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My nickname is JPB, and I am 25 years old. I live in Cebu City, Philippines. Today, I would like to share about the jail systems here in Lapu-Lapu City jail. I have been in this jail for 4 years. Here, I learned good manners and values like respect. Respect is the reason why we live peacefully here. We respect the BJMP officers, Expediter, Coordinators, Peacemakers, and the other inmates. They are the ones who keep the peace here inside. Outside, it is rare to find a person who gives you full respect. Here, wherever you look, we are giving respect, politeness, kindness and love to each other. Sometimes we argue here but we never make it a bigger problem, and fix it instantly. During meal time, the rule is: first come first serve. Our rules are fair, there is no favor. All the things that we have we give care and value. Some people can say that the prisoners are bad but we were brought here to change our lives, not to be more violent. The Lapu-Lapu City jail is drug free and everyday we have a morning meeting, called Therapeutic Community Modality Program (TCMP). Every person in our dorm has different tasks: affirmation, news casting, trivia, concept of the day and verse of the day, and entertainment. After the morning meeting, we can do activities like sports, livelihood, study and do business. I personally chose to study (LP4Y) from 9:30am to 4:00pm. Afterwards, we need to go back to our building because at 5pm we are not allowed to go outside. We call this schedule “padlock”. At 5:30pm we do a holy rosary and at 6:00pm is the headcount. We also do indoor activities like watching TV or bible studies before headcount every Monday to Friday. With this, our life will slowly or gradually change. We realize that there are better things than drugs. The life changing activities will not only satisfy ourselves but also our families.

My nickname is ElChapo, 23 years old, I live in Mabolo, Cebu City. I want to share with you the testimony of my life. Since I was 10 years old, I have been going to school. One day in fifth grade after finishing my class, I went back home but an incident hurt me so badly, I started to do bad things. That is the reason why I am always doing bad things. My mother came to my school at noon to bring me food. She told me that this time when I go back to our house, it might take her a longer time to come back. I used to see my mom and dad when going back home to eat at night. After eating, I would go to bed and I could not sleep without my mom and dad. On the evening of the incident, it is 8 o'clock in the evening, my dad and brother are wondering where my mom is. Why has she not come back yet? We start looking for my mom when my sister receives a text from my aunt saying that mom ran away and went to Manila because she cannot take my dad's vice anymore. Everything changed for me on this night, since my mom stopped guiding me. I was discouraged by my father because he was always bad in front of me with his friends. I learned from a very young age to sustain myself by getting involved in illegal/immoral activities. My mother left and never came back. After that, I stopped going to school. One day, I called my mother and told her that if she did not come back, I would go to prison or die. She told me no matter which university to go to, she would pay for me, but I still did not do it right. When I was 17 years old, my girlfriend got pregnant and I got arrested in Cebu City. The police put me in jail. When I turned 18, they transferred me to Cebu City jail. After being imprisoned for one year and one month, I was released. My son was 7 years old at that time, and I wanted to give him a good life. But I could not find a decent way to provide for him and continued to sell drugs. In 2019, I got arrested for the second time. I am now imprisoned in Lapu-Lapu. I have not been free since then. I am happy that I participated in the LP4Y program because I learned a lot. Now, I know how to manage my time and I have a plan for my life. Thank you very much!

I am a young woman who used to live in Navotas City, named Dina. I used to live with my sister and brother only, because our father left us when I was 10 years old and our mother died due to a disease in 2016. When my mother died, my life turned upside down to the point that I attempted to end my own life because “What is the point of doing everything now when my one and only motivation has gone?” But everything changed when the sister of my friend invited me to join Life Project 4 Youth . At first, I was following the training because I was bored at home. And as the time went by, I did not expect to feel as safe and accepted as I was in LP4Y. I was used to face haters and judgmental people outside and trying to bring you down. LP4Y became my home, a safe place where I can be myself and where the Catalysts will accompany us and help us to improve. Not only in the way we speak or write in English, but also how to use Microsoft, Excel and moreover how to be professional. One thing that I will never forget during my journey in LP4Y is that they made me realize that I can be a better version of myself . I finished LP4Y during the pandemic. It was not easy, but I was hired as an admin assistant in one of the companies in Makati City. Unfortunately, it did not last long due to the pandemic. We had a skeletal schedule: no work, no pay. At that moment, I was living in Navotas. I was spending a lot of time in transportation, and it was expensive. I decided to end it. I did extra work in my friend’s small business while applying and sending resumes in as many companies as possible. I got interviews but no one accepted me because of my educational background. I was stuck in that routine for a year until one of the Coaches in LP4Y invited me to send my resume in Bolloré and do an interview. I grabbed that great opportunity, beginning my career as an International Freight Forwarding Operator in Bolloré . First, I became an intern for 5 months under the Finance department. After that, they absorbed me as a custom compiler employee. Finally, after 6 months, I became a regular employee with a new job title as an International Freight Forwarding Operator. Bollore helped me to improve myself and to develop my ability at work. Without the help of Bolloré and LP4Y together, I would have never been who I am and where I am now. My advice to the Youth coming from extreme poverty: stop thinking that no one will accept your application because you do not have that ability and are not entitled since you are not a degree holder. Remember there are a lot of successful people without a college degree. And do not be afraid if you make a mistake because it is the sign that you are doing something. "A mistake does not mean that you are a failure. It is not how far you fall that is important but how high you bounce back to make a difference from your mistake."

