Akyab Institute

Note: Akyab Institute of Social Studies (AI) has been changed into Akyab Institute (AI).

Akyab Institute is a 2017 PDI initiative that enables youth to gain access to employment and higher education opportunities via academic coaching and life-skills training. The program integrates a 9-month classroom instruction component with a 3-month professional internship placement in local civil society organizations, national NGOs or international NGOs and UN agencies.

Akyab Institute curriculum addresses issues of unemployment, lack of educational opportunities, and substance abuse and deconstructs notions of prejudice and negative stereotypes that drive conflict in Rakhine state.

The first batch of AI students graduated on 16 June 2018. Alumni are currently working with organizations such as Peace and Development Initiative (PDI) – Kintha, Third Story, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), People For People, Tharthi Myay Foundation and The Wings. The opening ceremony for Batch-2 of AISS was held on 24 July 2018

Objective

Akyab Institute was founded by Peace & Development initiative in 2017. The institute aims to develop a younger generation of local and grassroots change makers who undertake civic initiatives in their respective communities. The institute provides practical skills through leadership capacity building, civic education, and enhancing social, political, cultural and economic awareness of youth at the local and grassroots level.

Program Description

The institute offers a one-year scholarship program in social studies. The program will select 25 young people from Central Arakan State, particularly from Sittway, Minbya, Kyauk Taw, Mrauk U, Ponnagyun, Kyauk Phyu, Pauktaw, Rathedaung, Ramree, Paletwa. The 12 months will be split into three three-month long academic terms as well as a two-month long internship period. In this training; students gain a deeper understanding of: human rights, citizenship, world politics, and Economics, Journalism and research methodologies. Students will also have a space to grow: critical thinking, self-confidence, and maturity by learning together and sharing across differences.

Background of the Institute

The institute offers a one-year scholarship program in social studies. The program will select 25 young people from Central Arakan State, particularly from Sittway, Minbya, Kyauk Taw, Mrauk U, Ponnagyun, Kyauk Phyu, Pauktaw, Rathedaung, Ramree, Paletwa. The 12 months will be split into three three-month long academic terms as well as a two-month long internship period. In this training; students gain a deeper understanding of: human rights, citizenship, world politics, and Economics, Journalism and research methodologies. Students will also have a space to grow: critical thinking, self-confidence, and maturity by learning together and sharing across differences.

Services
  • Comfortable learning environment
  • Single sex accommodation
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Variety of movies and books for rent
  • Clubs for extracurricular activities
  • Study guide and guest speakers
Admission
  • AI’s 12-month program seeks:
  • Dynamic and motivated  individual
  • Age 17 – 30
  • Must hold pre-intermediate level of English as all the courses will be taught in English
  • Must hold pre-intermediate level of English as all the courses will be taught in English
  • If you are interested in applying for the program, please send us the following before June 22, 2018:
  • Application form
  • Two reference letters
  • Formal or non-formal Educational Certificate
After one-year training at AI

At the end of the AI course, we expect our graduates to move on to some of the professional following opportunities.

  • Work in NGO/ INGO/ CBOs/CSOs
  • Become employees of PDI
  • Work in the tourism or hospitality industries
  • Initiate their own community development initiatives
  • Access other Young Adult Empowerment programs
  • Access other Young Adult Empowerment programs
The course in AI
Course T1 T2 T3 Internship
English

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Learning Skills

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Civics

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Intro to Social Sciences

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Global Issues

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Intro to Social Sciences  

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Global Issues

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Simple Timetable for AI
Hour Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
9:00-12:00am Class Class Class Class Class
12:00-1:00pm Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Consultations,Guest Speaker and Student Council Meetings
1:00-4:00pm Class Class Class Class Class
5:30-7:00pm Clubs Clubs Clube Clubs Clubs
Extracurricular clubs for AI’s students
  • Music club (Guitar, Recorder, vocal...)
  • Conversation club
  • Dance club
  • Reading club
  • Movie club
  • Art club
  • Sport club (badminton, football...)
  • Picnic
  • Guest speaker (experts)