Every year on August 12, do you know what it is? It's International Youth Day.

The United Nations designated August 12 as International Youth Day in 1999 to raise the voices of youth, guarantee their rights, and provide them with opportunities for a better life. In line with this global human rights movement, the Miral Welfare Foundation is also committed to enhancing the lives of young people worldwide through various programs. 

Uganda Gulu : Youth media education class

The theme for International Youth Day 2024, announced by the United Nations, is "From Clicks to Progress : Youth Digital pathways for Sustainable Development". In short, it focues on 'Ensuring digital access for youth'. Digital accessibility is crucial for today's youth to achieve their dreams and drive global progress. Korean youth benefit from extensive ICT (information and communication technology) resources through the internet, and they are building their dreams. However, the digital divide still leaves youth in low-and middle-income countries with less access to the internet, with female youth experiencing an even greater disparity.

To bridge this digital divide, the Miral Welfare Foundation offers media education classes in Gulu, Uganda. These classes teach photography, YouTube editing skills, and more. Students learn how to take and edit photos with a camera, graphic design, poster design, news editing. On the weekends, they earn a little extra income by using the skills they have learned. 

"Using computers and other electronics has been a lot of fun. With the skills I've learned, I can create things like brochures, corporate promotions, and school certificates. I especially enjoyed video editing, which is something I've always wanted to learn." 

- Nhanor Richardo, 18, Bethel Middle School

"I got a job in the studio thanks to the skills I learned through media education. Although I'm just getting started, I hope to continue to develop my skills in this field and eventually become a journalist."

- Cariyo denis, 20, works at Highway photo studio

Cote d'Ivoire Locations: Alumni Club

The Alumni Club, run by the Miral Welfare Foundation's Cote d'Ivoire operations, aims to motivate students to stay in school. Cote d'Ivoire has a high number of out-of-school youth who give up their studies after graduating from elementary school without going to secondary school due to financial burdens.

To counter this, the Miral Welfare Foundation's alumni club program supports students by addressing environmental factors that might lead to dropping out. About 80 to 200 students participate in the program, which is held monthly.

The Miral Welfare Foundation provides a variety of benefits to students who join the Alumni Club. These benefits include basic academic supplies such as uniforms, school supplies, and backpacks, as well as meals and snacks at each meeting to help students continue their studies without going hungry. In addition to material support, students receive lectures and training. Invited guest speakers deliver inspirational talks to boost motivation and self-esteem, while regular disability awareness training sessions aim to enhance understanding of disabilities and reduce prejudice. Female adolescents are taught how to take care of themselves in a healthy and hygienic way through sanitary napkin support and education on sexual and reproductive health.

The Alumni Club is inspiring dreams and hope in the youth of Cote d'Ivoire! We look forward to seeing these students successfully complete their studies and become the leaders of tomorrow.

Cebu, Philippines Locations: Leadership Camp

The Leadership Camp in Cebu, Philippines, provides youth with diverse opportunities for exchange activities, cultural experiences, and more, to foster their healthy growth and development.

The biannual leadership camps bring together 80 to 200 high-achieving elementary school students and high school students who are sponsored by the Foundation. The elementary school students engage in field trips to experience various cultures, while high school students participate in recreational programs to connect with their peers and learn about community. These activities offer young people the chance to explore their potential and broaden their aspirations.

The Miral Welfare Foundation will be always committed to ensuring that all youth around the world can enjoy their fundamental rights, regardless of barriers such as disability or poverty, until they reach adulthood. Even now, in challenging environments across the globe, seeds of hope are being nurtured and dreams are being realized with Miral's support.

The Miral Welfare Foundation will be always dedicated to creating a world where all youth can thrive together without discrimination.