MYANMAR

YOUNG LEADERS
PROGRAMME 2021
U nionAID invites applications for the 2021 Myanmar Young Leaders
Programme (MYLP) from emerging community leaders aged from 24
to 35 working in Myanmar. This highly regarded programme, funded by the
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is in its twelfth year and
by December will have a network of 94 alumni contributing to Myanmar’s
transition to democracy. The MYLP aims to enhance the knowledge, skills,
and confidence of young leaders from civil society organisations, NGOs,
ethnic or labour organisations (unions) in Myanmar, so that they can
actively participate in the sustainable and peaceful development of their
communities, their regions, and their country.
 What is the Myanmar Young Leaders Programme?

T he Myanmar Young Leaders Programme (MYLP) is an intensive six-month programme

developed and managed by UnionAID in collaboration with Victoria University of
Wellington (VUW). The programme brings twelve young community leaders from Myanmar to
New Zealand each year to study democracy in action. The core components of this programme
are modules on democratic processes, human rights, economics, and basic research and
proposal writing skills. This ten-week tailored Democracy in Action course is preceded by
thirteen weeks of an English Proficiency Programme (EPP). Both components of the MYLP
build participants’ presentation, communication and analytical skills as well as their English
language.

The MYLP builds leadership in several ways: by exposing participants to new ideas and
institutions in New Zealand, developing skills and confidence, inspiring them to think
critically, particularly about what they can apply to the challenges their own communities
face, and working collaboratively in the group. An important goal of the programme is that
the participants work collaboratively across ethnicities and religions, and take an inclusive
approach to build unity, understanding and equality at all levels in society.

The programme will also build understanding and strong relationships between the peoples
of Myanmar and New Zealand which are maintained over time. Students will live with a host
family who understands the programme and provides a supportive environment.
 MYLP Content
The six-month programme is delivered by UnionAID, in partnership with Victoria
University. The overall programme teacher is Karen Falconer, who has been with the
MYLP since it began, but students also learn from a range of academics, mentors, and
other experts from local and central government, NGOs, unions, and Iwi. Many of these
people offer their time as volunteers.
The programme will include the following:
v A one-day foundation workshop in Yangon prior to leaving for New Zealand, to
meet one another, hear from NZ Embassy staff and the NZ Ambassador, and learn
from alumni about living and studying in New Zealand
v A two-week orientation on arrival in Wellington to introduce the MYLP and
familiarise students with the Victoria University campus and the English Proficiency
Programme (EPP). This includes English language testing to allocate class levels.
There is also discussion about what to expect living with a host family, the New
Zealand health system, and a basic understanding of New Zealand history.
Orientation includes a weekend trip to a beach for team building and relaxation
purposes. Please note there may be a two week self-isolation period on arrival in
New Zealand due to COVID-19 restrictions.
v A thirteen-week English language course run by Victoria University of Wellington.
v A three-day residential workshop at the Wānanga o Raukawa to learn about te ao
Māori – the Māori worldview.
v A ten-week Democracy in Action programme covering
u Democratic processes, including Parliament, local government, good governance,
electoral processes, human rights, labour rights, and the rule of law
u Indigenous approaches to development, the Treaty of Waitangi and development
of the Māori economy
u Basic research and evaluation skills
u The opportunity for each student to research a special interest topic with a
personal mentor, including discussions with experts from relevant organisations
u Developing an action project proposal (based on the special interest) to
implement in Myanmar and submitting it for funding
u Practical workshops including mediation, gender analysis, and co-design
v An annual alumni conference in Myanmar organised and run by alumni for
learning, support, and networking across the different MYLP groups.
v The opportunity to manage and report on a small action project based on the
learning from MYLP and special interest research.
 How effective is the
programme?

Building leadership
The programme is monitored and evaluated
through informal feedback from participants, from
discussions, surveys, and an end-of-programme
focus group with an independent evaluator.
Improvements are regularly made in response to
this feedback and also the changing situation
in Myanmwar to best meet the needs of each new
group of students.

Follow-up surveys after one year

show that students who have
participated in the programme have
developed greater self-confidence
and demonstrated leadership
qualities through job promotions
or new higher level jobs or positions.
Many get actively involved in and are
influential on local and national level
issues. Some have established their own
programmes based on the MYLP, and two
have built schools in their villages or towns.

