KUCHING: Yayasan Perpaduan Sarawak (YPS) is bringing back its rural youth empowerment initiative, ‘Youth for Hope, Action and Rural Vitality Through Empowerment and Sustainability 2.0 (Y-HARVEST 2.0)’, which will take place from May 9 to 11 at Kampung Tambirat, Asajaya.
The three-day programme is designed to bridge the urban-rural divide by offering university students immersive, hands-on experience in traditional micro-enterprises, and community development.
Fifteen Malaysian participants, aged between 18 and 30, will be selected from universities across Malaysia with priority given to students majoring in entrepreneurship, business, marketing, digital media, agriculture, community development or multimedia and design.
During the programme, participants will take part in the production of coconut-based products such as ‘minyak lalak’ (coconut oil), ‘santan’ (coconut milk), and ‘kerisik’ (toasted grated coconut).
They will also learn to prepare traditional local snacks, including ‘kerepek’, ‘kuih talam’, and ‘kek lapis’ Sarawak.
A key component of Y-HARVEST 2.0 is the Community Impact Programme (CIP), which aims to equip 20 villagers from Kampung Tambirat with digital skills through training in digital branding, social media marketing, and food packaging and preservation techniques.
Supporting the Sarawak Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), the initiative emphasises youth development, economic sustainability, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Participants can also look forward to team-building activities, micro-enterprise simulations, and cultural exchange sessions that foster collaboration and mutual learning between youth and the local community.
“Y-HARVEST 2.0 promises to be a truly enriching experience that not only empowers young people but also nurtures appreciation for traditional skills and rural entrepreneurship,” said a YPS representative.
Applications are open until April 17, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further screening.
For registration, contact Dayang Athirah Hanim at 013-7082534 or Miftahul Jannah at 012-8741634 during office hours.
