Promoting initiatives that encourage Indigenous youth to be creative and take the lead in supporting their communities is essential for fostering a sense of ownership and agency among young people. When Indigenous youth are empowered to develop and implement their own projects, whether through art, cultural events, environmental stewardship, or social entrepreneurship, they not only contribute to the well-being of their communities but also promote cultural pride and resilience. Encouraging creativity allows them to express their unique perspectives and experiences, which can lead to innovative solutions to pressing issues such as sustainability. By investing in their ideas and providing platforms for collaboration, we can harness the energy and passion of Indigenous youth, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized as vital to the future of their communities. Ultimately, empowering Indigenous youth through language and literacy programs, traditional arts, crafts programs, oral history, and storytelling. Besides, culture exchange and awareness included cultural festivals/events.
Program 1: Establish an Indigenous Media and Research course, which capacity Indigenous youths to grab knowledge of digital/media and they are able to raise Indigenous voices to the public. The program can empower them on the foundation of research, which enables them are able to produce articles and/or research on Indigenous context as well as storytelling, biodiversity, land, natural resources, and climate change.
Program 2: Establish an Indigenous Youth Initiative that provides opportunities for youths to create and lead their own project to benefit Indigenous communities. Through this program, Indigenous youths are available access to the small grant fund to implement short-term projects in Indigenous community areas in Cambodia. The program can empower youths in leadership and creativity and help them gain knowledge and practical experiences to explore and support communities based on their talents, skills, and passion.
Program 3: Establish/support Indigenous youth cultural programs/events based on Indigenous Language Networks, focusing on cultural preservation, exchange, and awareness of Indigenous cultures to the public.