Team Thailand

Team Thailand will link to the campaign work of Amnesty International. They hope being a Youth Ambassador with AI’s support can give them more confidence to work in their field.

Yingcheep Atchanont
Actually I am a lawyer but I’m working for a little NGO called “iLaw” which doing campaign on law reform. We have website “ilaw.or.th” but sorry that we have only Thai version. Our interest is Freedom of Expression and civil participation by using new media.

I sometimes volunteer for many kinds of activities and create some Human Rights youth camp. I am looking for an opportunity to learn more about how to do Human Rights campaign in many ways besides my routine job.

Nuengnaya Laingam
I am a master student at Mahidol University, Thailand. Now I am working on my thesis about “Human Rights and Thai Drama: A Case Study of Thai Situation Comedy (Sit-Com)”. My hobby is trevelling which makes me happy to learn how beautiful the world is!!!

This program gives me the opportunity to learn Human Rights in practice and light up inspiration to society.

Boonsan Ransikarbum
I am undergraduate social worker as working in the field of Youth both for Youth for Local Wisdom network, the running alternative education organization, and ASEAN Youth Movement Network, the new space for the young blood social workers that get along with the ASEAN People Forum, which I participate in the media team.

Taking the photograph is my most favourite hobby. The street photograph style most inspired me because you will see the people life, thought and how do they feel in that moment through their eyes and their appearances.

Human rights are actually something new to me, but I intend to learn more about the human rights which we all are getting into it in every 24/7 of your moves. Furthermore, the demonstration cracked down during May in Thailand was something unbearable to me, and it is also being the inspiration to me to learn more about the FOE and Democracy.

Besides, being the Ambassador would give me chances to learn more from people and friends around Asia, and being supported by APYN and AI Thailand as well as give me clarify more about the FOE.

I will be in Jakarta, Indonesia in this 1-5 May for ASEAN Youth Forum and ASEAN People Forum. If any of you will be there, I would like to talk to you more, too.

Team Indonesia

This team from Indonesia will bring up the issue – Poverty is a human rights violation that we ARE capable of lessening – to the direct community within school and children living in the kampong area. They are working with a group of children in kampong and teaching them to play soccer. They will also collaborate with clubs at school to raise awareness of human rights and poverty at school.

Parina Lalchandani
Hi! My name is Parina Lalchandani, and I’m sixteen years old. I’m an Indonesian of Indian origin, and I’ve lived in Jakarta my whole life. My other group members are Jason Masong and Ajay Taunk. My reasons for joining APYN are primarily because I had the opportunity to meet several APYN ambassadors in March last year for a Global Issues Network Conference in Hong Kong. I was inspired by their actions, and passion for service, which I also share. More importantly, I feel as though being in this position will help me further learn about how we can bring about change, and help me understand and learn more about human rights issues in the world. I’m so looking forward to working with you all!

Ajay Taunk
Right now I’m in High school (which, as I have come to understand, is not common the Youth Ambassador Program) so I have never had opportunity to focus on a certain area of study at a university level. What my school, Jakarta International School (JIS), offers is the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which I have enrolled in. I am pursuing a career in finance or business.

Two of my biggest hobbies are basketball and videogames. I play basketball at an inter-scholastic level and I fan of Los Angeles Lakers (of the NBA). Videogames are also a hobby of mine. Whether it be strategy or sports, I love all genres of videogames.

I actually heard about this position from Parina. As she told me about this opportunity, my excitement only grew. By the end of her explanation I was bubbling with excitement. As a young person in this world, I believe I can view things differently, and approach seemingly impossible tasks in varied manners but, simultaneously, I have much to learn about the world in which I live. I believe that this platform would offer me the ability to learn about the human rights violations/issues that plague our region, and the world today. With this new found understanding, I want to make a difference in the world.

Jason Masong
Like my colleagues I’m in high school at JIS, but I hope to study abroad in the Unites State after I graduate from high school. Furthermore, I’m not enrolled in the IB diploma program as Parina and Ajay, instead I’m taking a mix of IB and AP (American advanced placement courses, such as AP US history). As a career I’ve had a lot of deliberation and figured that something that will show me the world should do, either it be being a journalist, gourmet chef or even better, a travel writer! As long as I have a roof on my head, I’m cool.

My hobby – BOLA! That’s soccer in Indonesian. I’m a big fan of Chelsea FC and the German National team, unless of course, The Garudas are playing.

I actually heard about this position from Parina. I did this to initially help her out, but then it grew to something bigger; I mean we never expected to get chosen anyways, but heck why not eh? Anyways, I have a considerable amount of free time and I like exploring new things as well, that’s why I gave this a shot.

