Be there six or only two volunteers for the Philippines, the Embassy will continue to support of the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) Program, an Australian Government initiative funded by AusAID.

Thus was the reassurance given by Chargé d’Affaires Mary Anne Padua to Mr. Anthony Rologas, Project Director of the AYAD Program, 
Austraining International,  during the latter’s call on 27 May.  Together with Mr. Jonas Tetangco, In Country Manager of Austraining in the Philippines, and Mr. Joselito C. De Vera, Executive Director of the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA), Mr. Rologas met with Ms. Padua specifically to request the Embassy’s assistance in publicizing AYAD, in view of the decreasing number of Philippine-bound volunteers.  Mr. Rologas was himself an AYAD to the Philippines several years ago.  It was observed that while the Philippines does not seem as “exotic” as other destinations in Asia and the Pacific, there was consensus that AYADs who did venture to the Philippines found it a surprisingly positive experience, requesting extension or reapplying for another tour-of-duty, as well as  maintaining their Philippine linkages

The AYAD Program places skilled young Australians on short-term assignments (3 to 12 months) in countries throughout the Asia-Pacific and Africa, including the Philippines.  It aims to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and these countries while positively contributing to development.

AYAD volunteers work with local counterparts in host organisations to achieve sustainable development outcomes through capacity building, skills transfer and institutional strengthening.

AYAD assignments cover a diverse range of sectors including education, environment, gender, governance, health, infrastructure, rural development and trade.

Last 3 March and 23 June, the Embassy, through Third Secretary and Vice Consul Grace Anne Bulos, briefed the AYAD Intake 30 and 31 respectively.  There were six participants in the 30^th Intake and two in the 31^st.

More information on the AYAD Program is available at www.ausaid.gov.au/youtham/ and www.ayad.com.au.