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I am Hamida Akter Jeba , a proud Star of LP4Y, where I gained the foundation and confidence to pursue my aspirations. I now serve as a  Teacher at the Australian International School  in Dhaka, Bangladesh, dedicating myself to fostering young minds and creating an inspiring learning environment. Beyond the classroom, I am a dedicated Long-Distance Athlete  and Marathon   Runner . The discipline and endurance required for long-distance running mirror my approach to life, driving me to push past perceived limits. I channel this energy into my commitment as a Youth Mentor, where I aim to guide , motivate , and empower  the next   generation , proving that dedication and hard work can overcome any challenge. I want to start by saying how truly grateful I am to LP4Y. It’s a place where I not only learned, but also grew as a human being . The way LP4Y supports underprivileged young women in Bangladesh—with skill training, discipline, and confidence-building is very rare. Very few organizations take such bold steps and create such a real impact. With the belief “ Together We Can ,” LP4Y set up the first international NGO-based Training and Development Center (TDC) and Green Village (GV) centers in rural Bangladesh. These spaces became a home and a learning platform for young women to work, live, lead, and dream. Honestly, many people cannot even imagine such a setup in our society. Yet today, I see girls who once had no direction now working, taking responsibilities, starting small businesses, getting jobs, and standing on their own feet. I will forever be thankful to all the coaches and partners of LP4Y who stood by us through moments that once felt impossible. How My LP4Y Journey Started After completing my BBA and MBA, COVID-19 hit. The world shut down, and I felt stuck . In that confusing time, I came across LP4Y—their TDC centers, the coaches, and the young women learning there. I kept wondering: ‘Who are they? How are they motivating these girls? What is their mission?’ Slowly, that curiosity turned into the desire to join. And finally, I did. From the first day, I was  supported and encouraged by Coaches like Gasper, Toscane, Peter, Neome, and others. I found amazing fellow Youths with whom I shared everything—learning, struggles, achievements, celebrations. After completing the program, I joined the LP4Y Star Club , where Youths, Stars, and Coaches stay connected to support each other. I truly value volunteerism and social work, so whenever LP4Y needs me, I am always ready to support—happily and wholeheartedly.  How It All Began It was during my third year in the MIS department at the University of Dhaka . I was walking past Curzon Hall when I saw a huge crowd at the gymnasium field. People were running, shouting names, cheering loudly. I asked someone what was happening. It was a 5 km run—25 laps around the field. I was shocked. How do people run that long? How do they not collapse? I was told that girls only compete in short-distance events, usually 400 meters or less. When I showed interest in long-distance running, I heard comments like:  “You can’t run that far.” “Girls don’t do marathons.” “You’ll faint.” Those words stuck with me. And I decided to try anyway. I started joining races outside campus. That small curiosity soon grew into a passion then a dream, and finally, a part of who I am today. Today I am proud to be the  2nd Overall in the Kathmandu Marathon  2025 (42.195 km), and 1st among SAARC countries , competing with runners from around 130 countries. Where My Marathon Journey Really Started My first 5 km was in 2018 at a university event organized by Ironman Arafat and that event changed everything. My second 5 km got me 2nd place. Soon, I completed my first 10 km in Narsingdi. Then I discovered hills. I fell in love with them. Some of my memorable  achievements: Champion – 21 km Bandrathon (Bandarban) Champion – Shamshernagar Marathon, 2019 – 45 km Makrovat Trail Ultra, Meghalaya 2019 – 50 km Ultra, Gazipur  2021 – Champion, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Dhaka Marathon (Prize: 5 lakh taka) 2022 – 5th, Ladakh Marathon, India* 2025 – 2nd Overall, Kathmandu Marathon Dhaka half marathon 2020 2nd, This journey is only the beginning. Many more podiums are waiting. Family Acceptance & Struggles Coming from a conservative family, I kept my sports life hidden at first. I didn’t bring medals home—I kept them in my hall room. But my achievements started appearing on TV  and in newspapers. Relatives told my parents. Whenever my father was watching the news, my heart would race. Sometimes, when he left, I quietly turned off the TV. Slowly, slowly, they came to know. And after almost two years, they accepted it. Today, my family supports me fully. My Purpose Ahead My goal is to support the physical and mental well-being of underprivileged girls and women, helping them build confidence and courage. I want to bring more honor to my country and inspire more girls to stay active, healthy, and strong and mentally fit. Today, I proudly work at the Australian International School, Dhaka, and continue my journey as a marathon runner representing Bangladesh. My dream is to take my efforts—and my victories —even further for a better world.

