FAQs: 2022 YSEALI Change the Current

About residency

Q: I’m not living in the Philippines. Can I still join the YSEALI CTC?

No. You need to show proof that you live, study, or work in the Philippines.. If you were born elsewhere but you live, study, or work in the Philippines, you may apply. If you are from the Philippines, but you are based elsewhere, you cannot apply unless you can prove that your project will be implemented in the Philippines.

About the age requirement: Applicants must be 18-23 years old during the YSEALI Change the Current (YSEALI CTC).

Q: I’m 17. Can I apply for the YSEALI CTC?

A: If you are 18 by April 23, 2022, then you may apply.

Q: I’m 24 and above but I’m really active in environmental advocacies. Can I still apply?

A: No.

Q: Why does there need to be an age limit?

A: Being a climate changemaker has no age limit – anyone can be an empowered seatizen. But for training programs like the YSEALI CTC, activities, sessions and modules are more effective if they are created specifically for an age range, rather than a general audience. It’s the same as in other summer workshops, or even at school. Generally, people also tend to be more comfortable working with and sharing their experiences, opinions, and ideas with their peers, compared to others way below or above their age.

We decided to have the age range of 18-23 years old for the participants of the first YSEALI CTC because these are very crucial formative years when these young adults go through experiences that will influence their career choices. By participating in YSEALI CTC, we hope that they will be inspired to dedicate more of their time and talents for conservation efforts and maybe even decide to specialize in fields that are geared towards developmental work.

About the requirements

Q: What are the technical requirements in joining the session?

A: A stable internet connection is ideal and any device capable of using the most updated version of Zoom.

Q: How much would it cost to participate in YSEALI CTC?

A: NOTHING! The program will be held online. The in-person gathering’s travel expenses, food, accommodations, and materials are covered by the program. If you are chosen as a participant and are asked to join the in-person gathering, you may bring some pocket money if you want to buy personal items or souvenirs in the local area.

About the program

Q: Are there face-to-face gatherings during the program?

A: All the sessions, including the project pitching day, will be held online via Zoom. An in-person gathering is tentatively scheduled for the end of 2022/early 2023, subject to national and local COVID-19 health and safety protocols.

Q: Who is behind the YSEALI CTC?

A: The YSEALI CTC is organized by Save Philippine Seas and supported by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. To find out more about the U.S. Embassy, please visit http://manila.usembassy.gov/, follow them Twitter at @usembassymanila, and Like the Facebook page.