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

HANG OUT WITH FRIENDS IN NEW YORK | SHORT TRIP 2016

NEW YORK CITY IS MORE THAN JUST A LIFE

This first trip I did on the occasion of YSEALI Professional Fellowship 2016 Program, after 4 weeks project we had like 3 days off that we decided to escape from Hotel to NYC. We must be Smart Thinker and Traveler having this idea even feeling tired we just couldn't waste our time and opportunity to explore USA as much as possible. Finally we did it. It was fun and awesome short trip even exhausting but all those sacrifices were paid off.

Here some explanations the visited spots I went. 

New York City is larger than life: in population, in square feet (think of the five boroughs), in culture and food, in arts and entertainment. Visitors to New York have the world at their fingertips, from Uptown to Downtown and beyond. There’s so much to do and see, no two visits will ever be quite the same. Whether it’s your first visit to Gotham or your fifteenth, these top things to do in New York capture the energy, spirit and style of the city.

The first spot we visited was... Guess What??? Yes

[1] STATUE OF LIBERTY

A stirring symbol of freedom, the Statue of Liberty has been a beacon in New York Harbor since 1886. A gift from the people of France, the Statue was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and built by Gustave Eiffel.

What to Do

Once on Liberty Island, free National Park Service tours fill in the details about the copper-sheeted masterpiece. For an extra fee, upgrade to a Crown Ticket and go into the statue itself.

What to See

With her torch ablaze more than 300 feet (91.5 meters) above the ground, "Liberty Enlightening the World" (the statue’s official name) is only accessible via commercial ferries, which offer amazing vantage points for the perfect vacation snapshot.

The next one was...

[2] 9/11 Memorial (GROUND ZERO)

The 9/11 Memorial honors the thousands of people killed in the attacks on September 11, 2001 and those who died in the World Trade Center bombing in 1993.

What to Do

Visit the twin reflecting pools sitting in the footprints of the Twin Towers that are each nearly an acre in size. Take time to wander around the 110,000-square feet of exhibition space in the museum. Some large artifacts include the "Survivor's Stairs" and help tell the story of what happened on that day.

What to See

Surrounding the pools are the names of every person who died in the attacks inscribed in bronze. You'll also see the "Survivor Tree," a callery pear tree that was severely damaged at Ground Zero but was rehabilitated and now stands as a symbol of resilience, survival and rebirth. Seeing this memorial for yourself can have a profound effect on your visit to New York.

[3] Central Park

Thought of as the city’s playground, Central Park covers 843 acres (341 hectares) and is located in the heart of Manhattan.

What to Do

Visitors can walk, run, ride bicycles, play chess and checkers, ice skate, and even fish. Designated quiet zones accommodate those seeking tranquility, while the 21 playgrounds are a boon for families with children who need to move.

What to See

Offering a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city streets that surround it on all sides, the park is a refreshing year-round sanctuary. Central Park has been featured in more than 300 different films. Can you spot the different landmarks used in various films?

[4] Times Square

Located in Midtown Manhattan at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue, Times Square has often been referred to as The Crossroads of the World. Full of bright lights and billboards, it also serves as the hub of the Theater District.

What to Do

On New Year’s Eve, a million people swarm the square, waiting hours to watch the famed ball drop. Daily, thousands come in search of half-price Broadway show tickets, to people watch, or just stand, jaws dropped, to admire the 37-foot-high (11.3 meters) NASDAQ sign — the largest LED sign in the world.

What to See

Neon-gazing became even safer for pedestrians in 2009, when the heart of Times Square — Broadway, between 42nd and 47th streets — was closed to vehicular traffic.

[5] Brooklyn Bridge

Suspended over the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. Designated a national historic landmark in 1964, this engineering feat is one of America’s most famous bridges and one of New Yorks greatest attractions.

What to Do

Walk on the elevated pedestrian path without worrying about the cars whizzing by. Enjoy the remarkable skyline view while you're there. Millions of people visit the Brooklyn Bridge every year simply to see the gleaming river beneath Manhattan skyscrapers.

What to See

Probably the most prominent features of the Brooklyn Bridge are the large towers to which the web of cables are attached. The magnificent Gothic arches stand tall above the heavy traffic flow. With great views of the river, the bridge’s strong architecture, and downtown Manhattan, you can't miss out on this wonderfully free opportunity.

ABOUT HALAL FOOD

The first time I arrived I thought it might be hard to find Halal food in NY, yes it may be right as long as you don't explore, Alhamdulillah I was much helped with my MuslimPro Application to identify where Halal Food restaurant or Halal Food Booth. Finally at Central Park I found a lot of Halal Food Booths with Islamic Music played. That was amazing, most of the sellers are from Middle East. I was so much Thankful to God Allah that I finally could eat Halal Food after starving with no doubt.