NET 21 - Preparing the Filipino Youth for the 21^st Century

Net 21 was launched in February 1997, projected to be a vehicle to prepare the Filipino youth for the 21st century. The main proponent of the project was then Senator Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, now Vice President of the Philippines.

With the challenge overwhelming and clear, we need meaningful actions and effective programs that equip our Filipino youth in knowledge, skills and orientation to face the 21st century to come - a national youth effort that seeks to:

(1) Global Consciousness and Awareness: Increase awareness creating national consciousness among young Filipinos in various regions and sub-sectors of the urgent need of understanding, analyzing and acting on benefits, consequences and opportunities in preparing for the 21st century;

(2) Relevant Skills and Education: Support regional and sub-sectoral youth networks in coordinating projects and programs that concretely prepare young Filipinos for the 21st century, providing and strengthening use and access to global information technologies and economies, in coordination with private businesses and national government bodies;

(3) Values and Community: Build and promote global and moral Filipino values aimed at instilling among the young values of competition and cooperation, sustainable development, service and commitment that prepare young Filipinos for meaningful interactive and productive venues for leadership in tomorrow's global village.

LIST OF PROJECTS

· Computers for every SK, every Barangay
· Young Entrepreneurs Forum
· Global Awareness Symposia
· Provincial Speakers Bureau
· Career Orientation Program
· Educational Tours
· International Week and Exchange Programs
· Children's Math and Science Tutorial

The Need to Act Collectively.

The task of preparing our Filipino youth for the 21st century must not be left to government leaders nor their agencies alone. It must be an effort of the young themselves, coordinated and strategic, as youth empowerment in past movements have taught us. To ensure that young Filipinos themselves determine their own concerns, their own development in shaping their own future.

Forming NET 21 Multi-Issue City & Municipal Youth Networks.

Covering a full range of youth issues and concerns, the task at hand requires a variety of youth organizations to work hand in hand - environmental groups, science clubs, political organizations, campus business associations, student councils, cultural groups, into a network each contributing in its field of interest and expertise. From here, the groups may initiate close coordination with business, government and other sectors in its district. These networks may then address issues common to all or those particular for certain groups, consolidated through its mutual end goal.

Sustaining further the glow.

As the sector easiest to excite and mobilize, youth organization and commitment are also the hardest to maintain. After youth leaders, individuals and organizations have collectively declared their interest in responding to the challenge of the 21st century and the network of organizations has been formed, a Core Group representing major organizations, areas or subsectors should be created, as a coordinating structure for the network. Formal elections may or may not be held; instead persons are placed responsible to head Committees for special tasks and projects prioritized by the group. The group should then identify Projects for immediate implementation, set regular Meetings, and clarify responsibilities dealt out.

Exchanging Notes between islands.

Interconnecting among various networks to share and learn from each other through inter-regional meetings or regular newsletters benefits all involved. Regional networking on similar theme actions may result from this, further consolidating gains, a step closer to our goals.

Planning Local Youth Programs and Projects

Computers for every SK, every Barangay.

Recognizing the important role our youth play not in society's tomorrow but as partners for development today, the Government established the Sangguniang Kabataan with decision-making powers and funds to play an effective role in each and all barangays. These resources, often used for basketball leagues uniforms or fiesta bayles, do not however provide avenues for the young to move a step closer to their goals. As skill and experience with computers has become a must for better job opportunities, placing computers instead of basketballs in the hands of youth in the barangay is imperative for every responsive SK. Coordinated acquisition of computers by the SK can lower the price and increase the interest and competitiveness of youth in your area.

Young Entrepreneurs Forum.

A regular gathering of young entreprenuers to discuss issues, coordinate plans and exchange ideas for better business opportunities.

Global Awareness Symposia

. Holding Campus information fora on issues and benefits of the coming millennium may be a venue where the group may distribute similar primers, showcase the latest information technology tools and invite local businesses as partners to the challenge.

Provincial Speakers Series.

Using a Role Model to get the message across is often a most effective tool in inspiring young people to act. Identify young achievers from your city or province who have become successful in their career or business, including those who have moved to Manila or other urban areas, and arrange for him/her to share his experience.

Technical/Vocational School Practicum Program.

Preparing young students for relevant jobs in the future means offering as many opportunities to gain experience in various fields of work, in coordination with local offices and corporations, encouraging them to train youth from vocational and technical schools.

Educational Tours may be fun yet learning experiences that provide incentives for students to excel in grades, and exposure to processes that only experience can teach.

International Week and Exchange Programs.

Broaden the minds of youth in your locality, with an international festival showcasing food and fancy of far-away countries. Discuss international issues or simply learn the Macarena of the Americas. Going global can begin in your own school.