Statement of Interest | YSEALI Critical Thinking in Classrooms Regional Workshop

 
Hello people of the world!
How are you? I hope all of you are in a good mood and shape.

In this occasion, I am going to tell you about a program I am applying to, that is (as above-mentioned at this post title) YSEALI Critical Thinking in Classrooms Regional Workshop, if you are curious (read Kepo) just feel free to visit its official website to find out https://asiafoundation.org/2018/02/13/yseali-critical-thinking-classrooms-regional-workshop-thailand-now-accepting-applications/ 

Generally, The Asia Foundation is accepting applications for the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Critical Thinking in Classrooms Regional Workshop sponsored by the U.S. Department of State through the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. This regional workshop will take place from May 21-26, 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand, and bring together 60 participants from ASEAN countries.

Launched in 2013, the YSEALI is the U.S. Department of State’s signature program to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. Through a variety of programs and engagements, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership capabilities of youth in the region, strengthen ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and nurture an ASEAN community of leaders who work across borders to solve common issues.

The objective of this workshop in Bangkok is to challenge and inspire participants to learn about and advocate for critical thinking skills in the classroom, to address education gaps, social challenges, disinformation, and fake news. By achieving this objective, the project will contribute to ASEAN efforts to reform government education systems to include a stronger emphasis on critical thinking, and skills that will be critical for full engagement in the digital economy, which will contribute to future innovation and economic growth in ASEAN countries. The conference will serve as a platform for emerging young leaders from ASEAN countries, to meet with leading experts on critical thinking in classrooms, and learn about strategies for reforming education, and interpreting false and conflicting online information.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to work together to develop possible solutions to educational and social challenges, and address problems associated with disinformation and fake news. As a follow-on component, the program will support selected participants to implement projects and/or share lessons learned with governments, educational development institutions, community organizations, or youth groups upon their return home.

All program and travel costs including flight/transportation, meals, and accommodation will be covered. Please note that only flights within the 10 ASEAN countries are eligible; additional costs are the responsibility of participants.

Every applicant is instructed to make Statement of Interest which asks you to write 300-400 words (around 2500 characters) essay explaining why do you want to participate in this YSEALI program, your expectation and your plan upon returning to your country. 

You will also be asked to provide a link to your Video Clip (approximately 3 minutes)
introducing yourself and presenting your essay content on why do you want to participate in this YSEALI program, your expectation and your plan upon returning to your country. If you want to kindly visit my video link at my YouTube Channel related to this program, here you go https://youtu.be/h9w14t8xeRk

Don't hesitate to hit SUBSCRIBE - LIKE - COMMENT for free my YouTube Account after watching the video of before it :D

For my essay explaining Statement of Interest as written below:

Statement of Interest

In Indonesia, especially in rural and remote areas, children do not get adequate education quality for nurturing their character. They live in the midst of the doctrine and stigma of society that are not necessarily true and good for their growth. Children live in society’s rules and pressures that imprison their creativity and character in expressing ideas. Most Indonesians have not been able to understand the concept of critical thinking well, they are worried about their children if being taught critical thinking because they assume children will become critical and protest their parents (that's what happened to me personally during my childhood). They only grow physically but not mentally and psychologically, as a result when they become teenagers and get older are not prepared for dealing with life problems either social, financial or cultural which will lead them into frustration and depression.

Recently there have been many cases concerning mental or physical violence, immorality and even up to persecution cases perpetrated by adults and even parents and pupils to teachers at school. This happens because of the social gap that was triggered by unequal education quality. As a teacher who not only teaches at school but also volunteers in social organization I founded in the coastal area of ​​my village, I feel compelled to help my students change their way of thinking to be open-minded to differences and learn to deal with problems well.

This year, 2018, I started leading as the head of management and development at the Education Bureau in one of the largest pesantren in East Java, Indonesia with a total of 13,000 students from various tribes and cultures and even countries (e.g Thailand and Malaysia) whose responsibility is to form a good personality. Therefore the need for well-thought planning and concept design is undeniable to produce the right targeted decision, because I believe that success to plan means we plan the success itself as if we have done half-way, the rest is its implementation of the program. In this case critical thinking becomes truly fundamental, important and urgent in decision-making to improve the quality of future generations. I believe that education is the basic foundation in building a better civilization of the nation.

Additionally, I intend on participating YSEALI Critical Thinking Workshop and I believe that this program while making me uniquely suited to approach critical thinking concept and best practices from interdisciplinary perspective.

Thank you guys for visiting my blog. Hopefully you are inspired and have a great day.
Feel Free to give comment below and Follow my Blog :D

Best Regards,

MUJIB