Hope to hear more from you guys, because I am still quite lost here, naive may I add. You guys have the experience and we have the energy, so I believe that we can collaborate to form a strong synergy for years to come.

Team Indonesia

This Youth Ambassador team from Indonesia aims to set up a home school centre for children in Jayapura, Papua. They want to raise the awareness about the importance of education to the community with local approach. Local friends will be recruited and trained as volunteer teachers.

Christina Enny
My name is Christina Enny, from Indonesia. I am glad to see the movement of young people around the world who are ready to make difference on the earth we are living in.

Team Malaysia

Nur Adilla
Hello there everyone. I am currently studying in International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in English Language and Literature. I have always wanted to know more about the world and its people. When I discover that there are many people who are living in a bad condition, some affected by poverty and sickness and other issues concerning humanities, I told myself that since I am lucky enough to live a peaceful and almost conflict-free life, it is a duty for me as a fellow human being to help those who are in need. Don’t you think so too? I guess that’s why all of you join the ambassador program. I also believe that by joining a program such as APYN Ambassador I will be able to learn more about the condition of people around the world, since our project this time will be on South East Asia, I am excited to know about the condition of people there and what I can do to help. My friends and I are committed to do our best and conduct our three action plans effectively.

Peace from Malaysia to all the ambassadors…

Mohd Zafi Zakaria
I have completed my bachelor degree in TESL, last year, practically I’m just fill in the time to do something and servicing to people, anyway I heard about this when Dilla posted on her facebook, and I am always love doing humanitarian campaign.

Nisha
I am currently studying in International Islamic University Malaysia, taking English Linguistics and Literature while at the same time doing minor course on Political Science. I am now in my final year in which will complete my study by the end of this year.

I am interested in doing humanity program and I want to contribute something to the society.  Moreover, I want to gain experience and improve myself in any ways.

Stay tuned for information on Team Philippines and more details on the cluster youth ambassadors

Munkhchimeg Yadamsuren
Hello! I am Munkhchimeg Yadamsuren. I’m a 24 year-old history teacher in Mongolia. I consider myself a philosopher and a gender activist. In 2009, I organized a film discussion on human trafficking. I believe that through film discussions, we can raise awareness to prevent women and girls from being recruited by human traffickers!

Tengis Munkh-orgil
My name is Tengis Munkh-orgil. I’m 15 years old. (Perhaps, I’m the youngest ambassador!) I play acoustic guitar. I am a debater and an athletic person, too! Last year, I helped in organizing a Human Rights Parade, where I met a lot of new people.

Erdembayar Bayanjargal 
Hello Friends! I’m Erdembayar Bayanjargal. Just like Tengis, I am a debater, too. I also helped in the preparation of the Human Rights Parade. I like meeting new people for it helps me see things in a different angle.

Team Taiwan

This team from Taiwan organized a concert called ‘Sounds Right’ last year. They said the concert aimed to engage youth in human rights activities through music. This year, they wish to re-stage the concert but this time they will have youth unemployment as the theme!

Yingfen Wang
Hello! I am Yingfen Wang! Human Rights in Taiwan are associated with dirty politics. It’s hard to appeal the youth to be involved. But, I believed that each one of us has a responsibility to the global society no matter where we live. I want to be part of this campaign and put my learning in Political Science into practical use!

Chang Yu-Ting
I am Yu-Ting Chang. I am in junior year in National Chiao-Tung University studying Communications and Technology. I play bass for a metal band. I volunteered last year for a human rights concert called Sounds Right. I met Yingfen there. The concert was much better than what we expected it would be! Through the concert, I learned how to face different situations and deal with problems.

Yu-Shan Chang 
My name is Yu-Shan Chang! Last year, I went to Germany to study and worked as a volunteer in a organization called ‘Student For A Free Tibet Deutschland’. I helped in organizing the concert, together with Yingfen and Yu-Ting. The themes of the Sounds Right Concert were Demand Dignity, ICCPR and ICESCR.

Team Mongolia

The Youth Ambassadors of this team consider one another as close friends despite coming from different cities in Mongolia. They will do a human rights campaign about children working in markets.

Enkhjargal Burenjargal
I am Enkhjargal Burenjargal. I love to read and plant flowers. I have been part of Amnesty International since I noticed how actively young people are involved in global issues. I was leading the Climate Change team in 2010 and volunteered for the art gallery project on Death Penalty. I am now very interested with Demand Dignity.

