Youth Take Action

Merck Indonesia is running a Corporate Social Responsibility program named Youth Take Action (YTA). The program involves the teenagers in Merck's surrounding neighbourhoods in the Gedong, a suburb in east Jakarta. The progam's objective is to empower the community, especially the teenagers, through programs that they have proposed.

The YTA program started in April with a focus group discussion to map the problems in Gedong. Based on this discussion the participants found that Gedong needs more green area. In groups, they had to put forward a proposal which showcased solutions to the problems. Before the proposal writing began, Merck helped them with a workshop that equipped them with project management and team work skills.

The YTA program was launched on 26 August 2010 and the opening event was attended by 7 groups of YTA participants, local authorities and the Merck Indonesia board of directors. At the event, representatives from each group presented their green program that will be applied from September to November 2010. Merck supports each group by financing their programs. At the end of the period, the best group with the best program will get a reward.

We hope that this program can improve the participant's creativity and ability and that Gedong can become a greener and healthier environmentfor its inhabitants.