The University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), through its International University Social Responsibility (IUSR), recognizes the pertinent role universities play in advancing their local and global communities. As bastions of knowledge and innovation, universities bear the responsibility of ensuring that the expertise they cultivate escapes the university and extends into the greater society. IUSR is a commitment that draws the university out of its ivory tower into greater service to its community by employing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) focused, people-centered, and knowledge-driven assessments and interventions.

Objectives
Project LAKBAY seeks to involve the youth in the fulfillment of greater International University Social Responsibility to promote active learning through knowledge-based activities while evoking positive, holistic, and long-term change for local Philippine communities. The specific objective of the project are as follows:
1. Provide a venue for youth to have a better understanding of the SDGs and the challenges faced by various local communities in the Philippines.
2. Promote intercultural engagement among Taiwanese and Filipino youth;
3. Facilitate learning of other cultures through firsthand experience, including language, customs, and traditions;
4. Promote a sense of community and connection with other young people interested in making a positive difference in the world; and
5. Provide a platform for learning English as a medium of conversation, instruction, and collaboration.

Participants
The youth cultural and learning immersion camp is open to young people between the ages of 18-29 who are interested in learning about the SDGs and taking action to make a positive difference in their communities and the world.

Venue
The main venue of the youth cultural and learning immersion program is at the UPOU main campus in Los Baños, Laguna. Participants youth will be billeted at the UPOU Academic Residences for the entire duration of the said program.

Project LAKBAY will take place for 9 days on 06 - 14 August 2024.
For more details, please refer to the attached Courses Description.