Implementing the Social Solidarity Economy in YCW Indonesia

Asgar, Ciheulang Indonesia - The area is located in the region of Central Java, approximately 203 km / 126 miles away from Semarang, the capital city of the region. The livelihood of the people mainly rely in agriculture such as farming and selling agricultural products. However, it is notably alarming the rising number of the informal sector and the unemployed youth in the region.

YCW Indonesia started to organize and develop a project to young and adult vendors in the community addressing the issues of the informal sector and unemployed youth. The informal sector (street vendors) as per se are facing low income, long hours of work and the lack of proper place to sell their products.  The project aims to increase their capacity and opportunity to raise their income and chances to develop their livelihood.

ASGAR base group is planning to provide a permanent space (local community market) for the unemployed youth and street vendors to install their own small business like vegetables stores and garment shops. At the moment, the action process is ongoing to find resources and partnership support as well as negotiation with local government to provide free space of land for the establishment of the small local market. The base group then built small hut as their temporary headquarters in the area for their meetings and gatherings.

During the visit of IYCW-ASPAC coordinator, several discussions has been made during together with former YCW’s and adult collaborator to identify realistic and define strategic plan to develop the community project. 

It is seen that the project has a lot of potential because of the full support of the people lives in the community as well number of former YCW who are willing to help in the action process. It is also a means that the local products in the community could be promote and developed opportunities to raise income and livelihood of the people.

Linking the action to the International Plan: The Social Solidarity Economy Campaign of the IYCW

The action of the base group has a strong link with the on-going action of the International YCW with regards to the Solidarity Economy. The IYCW develop a survey inquiring the reality, needs and aspirations of the young workers in the informal economy and of the unemployed youth.  The survey is directed to all young people both inside and outside the movement.

 

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IYCW in Asia-Pacific (ASPAC YCW)

Welcome to the page of ASPAC YCW !

The International Young Christian Workers Asia Pacific (IYCW-ASPAC) serves as the regional coordination body of the International Young Christian Workers (IYCW) movement. It is responsible for inspiring, guiding, and supporting the actions and experiences of YCW national movements across Asia and the Pacific. The IYCW is a vibrant and proactive movement of young workers striving for justice and solidarity. Through collective action, they confront injustices rooted in their daily realities at work and in life. Currently, YCW operates in Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, and Hong Kong.

Challenges Facing Young Workers in Asia and the Pacific

Thousands of young workers in the region face challenges such as precarious work, unemployment, lack of social protection, workplace discrimination, stress, and the impacts of climate change. In this context, the work of YCW remains as relevant as ever, providing a platform for young workers to take collective action and advocate for change.

YCW's Mission and Commitment

The YCW movement prioritizes education through action, rooted in the lived experiences of young workers. It starts by addressing the personal and collective challenges faced by young workers, challenging the societal values that contradict their beliefs and aspirations.

Working collaboratively with other organizations, trade unions, and institutions, YCW envisions a society built on equality, solidarity, and justice. This vision includes equitable wealth and resource distribution, placing people at the center of economic, political, and social systems, and guaranteeing universally recognized fundamental rights for all.

International Plan of Action (IPA) 2023–2026

Under the IPA 2023–2026, YCW national movements in the ASPAC region are focusing on the following key areas:

  1. Decent Work and Social Protection
  2. Gender and Diversity
  3. Access to Quality Education
  4. Environment
  5. Social and Solidarity Economy

Reference National On-Going Actions Across Asia and the Pacific

YCW- Indonesia

  • Promoting Social Solidarity Economy in the Sancanaga community to enhance income, preserve the environment, and protect cultural heritage.

YCW- Philippines

  • Advocating for social protection and access to government services and programs for young fisherfolk in Mercedes, Camarines Norte.

YCW- Pakistan

  • Empowering women through training programs, livelihood education, and economic initiatives to combat gender discrimination.

YCW- Australia

  • Creating spaces for young people to foster leadership, community, and social expression through initiatives like the Sol' Music Festival, which addresses mental health and social issues while promoting solidarity.

YCW- Sri Lanka

  • Addressing the livelihoods and societal roles of women workers through Social Solidarity Economy initiatives.

YCW- Japan

  • Tackling precarious work conditions by addressing issues related to work hours, rest, workplace pressure, relationships, and wages.

YCW- Thailand

  • Supporting migrant workers and platform workers in precarious work environments.

YCW- India

  • Rebuilding the YCW movement with support from former members, aiming to regain full membership status by 2026.

Through these actions, YCW-ASPAC continues to empower young workers to transform their realities and build a more just and equitable society.

 

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