Main Article Content
Abstract
This research explores how training and mentoring rooted in local wisdom can empower young generations to preserve cultural heritage thru community-based organizations. This research focuses on the Cultural Youth Forum in Yogyakarta, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving local cultural values. This research method uses a qualitative case study approach, with information gathered thru questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and documentation of organizational activities involving 30 active members, alumni, and officers. The findings of the research indicate that practical training such as cultural tours, public speaking workshops based on Javanese ethics, and traditional skills sessions significantly improve technical and soft skills, particularly in the areas of communication, leadership, and cultural understanding. On the other hand, informal guidance helps improve social adjustment, emotional comfort, and a strong sense of belonging to the organization. All respondents indicated that they felt more capable and had a greater sense of responsibility toward cultural preservation after participating in the mentoring program. This research makes a new contribution by discussing youth development in non-profit cultural organizations using a humanistic and contextual approach, a topic rarely studied in previous studies which have focused more on formal institutions or the business sector. This research also emphasizes the transformative power of local wisdom in building identity and fostering young people's long-term commitment to cultural sustainability. The resulting guidance model is recommended for implementation in other areas to strengthen community-based tourism and cultural education. This study contributes to the discussion on youth empowerment, cultural sustainability, and non-formal education by presenting a framework that can be applied in human resource development based on cultural heritage.