The partnership between LP4Y and Decathlon started in 2016 in India. Very quickly, Decathlon extended their involvement in the Philippines and in Indonesia. Since then, Decathlon has been one of the main Integration partners with 100+ jobs offered to the Youth of LP4Y and 150+ activities ran, including company visits, mock interviews and trainings.
Decathlon is also one of the main partners of the Micro-Company Move 4 Change in Payatas (The Philippines) which is giving sport training to the community twice a week.
On average, Decathlon is also organizing between 15 and 20 activities per year with the center of LP4Y Luzon. Since March 2024, the activities have been extended to the two centers of Lapu-Lapu in Cebu (The Philippines).
Decathlon and LP4Y are sharing the same values regarding inclusion and the company is offering multiple opportunities to the Youth to be more professionally exposed. On top of that, Decathlon is a key ambassador of LP4Y, spreading the word of Youth Inclusion to its network of partners and being and active member of the YIN (Youth Inclusion Network).
The three new transversal axes of LP4Y (Well-Being, Sustainability and Citizenship) enable LP4Y and Decathlon to bring this collaboration to the next level by using sport as a motor for social and professional inclusion. A bright future for the Youth of LP4Y is already emerging thanks to the involvement of Decathlon.
Wendy, who followed LP4Y training in Manila and Fides, who is now her manager in Decathlon, share a few inputs about their collaboration.
- WENDY LARIESTAN, OMNI SPORT LEADER -
I am Wendy Lariestan from Navotas, currently working in Decathlon Pasay as Omni sport leader (OSL) of the Fitness department. I am also a former Youth of Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y) and part of SOLARETO program. From May 2017 to May 2018, when I followed the program, our micro-company was to help the people who live in a slum find affordable and safety lights in Happyland, Tondo (Manila, The Philippines).
After my professional training program in LP4Y in 2018, I got my first job in a corporate company. I was admin interim in a consultancy engineering firm for 6 months, while working in a Chinese shop as Sale staff and as a cashier at the same time. After 6 months of working, I got promoted as Office in Charge (OIC). After 2 years of working, pandemic came and I am one of the employee who lost their job during pandemic.
After that I made an action-plan with a timeline for my job search, I printed 10 resumes to look for another opportunity, sent emails to partners, looked on Indeed and finally got hired in Decathlon. I have been waiting this company for almost 4 years. Since I started in LP4Y, I tried about a hundred times, and finally it came to me. That why I felt so blessed when Maui hired me to join in Decathlon.
What were your motivations to join LP4Y?
I grew up in broken family since I was 6 years old, and I used to live with my relatives. Since then, I used to be a father and a mother to my 2 siblings. I had a dream to work in a corporate company to help our family in future, but in reality the salary of my father was not enough to cover our daily expenses. At the age of 8 years old, I started to help earning money by asking for water bottles that I would sell to the jump shop. I worked as dishwasher in factory company, service crew, etc. That why when I was a Youth of LP4Y, I pushed myself to study in English, be responsible towards the team, practice speaking with a lot of people even when nervous and have a perfect attendance. By the time I graduated as entrepreneur, I started to dream high.
What did you learn at LP4Y and will never forget?
I'd always keep in my mind that failure is not the end of my story; it's just a good start for me. I hold onto these words as a reminder not to give up and to see failure as a lesson that helps me grow both as a person and in my work. Listening to and reading inspirational testimonies from LP4Y books, attending meetings with the STARS Club, and connecting with other Youths and Coaches are crucial for motivation and confidence.
Why did you choose to work at Decathlon?
I was hired in Decathlon and started working on November 2022, two years ago. Time flies so fast. I remember it took me 4 years of applying in Decathlon, a lot of hindrances, rejection, challenge. Finally I got my Job here as OSA (Omni-Sport A) and got promoted as an OSL last March 2024 in Fitness Department.
For me, the dynamism, quality and vitality of Decathlon is compatible with my interest in badminton sports. Decathlon is the leader of the market and is able to combine quality of product and low prices which allow more people to practice their favorite sports.
What surprised you the most at the beginning?
At the beginning, I was so shy to approach the team members but I feel the dynamism, quality and vitality of Decathlon.
What are the most important skills you are currently developing?
Currently, I love doing the layout of our products in Decathlon. Layout means a retail store layout (whether physical or digital) is the strategic use of space to influence the customer experience. I do believe that 80% of sales comes from the Layout. Also I'm developing my leadership skills. As OSL and social impact referent in Pasay, I want to be more firm, more professional to manage the team.
What is the most important teaching you have learned from your mentor?
I like the professionalism of Fides, and I am so lucky that she’s my leader. I would always keep in mind the word "Ownership". If you have an ownership in your business, whatever the result, it is yours. In this word it encouraging me to do well in my current job.
- FIDES SARMIENTO, DEPARTMENT MANAGER -
I am Fides Sarmiento, a girl from the province of Lipa, Batangas who dreamt of having an opportunity to have a scholarship through playing sports in the Metro Manila. Lo and behold, I was scouted by one of the coaches here in Manila and I was able to finish my studies through playing sports. Decathlon is my first job and my profile came from a referral of a friend.
Why did you choose to mentor Wendy?
What I admire the most about Wendy is her coachability and perseverance. That no matter how worse the situation may be, she can pull off the task. Wendy improved a lot in terms of her decision making. Before, she kept on asking me what and how to do things. But now, I can say that she can really decide on her own.
What is the main thing you’d like Wendy to remember from everything you are teaching her?
That even though she came from a difficult background, she can also shine.
What did Wendy teach you in return?
Wendy taught me to be compassionate and patient.
Would you like to recruit other Youths who followed LP4Y training?
Definitely yes! Youths following LP4Y trainings are hardworking and coachable.
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