Myanmar Young Leaders Programme 2017

The purpose of this programme is to build a network of highly skilled leaders who will contribute to the peaceful development of Myanmar and establish strong links with New Zealand. They will gain English language proficiency and the knowledge and skills to enable them to build the capacity and effectiveness of their sponsoring organisations. Participants in the programme will be expected to work collectively within the group and to promote co-operation between their organisations in building democracy in Myanmar.

The MYL Programme

The programme runs from 6th March until 27^th August 2017 and is based at Victoria University of Wellington which is one of New Zealand’s leading universities. More information about the University can be obtained on www.vuw.ac.nz.

The programme will consist of a 25 week full-time course and visits to relevant organisations. The main objectives are to provide English language proficiency, knowledge of human rights, democratic processes, economics, community development, basic research and proposal writing skills and leadership skills.

MYLP 2014 Front: Ei Ei, Thi Thi, Jeffry. Back: Leng, Lu Lu, Toe Wai, Sam, Ngun Khar.

The purpose is to assist participants to contribute to decision-making and practice within their own organisations and support the peaceful development of Myanmar.  It also aims to build greater co-operation and cohesion between Myanmar non-government organisations.

The English Language Institute of Victoria University is responsible for delivering the programme (http://www.victoria.ac.nz/lals/eli/).  A teacher from this Institute works closely with participants, teaching the orientation and assisting with the tailored course, and meeting  regularly during the English Proficiency Programme (EPP).  The current teacher, who has been involved since the beginning of the programme, is Karen Falconer.

The 2017 MYLP will consist of:

Orientation

 Orientation begins with a one day Foundation Workshop in Yangon prior to departure to New Zealand.  Then continues from 5th March until  15th of March. The aims of the orientation are to familiarise participants with the university campus and resources available to help with learning.  There are opportunities for participants to get to know each other and begin working together. There is also flexibility to include activities or events of particular interest or relevance to you that may happen in Wellington during this time.  The orientation finishes with a session on the purpose, expectations and assessment on the English Proficiency Programme, so that students can feel prepared for the transition into this programme.

English Proficiency Programme (EPP)

 The thirteen week English language course runs from 16 March until 15th of June. This teaches English language skills in contexts such as Learning a Language, Recreation & Leisure, Waste Management, Migrants, Crime and Punishment. The main aim of the EPP is to prepare students for whom English is a second language for tertiary study in an English language context.  To do this, the course helps students to develop their ability to use English to understand and talk or write about complex ideas, and to understand the difference between studying in their own country and studying in New Zealand.

Classes are organised by English language level, so participants learn with students from other nationalities at a level that meets language learning needs and provides enough challenge to keep the motivation to improve.

The EPP is a full time course, which means there are scheduled classes from 9am to 1pm daily, with one afternoon for regular progress testing, which usually includes vocabulary and either reading or writing.  During the other afternoons students are expected to use facilities at the university to improve English and study skills. There may also be requirements to attend classes which are introduced early from the tailored programme such as learning online searching and basic research skills.

Tailored Course

The ten week tailored course runs from 18 June until the 24^th August with a focus on the topics of community development, economics, governance, international relations, democracy and human rights. Students will also get to elect their own areas of special interest and an individually tailored (or small group) programme of visits and classes will be provided over several days.

During this time there will be visits with government, social partner, community, and other organisations to provide first-hand experience relating to the above topics and additional specific skills or learning related to individual interests. This course draws on a wide range of contributors (academic staff, governmental and community organisations, unions, and individuals) who have the expertise and enthusiasm to develop the knowledge and skills required for participants’ current work and beyond.

There is a combination of classes and visits to meet the specific outcomes of the programme listed below.  Because of the learning partnership between participants, UnionAID and the English Language Institute, there is the flexibility to adapt to particular needs and interests as well as providing content which includes international relations, democratic governance, human rights and development.  Opportunities to further improve English language and communication skills are also included. Participants will also research a particular interest and develop this into a written proposal for a field work project back home. These proposals can be submitted to UnionAID for funding so the field work can be implemented upon return to Myanmar as a practical extension of the programme.

As well as making marked advances in English language proficiency, an analysis of feedback surveys after their return to Myanmar has found that alumni have:

• taken on higher levels of responsibility
• often been promoted within their organisations
• demonstrated leadership
• improved report and proposal writing skills
• taken up mentoring and leadership roles
• understood more about democratic processes and development
• and generally shared their new knowledge and skills

 Annual conferences for all programme alumni are held in Myanmar towards the end of each year to ensure ongoing support, and further learning and networking opportunities.

Please email michael@unionaid.org.nz for information about the selection criteria and an application form.

Applications close on 25 July 2016.