed included gender inequality, youth empowerment, and other pressing regional concerns.
In their roles, Pran and Alya were deeply involved in managing logistics, engaging with local communities, and inviting expert speakers, which helped facilitate meaningful dialogue. Before the event, the volunteers also engaged with two representatives from Maybank Thailand, gaining insights into the corporate sector’s role in supporting community initiatives.
Social media played a crucial role in amplifying the programme’s impact. The volunteers shared powerful videos on platforms like Instagram (@justyouth_eyaa), showcasing the empowerment journeys of women and youth leaders from organisations such as the BEAM Education Foundation. These videos garnered attention on International Youth Day, inspiring others to embrace volunteerism and advocate for social inclusion.
The JUSTYouth Sharing Session brought together prominent speakers and local participants, fostering in-depth discussions on issues such as gender equality and youth leadership. Pran took charge of event logistics, ensuring smooth operations, while Alya focused on outreach, encouraging local leaders to share their experiences. “It was incredible to see how these young leaders were shaping the future of their communities,” Alya reflected on the forum’s success.
Engaging with Local Leaders
A critical aspect of their journey was connecting with influential local leaders who are already driving social change. One such leader was Wirawan (Boom) Mosby, founder of The HUG Project Thailand, an organisation focused on child protection and the fight against sexual exploitation. Pran, Alya, and other YVs were so inspired that during the regional workshop in Bangkok, prior to the field programme, they decided to use Khun Boom’s work as an aspiration for their project and integrated it into their pitch with Asia Centre’s team during the regional workshop. Boom’s dedication to empowering women and youth, particularly through trauma-informed approaches, left a lasting impact on both Pran and Alya. During an online forum, Boom shared powerful insights into women’s leadership and the need to address the root causes of inequality.
“Boom’s story exemplifies how empathy and sincerity can drive social inclusion,” Pran noted, highlighting the importance of community-based leadership in addressing complex societal issues.
The Empowering “She Speaks” Forum
Another significant milestone in their journey was their involvement in organising the “She Speaks: A Collective for Empowering Youths Across Southeast Asia” online forum, held on October 26, 2024. The event focused on amplifying the voices of women leaders and showcasing their achievements across the region. Pran once again led logistical coordination, while Alya took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of empowering young women to take on leadership roles. “It was amazing to witness women from diverse backgrounds come together, share their stories, and empower each other,” Alya shared. Both volunteers also extended their reach by involving wider youth within their networks in both their home countries and fellow YVs from other ASEAN countries. The event not only created a platform for regional dialogue but also reinforced the necessity of youth participation in empowering young women in leadership positions.
Lasting Impact and Aspirations Ahead
The impact of the EYAA Programme on both Pran and Alya has been profound. For Pran, the programme strengthened his communication and organisational skills and deepened his commitment to community-based leadership. For Alya, the experience has motivated her to promote grassroots initiatives in Indonesia, with a particular focus on youth and women’s empowerment.
“Both of us learned that change starts with us,” Pran reflected on his transformative journey. “We have the power to inspire our peers and make a difference.”
Pran and Alya’s stories embody the core mission of the EYAA Programme, which empowers youth to become active agents of social inclusion. Equipped with new skills and a strong sense of purpose, they are determined to continue advocating for women’s leadership and actively engaging their peers in social issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Empowering Youths Across ASEAN (EYAA) Programme has not only transformed the lives of Pran and Alya but also catalysed a ripple effect of empowerment throughout the ASEAN region by encouraging these YVs to be more socially adept and aware of their community’s needs. They have fostered a culture of giving back and embraced a team-oriented approach by collaborating with other youth volunteers. Through their collaboration with organisations like Greenhouse and their engagement with influential leaders like Boom Mosby, both volunteers have gained invaluable insights into advocacy, community service, and social inclusion — and long-term aspirations to contribute further even after the programme concluded.
The programme has proven to be a powerful platform for social change, equipping youth across Southeast Asia with enhanced awareness, skills, tools, and perspectives, while also establishing connections with key individuals and institutions — the change-makers essential for addressing pressing issues like gender equality and social inclusion. By bridging the gap between youth and critical social challenges, the EYAA Programme has nurtured a new generation of leaders, ready to drive sustainable and inclusive social action, all inspired by the spirit of ASEAN friendship among youth.
The impact of Pran and Alya’s work will continue to inspire and empower future changemakers, ensuring that the voices of youth remain at the forefront of efforts to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive ASEAN community for generations to come.
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