Mindanao Young Leaders Programme

Applications for the MinYLP 2026 cohort are now open and will close on Sunday 25 January 2026!

About The Programme

The Mindanao Young Leaders Programme (MinYLP) is a capacity sharing programme for emerging young community leaders from Civil Society Organisations. Each year, ten participants are selected to further develop their knowledge, skills and confidence as leaders, enabling them to actively contribute to the sustainable and peaceful development of their communities and, more broadly, of Mindanao

MinYLP offers Young Leaders the opportunity to explore new ideas and approaches to sustainable development both in Mindanao and Aotearoa New Zealand, inspiring them to think creatively about the challenges in their own communities. Participants follow a group programme and work together on an inclusive, cross-ethnic and cross-religious basis. Each Young Leader will explore a specific development challenge affecting their community, undertake basic research on this topic, and prepare a proposal for a participatory Action Project to address this challenge.

MinYLP is managed by UnionAID in collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington | Te Herenga Waka and Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), and supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade | Manatū Aorere as part of its Aotearoa New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation Programme | Nga Hoe Tuputupumai-Tawhiti.

Programme Content

Sustainable Development Course

The Sustainable Development Course (SDC) is delivered in two parts. SDC Part 1 is a part-time 12-week online course that participants complete from their own communities in Mindanao. It commences in April 2025 and requires approximately 170 hours’ time commitment.

Online learning is complemented by a two-week in-person residential workshop during SDC Part 1 that will be held in Davao City in Mindanao in early June 2025. The residential workshop allows participants to meet their peers and teaching team, and to learn intensively. SDC Part 2 is a full-time, in-person course of approximately 12 weeks which takes place in Aotearoa New Zealand, commencing in September 2025.

The Sustainable Development Course will enable participants to:

● explore the principles and practice of sustainable development in Mindanao and Aotearoa New Zealand;

● apply systems thinking to understand complex development challenges;

● develop research skills, including participatory approaches, and apply these to gain a deeper understanding of a specific development challenge;

● apply learning on cross-cutting issues including human rights, gender and social inclusion, and environmental impact;

● build the skills required to develop and manage a project, including proposal writing, project management and MERLA (monitoring, evaluation, research, learning and adaptation); and

● improve their proficiency in English for professional and academic purposes.

SDC Part 2 in Aotearoa New Zealand will include:

● exposure to a range of Aotearoa New Zealand institutions, policies and practices that are relevant to sustainable development, such as human rights, democratic processes, and community development, through classroom learning and field trips;

● visits to government and non-government organisations, such as community development, youth and environmental organisations and Parliament;

● introduction to Māori Indigenous Knowledge, the Treaty of Waitangi, Māori approaches to development, and the opportunity to stay on a Marae (traditional Māori meeting ground);

● leadership skills workshops, such as organisational management and campaign skills;

● A schedule of visits with organisations addressing similar issues to participants’ development challenges, either individually or in small groups; and

● a multi-day Young Leaders conference to share learning and exchange ideas with Young Leaders from the Indonesia Young Leaders Programme.

English for Development Course

MinYLP participants develop their English language proficiency for professional and academic purposes through the English for Development course (EDC). The EDC runs alongside the Sustainable Development Course, commencing online in April 2025 and continuing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The course supports participation in the SDC by teaching:

● language specific to sustainable development;

● formal English suitable for a professional context;

● oral and written communications skills;

● writing for research reports and funding proposals; and

● study skills for more effective language learning.

The online component of the English for Development Course requires approximately 60 hours: 30 hours of online workshops and 30 hours self-study. Additional in-country English language support is available for applicants whose level of English is lower than the selection criteria or who require extra support with English prior to departure for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Action Project implementation - Mindanao, Philippines

Participants manage a small Action Project in their communities, which is funded subject to meeting certain criteria. The Action Project provides participants the chance to apply learning from the programme to address a specific development challenge in their community.

The Action Project is in two phases: phase 1 (community consultation and scoping), and phase 2 (implementation). Both these phases take place after SDC Part 2 once participants return to Mindanao. Participants will receive coaching and ongoing

support from UnionAID, IDIS, alumni, and in-country mentors throughout this process.