Isa Nebres, department manager, testimony: What is your background at decathlon (how long have you been leader/whether you have taken on other missions or roles before…)? I began my journey with Decathlon as a working student, starting part-time while preparing for college. What was initially meant to be a two-month job for me evolved into a seven-year journey of growth and now 3 years in leadership. I was 19 when I was first entrusted to become one of the Layout Referents for Decathlon Alabang store. I’ve worked 4 years as a part-time working student, then as soon as I graduated, I applied full time as an Omni Sports Leader, 2 months into that role, I was offered to become part of Decathlon Fairview’s Leading Team as Team Sport Leader then later joined Decathlon Santa Rosa as Department Manager. In 2024, I was also entrusted to work alongside our Country Sport Leader as the Commercial Dynamism Referent for our Department’s ecosystem. What is the main thing you’d like Lowla and Reynan to remember their experience in your team and from the knowledge you are sharing with them ?  I want them to remember how Decathlon - people are always the heart of every project. No matter their background or experience, they carry potential waiting to be cultivated. Everybody can make difference, no mater where they start. Everyone begins somewhere, and there is always a « first time » for everything. What matters most is having the courage to believe in themselves  and to see a vision of where they want to go. Dare to make mistakes and learn. Being as you truly are: growth becomes not only possible but inevitable. I want Lowell and Reynan to remember that leadership begins with trust, trust in themselves, in others, and in the vision they carry forward. From 2, 5, 10 or even 20 years from today. I hope they leave knowing that their growth matters as much as the results they bring. If they ever become the leader they wish to become someday, (as they’ve written when I asked them « how do you want to be remembered? » or « visions of themselves ») I hope they pay forward the same trust and really invest in the people they’ll be entrusted to journey with. What did they teach you in return? They did remind me that when I was 18, like both of them, I was young, inexperienced, a working student, but given a chance. My leaders at Decathlon believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They entrusted me with opportunities that taught me vision, resilience, and the importance of people-centered leadership. That experience shaped the way I lead today. I believe people are always at the heart of every project. Skills can be learned, but trust and belief ignite real growth. This is what I wanted Lowela and Reynan to experience in our time together-that feeling of being seen, believed in, and guided with care. In return, they taught me to slow down, to value the process of growth, and to put others forward just as I was once lifted by someone else's belief. Their strengths-resilience, humility, teachability, are the same qualities that once helped me grow. It is inspiring to see these values carried forward by the next generation of leaders. In fact, when Lowela and Reynan onboarded. | journeyed with my two teammates' development by letting them lead with me for the journey of Lowela and Reynan. Statement shared by Reeve Noriega: Both of them have shown heart and determination during the months I’ve worked with them. The main thing I want them to remember is to always give your all, your potential is limitless, get out of your comfort zone, explore things, ask questions and always remember don’t lose the attitude of being a student of the game. They reminded me how important perseverance is. Despite having a hard time at the start, they never stopped learning what they needed to know even when things got challenging. With that lesson I’ve learned from them, I will not back down even if the progress is slow, try and try until you succeed.  Statement shared by Karen Arguelles: In the past three months with Lowela and Reynan, I’ve learned to be more patient with myself and intentional as a leader. Guiding them on the foundations, like layout and customer service, not only made our work lighter but also helped us create more and share best practices as a collective. For me, it was like being an ate, a bigger sister, making sure they stayed focused while also growing myself as a mentor together with our Department Manager, Denise and Reeve. This experience shower me that mentorship is both a responsibility and a gift, and together we exceed our commitments, with the ambition we carried in our hearts.  According to you, what are the strengths of Lowela and Reynan / the Youth that have been followed the LP4Y program?  Their biggest strengths are resilience, humility, and a willingness to learn. They are people-oriented and collaborative , with a natural ability to adapt to challenges. Like many Youth from the LP4Y program, they show a determination to grow, and not only in skills but also in character, and an inspiring capacity to embrace feedback and move forward. I love their genuine eagerness to grow, not just as individuals, but as contributors to a shared purpose.  Are Lowela and Reynan the first LP4Y graduates that you are working with? And would you like to recruit other Youths who followed LP4Y training ? Why ?  