I am Monette Tenedero, a young mother who used to live in Happyland (biggest slum in Manila). I still remember how I dreamed during my younger age and suddenly changed when I got pregnant at an early age. I thought that my life was over and hopeless but when I learned that there is an organization named Life Project 4 Youth, I feel fortunate and even my perspective on life changed!
LP4Y provides qualitative training like exposing myself to actual management of business, purchasing and making a product to sell. I feel that day by day the training boosts my confidence and this becomes my strength.
I am thankful that LP4Y gave me a chance to extend my knowledge by attending company visits with partners and universities.
By attending this training, I notice that I develop so many skills like professional behaviour, communicating in English language, managing the team and operating our micro-company that help me in different situations.
I dreamed of working for a good company to finish my studies but it was difficult for me to achieve it while supporting my three children. “HOW CAN I PROVIDE A BETTER FUTURE FOR MY CHILDREN?” This question kept on circulating in my mind and kept me to challenge myself, to continue and fight for my dreams!
When I was hired in Decathlon last 2017, I felt very grateful to this company because they gave me a chance to have a decent and stable job! This chance that LP4Y & Decathlon gave me changed my personal life and professional life.
At first, I thought that it would be easy for me to work while taking care of kids but I was wrong! Decathlon Alabang is the first branch in the Philippines and I am the first from LP4Y who got hired. I felt pressure at first but they supported me a lot in the professional aspect. I learned during my training in LP4Y about the importance of attendance. Despite almost 3 hours of travel to work in Alabang, I was never late. I am grateful to the Catalysts that accompanied me and Mrs Nadege because they ensured my emotional wellbeing that prepared me for who I am today and not just my professional path.
I worked for Decathlon Philippines for 6 years and throughout these years, I could see that my life is improving. I now had savings for my kids, a house in Antipolo, meaning that I would not need to think of our safety anymore (Happyland is prone to fire). At the same time, things remained difficult as I got separated from my partner and became a single mother! While working too hard, I was not able to focus on my children, which hurt me a lot as a mother but every time I took days off, I would make sure to give my full attention to them!
I am now working in Decathlon Singapore as a Sports Leader! I believe that working hard with a goal will lead you to a brighter future and that you can learn to develop an entrepreneur mindset!
Do not lose hope for your dreams and keep fighting, that is my advice to the young ones!
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