In the final training session, the participants learned the Framework of Sustainable Development Planning and Gender Aspect in Project Planning. They also had the exercise to develop Action Plan for their village, which translate sustainable development framework into development action and considering the gender perspective as well.   In the final stage of the last training session, the participants learned how to present their Action Plan in effective and enchanting ways. Not only having individual Action Plan, the participants also build collective action plans which were presented in front of public on the sixth day. In this presentation, they shared their internship experiences also their plans and visions ahead on implementing the lesson they gained throughout the training into their daily life, both on personal and professional levels

As the participants of BLP is increasing into 88 people over the past three years. And it is expected to be more than 100 trained future leaders, the idea of having Bridging Leadership Network emerged in a strong sense in the Alumni meeting.  The alumni discussed various critical issues included how they will connect across sectors and batch, what activities they would like to perform, how they will work as a team, and how they will communicate each other, as the realization of their vision and mission.  They have created several plans where they will educate their society on sustainable development through promoting organic agriculture and increase the quality of local primary education. Aside from it, the alumni also shown their interest to support the next batch of BLP based on each one’s capacity.

The last day was the graduation day. This year 23 participants were graduated from BLP 2009-2010. At this graduation session, Pak Kresnayana Yahya,  YPB’ one of the Board of Directors,  delivered a leadership speech related to the challenges and opportunities to promote sustainable development in Aceh, which encouraged the participants to take active role in developing their villages.   One of the traditions in the graduation ceremony is where the participants presented a tribute dedicated to their mentors and facilitators. Therefore, it was also a cultural night, as the participants performed Acehnese traditional dance, poetry and speech. Although the training session for the second batch has come to an end, the friendship and the networking will grow. This was a commitment of the participants.

YPB’s team of BLP congratulates them for their accomplishment as well as wishing them success for their future ahead. YPB team would also like to thank partners for their spirit to learn and share along the year.

Testimonials:

Yunani – 22 years old (Ceuraceu, Aceh Jaya)

“I have big hopes concerning sustainable development. The society living in rural areas should take good care of their homeland and defense it from all kinds of environmental destruction. Because of BLP, I now have the strong will to educate this society to gain more knowledge on how to preserve the environment to remain sustainably towards development.”

Zulfikar – 24 years old (Mila, Pidie)

“After completing the BLP’s training, I made a commitment to myself to empower farmers in Pidie to be more independent and creative. I plan to share the knowledge I gained here, moreover the concepts of sustainable development, specifically in organic agriculture.”