Students have talked about the impact the programme has had on them and
their work:

“ The MYLP has been a life-changing experience for me. The programme is
well-designed, up to date, focussed and meaningful. It has certainly changed
the way I see myself, others and the world.
“
“ My current work is very sensitive and sometimes it is difficult to engage with
different stakeholders such as government and Ethnic Armed Organizations.
I often use the negotiation, leadership and problem solving skills that I “
have learned from MYLP to help manage these challenges well. MYLP is the
programme that moved my life and my community forward in a better way.
 Building strong relationships

Close relationships are built and largely maintained over time between alumni and with
both host parents and teachers, who often help with references or give other advice.
Providing welcoming host families is one of the keys to the success of the MYLP. Surveys
show that the majority of participants identify that they have “gained more confidence in
English” by living wwwith a host family and others express gratitude for what they gain
from being part of a New Zealand family.
Alumni from different years are also increasingly developing mutually beneficial
relationships and sharing skills and knowledge through the conference and other
informal social networks. Recent surveys found that they have a better appreciation and
insights into the perspectives of other ethnicities. They are also part of a wider alumni
network of students, who have studied in Aotearoa/New Zealand at different universities,
which has been established by the New Zealand Embassy in Yangon.

Travel to and living in New Zealand

New Zealand is in the South Pacific, and has a population of 4.9 million people.
Wellington, where the MYLP is based, is the capital city with a population of just over
200,000 people. From March to August the daytime temperature varies between 6°C
(43°F) and 20°C (68°F), and Wellington has a reputation for being windy. The Victoria
University campus is in the central city, and is accessible by public transport. New Zealand
is a secular country and the practice of any faith will be supported by the programme and
host families.
The programme is fully funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Travel to and from New Zealand as well as student visas are fully paid for and arranged
by UnionAID. Participants do not need to pay for tuition or accommodation fees or bring
money with them. A weekly allowance covers lunches, transport and the cost of personal
items. Acute health issues that may occur in New Zealand will be covered by insurance,
but any pre-existing conditions will not be covered. Participants will each be hosted by a
family in Wellington in a friendly and supportive home environment.
 Who can apply for the programme?
To be eligible for selection applicants must:
v have English language proficiency, equivalent to ≥5 IELTS (or TOEFL 35-45) This level
is necessary to ensure that participants will get value from the Democracy in Action
programme. Note: you are not required to sit an IELTS test but an English language test
will be administered at the interview stage.
v be working for a community based organisation (CBO), non-government organisation
(NGO), women’s organisation, labour organisation (union), or similar NGO/CBO in
Myanmar.
v have an intention to return to work for their organisation for a minimum of a year on
completion of the programme
v be mature young adults, usually between 24 and 35
v be living and working in Myanmar
v hold a passport issued by the Government of Myanmar valid for 6 months beyond their
return departure date

Selection criteria
In making the selection candidates will be assessed using the following criteria:
v demonstrated leadership and future leadership potential;
v a commitment to development and community work;
v a commitment to working with other ethnic and religious groups;
v open-mindedness and maturity;
v support from their employing organisation including a mutual commitment to continue
the employment for one-year post-programme;
v the identification of a specific and relevant topic to research while in New Zealand, and
which would provide the basis of a fieldwork project to undertake on their return home.
In making the final selection the selection panel will ensure that the group reflects an ethnic,
religious and gender mix where possible, and that immigration requirements for a student
visa can be met.
Selection process

Candidates interested in applying for

the 2021 programme must submit the
following before 22 July 2020.

v Complete the online application form,

including short essays about your
work in Myanmar, your interest in the
MYLP and a special interest subject
you would like to research while in
New Zealand.
v Upload a letter of recommendation
from your sponsoring organisation
including a statement that it supports
your application and will guarantee
you can return to your job in the
organisation for a minimum of one year upon completion of the programme.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to:

v Upload a copy of their passport, valid for at least 6 months after the completion of
the programme (or evidence that they have applied for a new passport)
v
Engage in an interview via video-conferencing and/or face-to-face with a selection
panel from UnionAID, including a representative in Myanmar
v
Take part in English testing to assess level of proficiency (this is not an IELTS test)
v
Upload a current CV

Successful applicants and their employers will be required to sign a formal declaration
confirming the applicant will work for the organisation for a minimum of one year.
Selection will be subject to successful applicants being granted a visa by Immigration
New Zealand.

Note: The decision of the interview panel will be final.

Applications close on 22 July and shortlisting interviews will be held in Yangon in
September. For more information about the selection process and to make your
application go to www.unionaid.org.nz or email violet@unionaid.org.nz
At present, the 2021 Myanmar Young Leaders Programme is intended to go
ahead from March to August of 2021. Due to the potentially ongoing impacts of
the pandemic such as health risks, travel restrictions and quarantine policies,
prospective candidates should be aware that the programme may have to
be cancelled, postponed or adapted to ensure the safety and wellbeing of
everyone involved.
Interviews and English language testing for 2021 short-listed candidates will
most likely take place via video-conferencing or a combination of video and
face-to-face interviews. This will be done during September so please let us
know if this will cause difficulty for you due to internet access or COVID-19
restrictions.