Alumni Network

An alumni conference organised by alumni, with support from IDIS, is held annually in Davao City. Alumni come together to share learning from the programme and build long-term connections with each other and with representatives from UnionAID and IDIS.

Alumni also become part of the wider UnionAID Young Leaders network and can engage with their peers from the Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia and Lao PDR Programmes.

Who can apply for the Programme?

A Diverse and Inclusive Network of Young Leaders

MinYLP is committed to building a network of Young Leaders that reflects Mindanao’s diverse communities and in fostering an inclusive learning environment. We recognise and value the unique perspectives, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, skills and talent that each Young Leader brings to the programme. In selecting participants, we welcome the unique contributions that each individual can offer in terms of their opinions, culture, ancestry, ethnicity, race, native language, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, education, religion, marital status, including de facto partnerships, parental status, disability, and beliefs

To be eligible for selection, applicants must:

be aged 23-30 years;
be living and working in Mindanao;
be working for a community based organisation or NGO such as a women’s or Indigenous organisation, labour union or environmental group;
intend to continue working for their organisation for a minimum of one year after completing the programme;
have English language proficiency, with ≥5.5 IELTS (or TOEFL 46-59). Note: you are not required to sit an IELTS test, but an English language test will be administered at the interview stage;
be available to participate in a full time residential of 2 weeks;
have support to participate in the programme from the organisation they represent or work for, including flexibility to attend online study sessions during office hours and to take leave from work for 12 weeks to participate in the programme in Aotearoa New Zealand;
not be enrolled in any other full-time courses of study or a similar scholarship/ fellowship during the Sustainable Development Course (SDC);
talk to UnionAID before enrolling in any other part-time courses during the SDC;
hold, or be able to obtain, a passport issued by the Government of the Philippines valid for 6 months beyond the return departure date from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Selection Criteria

In making the selection, candidates will be assessed using the following criteria:

demonstrated leadership and future leadership potential;
a commitment to development and community work;
a commitment to working with other ethnic and religious groups;
open-mindedness and maturity;
support from their employing organisation including a mutual commitment to continue the employment for one-year post-programme;
identification of a clear and relevant development challenge or area of interest that you wish to explore through the programme that can provide the foundation of an Action Project; and
that the group reflects an ethnic, religious and gender mix where possible, and that immigration requirements for a student visa can be met.

Applications for 2026 are now closed

Apply by filling out the Application Form before Sunday 25 January 2025 at 11:59 pm Philippine Time.

Once all applications have been received, candidates will be shortlisted by UnionAID and IDIS for interviews in early March 2025. The final selection of 10 participants will be made following the interviews.

Frequently Askes Questions (FAQS)

Who is eligible to apply for MinYLP?

MinYLP is committed to building a diverse and inclusive network of Young Leaders in Mindanao. We do not impose restrictions based on culture, socioeconomic status, beliefs, educational background, gender, sexual orientation, marital and parental status, or any other factors. Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria below is welcome to apply:

be aged 23-30 years;
be living and working in Mindanao;
be working for a community-based organisation or NGO such as a women’s or Indigenous organisation, labour union or environmental group;
intend to continue working for their organisation for a minimum of one year after completing the programme;
have support to participate in the programme from the organization they represent or work for, including flexibility to attend online study sessions during office hours and to take leave from work for 12 weeks to participate in the programme in New Zealand;
have English language proficiency, with ≥5.5 IELTS (or TOEFL 46-59). Note: you are not required to sit an IELTS test, but an English language test will be administered at the interview stage;
be available to participate in a fulltime residential of 2 weeks;
not be enrolled in any other full-time courses of study or a similar scholarship/ fellowship during the Sustainable Development Course (SDC);
talk to UnionAID before enrolling in any other part-time courses during the SDC; and
hold, or be able to obtain, a passport issued by the Government of the Philippines valid for 6 months beyond the return departure date from Aotearoa New Zealand.

Is previous study or college degree required?