Otgongerel Mygmarjav
Hello everyone! My name is Otgongerel Mygmarjav. I participated in a human rights training sponsored by Amnesty. Last year, I had an acting stint with Amnesty International. I played for the Demand Dignity play.

Enkhbayar Batzul
My name is Enkhbayar Batzul. I like poetries and writing articles. Since 2006, I have been doing human rights works like Death Penalty and a campaign called ‘If you know your human rights, it tastes like chocolate’. It’s a quiz bee! I am friends with a lot of young activists like Buya and Tuuru. Buya was an APYN ambassador for 2010 and Tuuru designed the APYN logo. We have this friendship for human rights for 5 years now. Some of us have graduated but we still meet.

Over the last few months, the APYN Youth Ambassador Co Facilitation Team were delighted with the a large amount of applications, interest, energy and ideas from various countries spanning across many languages in the Asia Pacific. The overwhelming response delayed our selection, and we thank you for your interest and patience.

Thank you and congratulations to all who applied to the APYN Youth Ambassador initiative. We were very impressed by all the applications!

We have now provided first round invitations to candidates to the 2011 Youth Ambassadors from across region, who come with their own experiences in Human rights, Peace, Health Care, Humanitarian Relief, Food Security and Youth Progression.

They all share a common vision and a commitment to developing – personally and as part of a team – as an young agent of change. Local support has been identified, and opportunities ideas have been shared.

Over the years the APYN’s Youth Ambassador initative has proven a success and has been a platform for many youth advocates who feel that they can do more for their communities and restore dignity through the use of simple human rights programs and activities. Through connecting with other young people in the region who also want to encourage the protection and promotion of human rights, participants have developed skills, gained experience and shared campaigning activities. We look forward to this continuing and developing.

We congratulate those invited to participate in the Youth Ambassador Initiative from across the region, and wish them very best through the year.

Updates on the 2011 Youth Ambassadors will be shared with the APYN, and look out for opportunities to join them in their activities over the next 10 months.

Nicki, Nathan, Yohen, Peter, Nafiz, Damien & Mirinda
APYN Youth Ambassador Co Facilitation Team

Yohen shares his story:

And here are some stories in images of adventures of other APYN Youth Ambassadors!

Want to speak to a APYN Youth Ambassador to find out more?

Contact us at apyncampaigns@gmail.com

Applications are now open for the Asia Pacific Youth Network Youth Ambassador program.

The Asia Pacific Youth Network is formed by young people (volunteers)  from over 20 countries in the Asia Pacific region. The network is open to all individuals desiring social change and it aims to connect like minded people in the Asia Pacific who are interested in campaigning on issues that matter to them and, to open doors to finding out more and to create opportunities to act.

The APYN Youth Ambassador program is for young people who want to develop their leadership skills in leading this change. Youth Ambassadors are volunteers. They do not recieve payment. This is a learning and networking opportunity for individuals.

Over a 12 month period, you will work with young human rights activists/advocates/interested individuals from across the Asia Pacific Region to develop your own projects around common campaigns (for example the link between human rights and poverty). As a youth ambassador, you will design an action plan and work with the facilitation team and other activists in the region to implement this action plan. Some of the actions will take place just in your own country and some of the actions will link with regional activities – and you’ll be involved in discussing and deciding these! We will provide some training and guidance in how to go about doing this.  The most important thing is though, that you all want to learn more about human rights activism!

We are asking applicants to apply in groups of three, and to nominate a supporting organization or network that will help you locally. Think about organizations you are involved in, different networks of people you are in contact with; consider your social, arts and sporting associations.  As this group of three, you will be expected to engage further with young people in your country to get them involved in your project for human rights!

To get involved in this opportunity to lead human rights change within your own community, country and regionally all you have to do is:

1. Find two people that want to do this with you! You’ll each need to be able to commit, on average, 3-5 hours per week from December 2010 – December 2011. At least one of your team will need to be confident to write, read and speak in English. Your team will need to be able to access the internet at least three times per week. You may wish to think about ensuring within your team you have someone that can communicate online easily, someone with wide networks or contacts, and someone who is likely to want to continue the activities next year!

2. Ask your local organizations for their support if you are successful. Please note: the APYN Youth Ambassadors is not a funding opportunity, most Youth Ambassadors run community projects on the investment of time, sharing of information and use of existing or low cost resources. This is an opportunity for young individuals in the Asia Pacific to connect with others through human rights activism and personally learn new skills and develop broader networks with other youth activists.