No, they weren’t the first, I’ve had many teammates like MJ, Neverlie, JC, Cecil, Lendy, Cielo and many more. But, they weren’t my first LP4Y graduates I have worked with since I became a Department Manager, and the experience has been both inspiring and fulfilling. I would absolutely like to recruit more Youth from the program because they bring unique strengths, resilience, openness and a deep sense of purpose, that enrich any team they join. Their growth mindset and eagerness to contribute make them strong assets in a people-centered, vision-driven culture like Decathlon’s. Lowelas’s testimonial “ My name is Lowela Moreal, and my story is one of growth, resilience, and a firm belief in my own potential. At 19 years old, as a young mother originally from Calauan, Laguna, I've already learned that success isn't defined by a straight, predictable path, but by the courage to face challenges head-on. My journey truly began when I decided to move to Santa Rosa to be closer to new opportunities, a decision that led me to two experiences that have shaped me profoundly: my time at LP4Y and my current role at Decathlon. ​My path of self-discovery started on September 12, 2024, when I joined LP4Y. It was there, particularly in the Learning and Development (LD) team, that I discovered my inner strength and began to understand what it means to be a professional. I still vividly remember my first week. As the only person from my department, I felt challenged by an upcoming event. I could have waited for someone to guide me, but instead, I took the initiative. I created a group chat and led the conversation with my teammates, coordinating our tasks and planning the event. It was a simple event, but the sense of accomplishment and shared joy we felt was unforgettable. This experience taught me a powerful lesson: to always remain positive and confident, no matter how difficult a situation may seem. It was a turning point that taught me to trust in myself and believe that I could handle any challenge. ​That lesson became invaluable as I took the next big step in my career. On May 5, 2025, I started my first day as an Omni Sales Assistant (OSA) at Decathlon. Initially, I knew nothing about the company, but as I researched it, I became captivated by its international scope and the opportunity it represented. I saw it as a chance to prove my capabilities and challenge the preconceived notions that often follow a young, unmarried mother who hasn't graduated from college. I was nervous on my first day, but that quickly faded as I was welcomed into a friendly, energetic, and dynamic environment. Everyone was so welcoming that I soon felt motivated and eager to learn everything I could. My role is to assist customers, and I strive to make every single one, especially first-time visitors, feel satisfied with our service. It's a job I truly love. ​At Decathlon, I am continuously developing my communication skills, which are crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and building strong relationships with my teammates. But beyond the practical skills, the most important lesson I’ve learned from my mentors and colleagues is to be honest with myself. They’ve taught me that true success comes from authenticity, not from pretending to be someone you're not. This is a lesson that resonates deeply with me. My journey, from an LP4Y Youth to a Decathlon employee, has shown me that my past does not define me. I am determined to improve my skills and show everyone who I truly am, a person who is confident, resilient, and ready to achieve her goals. I am convinced that by staying true to myself and embracing every challenge, I will succeed." Reynan’s testimony: “ Hello! My name is Reynan Catarroja, and I’m 20 years old. I’m originally from Quezon Province but currently live alone in Santa Rosa, Laguna, where I work at Decathlon. I’m the second youngest among my siblings. In my free time, I enjoy attending church, swimming, and playing volleyball. After graduating from senior high school, I decided to move to Laguna to find work. That’s when I discovered LP4Y, a professional training program for excluded Youth, and I joined it in September 2024. I spent six months as part of the event organizing team, handling responsibilities across three departments. From this experience, I gained valuable skills, such as computer literacy and event management. Following my time at LP4Y, I was hired by Decathlon as an OSA on May 5, 2025. While completing my last month at LP4Y, I actively searched for jobs and was invited to an interview at Decathlon Santa Rosa. Although I received several job offers from different companies, I chose Decathlon because it was my dream job. I wanted to take on new challenges, learn more, and grow in an environment where I knew I would be a great fit. On my first day at Decathlon, I felt a mix of gratitude, excitement, and nervousness. Now, I’m focused on improving my layout skills and delivering world-class customer service. As an OSA, I always remember the most valuable advice my leader gave me: “Put yourself in the customer’s shoes. Be excellent at customer service, and remember, whatever you’re doing, the user is always your priority.” ““ LP4Y word: Every Youth who succeeds is proof that inclusion works. Through the LP4Y training and the support of partners like Décathlon, who believe in their potential, more young lives can be transformed. Let’s continue working together to create opportunities, break barriers, and build a future where every Youth has a place in the professional world.