No, there is no specific academic degree required to apply. Applicants should have experience working in community development or civil society in Mindanao. The programme assesses demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to community work.

Can I apply if I am currently studying?

No, applicants should not be enrolled in any other full-time courses of study or a similar scholarship/ fellowship during the Sustainable Development Course. Participants are expected to fully engage in the programme and participation is not compatible with having an intensive workload.

Is it necessary that my civil society organisation is from Mindanao?

Any civil society organisation is eligible to apply, provided that it operates in any part of Mindanao. This includes local and national organisations, branches or partners of international NGOs, trade unions, community organisations, cooperatives, and social enterprises.

Is it necessary for my organisation to be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in order to apply?

No, your civil society organization is not required to be SEC registered to apply to the programme.

What does the programme involve?

The programme includes:

A Sustainable Development Course delivered in two parts:
- SDC Part 1: Online learning (12 weeks) with a two-week residential workshop in Davao City.
- SDC Part 2: Full-time study in Aotearoa New Zealand (approx. 12 weeks).
An English for Development Course to strengthen English language skills.
Implementation of a community Action Project after returning to Mindanao.
Ongoing alumni engagement and network opportunities.

What is an Action Project?

Participants identify a development challenge in their community, then design and manage a participatory Action Project which is funded subject to meeting certain criteria. Coaching and mentoring support is provided during project implementation.

How long is the programme?

The Sustainable Development Course runs over several months beginning with online study in April until August, including a two-week residential workshop and Alumni Conference in June. Participants will spend 12-weeks of full-time study in Aotearoa New Zealand starting in September. Afterward, participants return to Mindanao to implement their Action Projects for a maximum of 18 months.

Is the programme fully funded?

Yes, MinYLP is fully funded. Participants receive an allowance to support their participation and costs directly related to the programme are covered.

How do I apply?

To apply for the programme, visit UnionAID’s website and complete the online application form. Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed in March 2026 before final selections are made.

Can I edit my application after submission?

You cannot edit your application once you click submit. However, you can revisit your application before submitting by clicking ‘Save and Resume Later’ at the bottom part of the form. You will receive an email containing the link to resume the application. Please note that the link is valid for 30 days only.

Is there an application fee?

This programme has no application fee.

What documents are required?

You do not need to submit any documents upon application. Only shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit additional documents including but not limited to an updated curriculum vitae and a support letter from the shortlisted candidate’s civil society organisation.

Do I need to take an English Proficiency Test such as IELTS and TOEFL to apply?

No, you are not required to sit an IELTS test, but an English language test will be administered at the interview stage.

Do I need to have a Philippine passport before applying?

No, you do not need to have your passport upon application. However, you will be asked to immediately process your passport once you are shortlisted. The programme will not cover the cost of shortlisted candidate’s passport application.

When is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2026 cohort application is on Sunday 25 January 2026 at 11:59 pm Philippine Time.

When will applicants be notified of the results?

Shortlisted applicants will be notified three weeks after the applications closed and will join the in-person interviews in early March 2026. The final selection of 10 participants will be made following the interviews.

How are applicants selected?

In making the selection, candidates will be assessed using the following criteria:

demonstrated leadership and future leadership potential;
a commitment to development and community work;
a commitment to working with other ethnic and religious groups;
open-mindedness and maturity;
support from their employing organisation including a mutual commitment to continue the employment for one-year post-programme;
identification of a clear and relevant development challenge or area of interest that you wish to explore through the programme that can provide the foundation of an Action Project; and
that the group reflects an ethnic, religious and gender mix where possible, and that immigration requirements for a New Zealand Immigration Visa can be met.

What happens after the programme?

Alumni become part of the UnionAID Young Leaders network, connecting with peers from the Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia and Lao PDR Programmes, and participating in alumni events, ongoing Action Project implementation support sessions, and capacity-sharing workshops.

Who can I contact for questions or support?

Email MinYLP Programme Coordinator, Lexy Yonson, at lexy.yonson@youngleaders.nz or send us a DM through our Instagram page @minylpnz