By Kyaw Si Thu Htun
Youth empowerment is the
unquestionable spark for groundbreaking innovations in the ever-changing world
of development. Youth are much more than just a generation; they are a hidden
treasure of adaptability, creativity, and innovation. Cultivating the potential
of young people is not just a matter of inclusivity; it is a strategic
imperative for sustainable development.
UNICEF promotes the positive impact
that comes from young people's innovative ideas and fresh perspectives as part
of its commitment to the powerful influence of youth in shaping the future.
Consistent with this ethos, the global UNICEF Youth Foresight Fellowship (UYFF)
was launched – a challenging, one-year initiative carefully designed to build
up and motivate the skills of ambitious young visionaries from all over the
world, ages 15 to 25.
The Fellowship was an opportunity for May Phyu Phyu Aung, a 23-year-old youth advocate climate enthusiast from Myanmar, to contribute to positive changes in Myanmar's shifting landscape, currently enduring a political and humanitarian crisis, and address the needs of its large youth population. She was awarded a Fellowship in September 2023 – the first from Myanmar among 12 global young talents in the 2nd cohort - and demonstrated her passion for pursuing her personal and professional journey of social development and impact.
What childhood dreams have
influenced your aspirations, and do they continue to guide your journey today,
or have they undergone any changes?
May Phyu: Back in the day, my
childhood dream was all about being an artist. It's kind of funny because
artistic genes don’t really run in my family, but I was passionate about
drawing and painting, especially human characters and portraits. It wasn't
exactly a therapeutic escape for me, but I found a way to spill my emotions
onto paper through art. But fast forward a bit, and my interest took a turn
toward graphic design.
After graduating from high school, I
decided to dive into the world of graphic design, armed with just the basics.
Thankfully, some talented friends and a bunch of YouTube videos were my guides.
But here's the interesting part – my graphic design journey didn't just happen
in a vacuum. Volunteering in youth organizations opened a whole new avenue for
me. Suddenly, I found myself knee-deep in responsibilities that involved
visuals and graphics.
These experiences became my training ground. Handling design tasks in the context of youth development and social impact not only fine-tuned my skills but also added a layer of purpose to my creative endeavors. So, in a nutshell, I could say my childhood dream of being an artist transformed into a graphic design adventure, peppered with a dash of volunteerism and a pinch of YouTube-fueled self-learning. Life's funny that way, isn't it?
What sparked your interest in
joining the UNICEF Youth Foresight Fellowship?
May Phyu: What drew me to this
Fellowship was the whole global vibe – the chance to mingle with and build
impactful connections with young minds from different corners of the world.
It's like this big melting pot of ideas and opportunities.
When I was getting my application
ready, I couldn't help but notice how this Fellowship stands out from the
others. Most fellowships out there focus on current stuff, you know, like current
issues, specific Sustainable Development Goals, and what's hot in the news. But
this Foresight Fellowship; it's
a game-changer. It's not about what's happening now; it's all about the future.
The cool part? The projects we will have to implement in our own countries aren't just about ticking the boxes for today; they're meant to make a real impact on generations to come. It's like getting a front-row seat to learn the art of planning for the future – and that is pretty unique. So, of course, it was a definite "why not?" moment for me. I had to jump in and apply. This whole framework is just too intriguing to pass up.
What important takeaways are you
hoping to learn from this Fellowship's transforming embrace, and how far do you
envision yourself making a real impact?
May Phyu: I've always wanted to make learning more affordable for children and young people. With that in mind, I’m hoping to provide learning opportunities, creating a space to empower the youth in Myanmar. It's about equipping them with the tools they need – be it language, vocational skills, or digital literacy - to thrive in this ever-changing world.
Speaking of dreams, I'm still
rocking that artistic mindset, you know, always daydreaming and getting all
creative, especially when it comes to what the future holds. So, this
Fellowship is like the perfect playground for that. It's not just about
dreaming up scenarios, it's about rolling up your sleeves and making those
dreams a reality.
Another cool part is we're diving into projects, and this is where
things get interesting. I've done my fair share of projects through
volunteering, but without any formal know-how. This fellowship is like my crash
course in the art of project management. I'm ready to upgrade my skills and
make my project game even stronger.
Now, the mentors – the gurus of the previous cohort. They've been
through the trenches, and I'm ready to soak in their experiences and wisdom.
It's like having a ‘cheat guide’ for successful projects. It's always a shortcut to be learning from
the best, you know?
And lastly, a global twist – connecting with international peers. It's
not just about making connections; it's about a cross-cultural explosion of
ideas. It's like a global brainstorming session. The Avengers assemble, but for
future-thinking projects.
So, fingers crossed, right? I'm not just here to gather knowledge; I'm on a mission. Taking what I learn in this fellowship and putting together the masterpiece of my dreams.
Let’s sketch a clear picture of
where you envision yourself twenty years from now. How do the experiences and
insights gained today paint the canvas of your future self?
May Phyu: Alright, let's
start with the big dream – making it happen. Picture this: I'm setting up a
foundation or tossing out scholarships like confetti, all for young people out
there. I want to create this awesome learning space and open up opportunities
like it's a treasure chest waiting to be discovered.
Now, rewind to my younger days – I used to measure life in milestones. You know, imagining I'd graduate, be financially rock-solid, and have a booming career. But now, after a deep dive into reflection, I'm aiming for something different. I'm picturing myself cruising at a stable altitude in every part of my life. Like, not just financially stable, but stable across the board. That's the vision – finding that sweet spot where everything just clicks and stays steady, twenty years from now.
As a passionate U-Reporter and
young advocate, what words of wisdom do you have to help Myanmar's next
generation pursue their aspirations and contribute to society?
May Phyu: "Dream high,
do right." – a philosophy I live by. Dream high, and then go out there and
do it right.
One of my respected teachers dropped this wisdom on me – dream big, but don't stop there. Turn those dreams into reality. The simplest example is me applying for this Fellowship. I dreamt about it, sure, but I also took the leap and hit that "submit" button. Dreams and actions, they go hand in hand. So, dream those big dreams, but don't let them stay trapped in your head. Take a step, make a move, even if it's a small one. You've got to at least try, right? Your dreams are worth the effort.
Learn more about the UNICEF Youth Foresight
Fellowship here: https://www.unicef.org/globalinsight/2023-youth-foresight-fellows
This interview has been condensed and edited for
clarity.