My name is Atta, 19 years old . I am still young, but my life journey has made me grow up faster than my age suggests . I am a graduate of LP4Y, a place that not only teaches skills, but also supports my personal change , shaping the way I see the world and myself . Since childhood, I have been accustomed to living in silence . My mother rarely came home because she worked far away to support our family . I grew up alone, learning to cook by myself  and learning to calm myself  when the nights felt long. Even so, I never resented her. I knew that her absence was the quietest form of love  she had. After graduating with a degree in Computer and Network Engineering , I carried that diploma like a fragile hope . I applied to many places, but most rejected me or didn’t respond . My savings were dwindling , and I began to question how long I could hold on . That’s when I found LP4Y , a new hope  for a life that was beginning to fade. I came with hesitant steps , but with a strong desire to change my fate . My days at LP4Y gradually transformed my life . I learned to wake up early, be disciplined, value time, and work without fear of failure . There, mistakes weren’t a shame, but a learning process . My Catalyst became the most influential person in my life . Her gentle and understanding way of speaking  gave me the courage to try again  every time I stumbled. From her simple words, “Take your time, Atta,”  I learned that it’s okay to fail, it’s okay to be slow, as long as you keep moving forward . English, which used to make me nervous, now flows more smoothly . My confidence has grown . I’ve started to take initiative, work before being asked , and learn to see problems from different angles . When I joined the team, I brought ideas that made us work more productively . My friend said, “Your ideas always get the team moving.”  That made me feel more alive than my former self . Change breeds dreams.  In the near future, I want to become a WiFi technician , something close to my expertise . I want to buy a laptop  as a sign that my life is moving forward . I also want to become a futsal coach . I already have a license , and the field always makes me feel valuable . In the long term, I want to build a warm family  different from the quiet home  where I grew up. I want to have a comfortable house, a simple car, and a life full of love . Above all, I want to be proof that change is possible . That life can move forward  as long as we don’t stop . I chose the title “Melody and Intonation”  because these two words describe my relationship with this journey of life . Melody is the story of every beautiful moment, every ups and downs, and every meaningful memory. Intonation is how I understand the ups and downs of emotions, changes, and how I learn to express myself honestly. The two come together to form the music of my journey .

The Youth, Stars, Catalysts and LP4Y partners are the Voices of LP4Y, through inspiring testimonies, they tell us their stories. The Youth, Stars, Catalysts and LP4Y partners are the Voices of LP4Y, through inspiring testimonies, they tell us their stories . Each trimester, receive LP4Y's newsletter with a preview of the most inspiring stories and set foot on the ground alongside the Young adults. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER Looking for a specific story? CATALYSTS EVENTS HOPE AND AMBITION PROFESSIONAL EXPOSURE INTEGRATION COLLABORATION WOMEN EMPOWERMENT Latest LP4Y stories Growing Through Trust: When Leadership Creates Opportunities Isa Nebres, department manager, testimony: What is your background at decathlon (how long have you been leader/whether you have taken on other missions or roles before…)? I began my journey with Decathlon as a working student, starting part-time while preparing for college. What was initially meant to be a two-month job for me evolved into a seven-year journey of growth and now 3 years in leadership. I was 19 when I was first entrusted to become one of the Layout Referents f 3 days ago Melody and Intonation: A Journey of Personal Change My name is Atta, 19 years old . I am still young, but my life journey has made me grow up faster than my age suggests . I am a graduate of LP4Y, a place that not only teaches skills, but also supports my personal change , shaping the way I see the world and myself . Since childhood, I have been accustomed to living in silence . My mother rarely came home because she worked far away to support our family . I grew up alone, learning to cook by myself and learning to calm mysel 7 days ago Believing in the Power Within: Krishala’s Transformation My name is Krishala Rai , and I am from Panchthar Rabi, Nepal . Before joining LP4Y, my life was very uncertain. I was jobless, shy, and had very little confidence in myself. I didn’t know what my dream was or what I wanted to do in life. Every day felt the same, and even though I wanted to move forward, I didn’t know how. When I first heard about LP4Y , I shared it with my family. At first, they didn’t really understand what it was, but after I explained, they allowed me to Dec 19 My initiative in the direction of change My name is Ravi Yadav . I am 19 years old and I come from Sakti District, Chhattisgarh . I completed my 12th grade in Science . My hobbies are playing sports and learning new things, and my dream is to become a teacher . Before joining LP4Y, I was at home doing nothing. My routine was only sleeping, waking up, and eating. Sometimes I helped my father with farming, housework, and receiving people at home, but most of the time I felt lost . I had forgotten who I was. I felt la Dec 15 Life Project 4 Youth LP4Y is an international movement of local organisations specializing in the development of innovative solutions for the professional and social integration of excluded Youth living in extreme poverty. MORE ABOUT LP4Y 10,584 Accompanied Youth since 2009 66% Integrated Youth 17 Training & Development Centers 4 Green Villages 1,005 Youth trained in 2024 If you are part of LP4Y ecosystem and want to share your story, send them to lp4ystories@lp4y.org to be featured.

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