3. Agree on an idea – a series of activities, events or creative project that you will be able to complete in 8 months that will allow you to ask young people in your community to take action on human rights. This is your  ‘Action Plan Idea’ – be creative, but legal At this stage, it only needs to be an idea – we will help you to create an Action Plan.

The elements that you will may consider are:  how you will reach out to young people; what do you think you can create to enable other young people to participate in activism; what can you do to ask your friends to explore the link between human rights and poverty; what tools would you need to make to support this?

4. The campaigning theme will focus on the link between Human Rights and poverty. While other a focuses may be included in your action plan, the regional action point focuses will seek to work with other young people to campaign on Human Rights and poverty.

Please note: if you have a different idea or any questions, please contact apynya@gmail.com

5. Fill out the online form on this page by November 21^st, 2010 29 November, 2010 ! (due to popular request!)

For more information and to read about the experiences of previous youth ambassadors, visit here

“Poverty is in your hands” (((Demand Dignity)))

Q:  Once I’ve filled in the form, what happens then?

The team of young people – the Co-Facilitation Team will look at the applications and select candidates. They may contact you, or the organization you have nominated for further information, or to speak with you. Once the final selection (of 20 teams) is made, you will be invited to join as an APYN Youth Ambassador.

If you are successful in the first round of selection, then each team member will need to:

1. Attend an online induction session that highlights roles and responsibilities, you will be asked to add your name to a commitment to the program.  Your team will also need to speak with your supporting organization or network and outline and agree to the support arrangements.

2. You’ll then be invited to another session to assist in developing and refining your action plan. This will include the regional key activity or campaigning actions and messages.

3. Once this is completed, you will need to submit to APYN and to your supporting network to ensure that the parameters and plan are acceptable, and support is secured for your idea.

What happens next?

Once your action plan is accepted, and you’ve met some other youth ambassadors from the region, then a whole range of activities are ready to begin these include:

a)  Learning opportunities- online for human rights information, activism and mobilization skills!

b)  Sharing opportunities – online for lessons from other youth ambassadors, experience sharing and leadership discussions.

c) peer support clusters- for troubleshooting and coordinating activities and campaigning messages, sharing tools that you create (and accessing those that others do!),  advice from others on the experience of implementing your action idea!

d) Introductions and conversations with other young people interested in human rights (i.e. making some new friends)

e) Implementing your action plan – working to make your idea happen!! And sharing things you learn and what you achieve with young people in the APYN

f) Evaluating your work, helping evaluate others and sharing what you learn.

Want to apply? Fill in this form now online form

“August is the month dedicated for the promotion and protection of the Indigenous Peoples’ rights. In August 9, we celebrate the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. This is a good opportunity for young people across the globe to advance the goal of fortifying an international solidarity for the solution of the problems faced by the indigenous peoples. This is an opportunity for youth to stand up and demand that government ensures that indigenous peoples are free to exercise their rights to health, education and social and economic development.

From August 2009 to January this year, Asia Pacific Youth Network in the Philippines facilitated the (((Youth Poses for Dignity))) where more than 2000 youth voices (in the form of photos), including some 90 from indigenous young people themselves, were collected. These 2000 plus (((Youth Poses for Dignity))) which focus on the call for the respect of Indigenous Peoples’ rights are collated into collages. Above are some of the final product.

We invite you to be part of our advocacy and make this world a place where a genuine respect for human rights is present.”

And here’s a great film of developed by friends at AI Philippines:‘Like You, We have Rights Too. Young Indigenous Peoples – Voices of the Young Indigenous Peoples’

part one: part two: 

& a shout out to our friends at the Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network

GIN Conference update

In March 2010,  four APYN youth ambassadors partook in a workshop on the link between poverty and human rights -  which addressed one of thematic areas of the Global Issues Network Conference on Poverty Reduction and Youth related best practices.

The sessions were attended by more than 400 participants, who were exposed to  realities surrounding the status of youth and poverty and how these  situations were human rights issues that we should all be concerned about. Participants came from schools around the Asia Pacific region.

As part of the information sharing sessions, the participants broke into various groups where they further explored their personal interests in how they would like to help in the amplifying of their voices and how they could duplicate this in their own communities. The interests areas were derived from the the areas where the four ambassadors present had used in their own communities  (Quiza – Hip Hop and Music, Selena – Creative Arts and Collage, James – New Media, & Peter – Human Rights Education)

The workshops ended with registrations, where participants were asked to submit the responses they had created  to the question ‘What does Living with dignity mean to you?’ (which filled a whole room) to add their voice to the call to (((Demand Dignity))).

Peter, Quiza, Selena and James