In Payatas (The Philippines), the Youth are in charge of a micro-company called “Move 4 Change”. They recently presented their daily activities as part of a video project for Lacoste Foundation , which contributes to funding the center's activities . Handled in a project mode, they prepared a script, shot the videos, recorded the voice-over and worked with Catalysts for the editing. During the project, they were supported by their Coach as well as by the Communication Team, based in a different country and different time zone. The Youth brilliantly overcame all the challenges that came their way from building a project team to finding the right material for the shooting. The quality of their work and involvement is tangible in the video. At LP4Y, we believe that each Youth has a tremendous potential. And you, are you convinced yet?

"Let me start with a few questions: Who here thinks a college degree is necessary? Who here has a job aligned with their degree? Who here already disqualified a candidate because they did not have a college degree? Let me tell you: you are wrong. Nowadays, out of 1.2 billion Youth, 700 million are coming from excluded backgrounds. Meaning that you will not include them in your recruitment process. That you would not include me, for example. And today, I will prove to you that you should have ! Population is aging. Recruitment and talent retainment are some the main challenges HR will face in the future according to the ILO organization. So you should consider thinking outside of the box of Education and go FURTHER. The preconceived idea of Youth being lazy, not willing to Work or to take initiative remains printed in our mind. But do you trust us enough? Do you give us enough opportunity to thrive? Do you use the right framework to follow us? I am telling you today that when you give an opportunity to a Youth coming from an excluded background, he or she will not give up. I will not give up. We are responsible for our family, for our future. We are therefore committed and have the willingness to champion for your brand, your company. We are proud because this might be the first time someone believes in us. Fast learning, flexibility, and responsibility are not taught while sitting on a bench. By hiring an excluded youth, you will have access to a better workforce and you will also directly impact your image and the way people see your brand. You will reach your diversity objectives, which we know are a success indicator in terms of well being, motivation and creativity for your employees. You will even enjoy tax deduction from your government! Amazing right? But you already know that. Do you want to have an impact? Do you want to follow the process or do you want to be the one leading the change? Do you want to be a follower of the next champions of inclusion or do you want to be this Champion of inclusion? Of course it can look complicated knowing where to start. Today, I will share with you a few tips on how to have an impact starting tomorrow: Contact the Youth Inclusion Network to shape your HR strategy and be connected to the Youth Remove educational requirements in all your job offers Support financially Youth inclusion initiatives Be a speaker during events to inspire and be a role model for many more organizations Raise awareness around you, you are part of the change! Excluded Youth are full of skills, dreams and talents. They are eager to join you, they are eager to show you who they really are and I am one of these Youth. I have skills, I have potential and I deserve that chance. Let me show you what I can bring. Beyond the data in your HR records, we are talking about loyalty, willingness to learn and so much more. Diplomas will never bring the practical experience that I gained throughout my life, while struggling to succeed. Today, I am able to bring so much more than a piece of paper at an interview. I bring you 21 years of practical experience that will definitely change the way you will perceive interviews and candidates. I am bringing you a new field of possibilities, full of talents that deserve to be discovered. I am Josephlyn and I am the one who can open you to this world. And now, would you hire me?" Speech prepared during the Philippines Country Forum during a workshop. Currently a member of LP4Y team, Josephlyn used to be a Youth at the Training and Development Center in Tondo.

It is undeniable that recruiting Youth for professional training is not an easy job. There are so many challenges that Catalyst and Youth face in the field. Cliched factors such as lack of parental approval, huge demands to immediately look for any job as long as it makes money and as well as lack of confidence in themselves. Despite the difficulties, Catalyst and Youth did not give up on innovating and diversifying the mobilization strategies to train more Youth. After discussing with several Catalysts regarding best practices and getting some input from Indonesian NGO partners, the team tried to "adjust" to the culture and needs of the target, the Youth. We now have 3 projects of mobilization in Jakarta such as LP4Y goes to School, Job Fair and NGO collaboration events. LP4Y Goes to School In fact, unequal education and unpreparedness to train a work-ready young generation, makes the “LP4Y goes to School” project one of the mobilization strategies in the educational sector. LP4Y collaborates with several schools whose education participants come from underprivileged families in North Jakarta. The "LP4Y goes to school" project offers one-day professional training to students/alumni in schools, such as English for professional purposes, or resume-making. The training is adjusted to the needs of each school but always related to professional preparation. In May 2023, more than 50 active students and alumni gathered for a one-day English training (game/brainstorming) and shared dream session led by Youth from LP4Y Jakarta at SMK 3 Strada. The high enthusiasm showed that the Youth succeeded in carrying out its activities well. Job Fair Convinced that LP4Y is the perfect-alternative place for Youth to develop their potential, skills and readiness to enter the professional world, we also started actively participating in job fairs. The high enthusiasm of Youth and Catalyst in promoting LP4Y at job fairs, alongside several well-known companies, catches the attention of applicants who come to the booth easily. Catalysts provide free consultation sessions for job seekers regarding resumes and job application documents. This job fair activity is very helpful for LP4Y Jakarta in developing networks, building recognition among the community and showcasing Youth's project management skills. NGO Collaboration LP4Y is not the only organization working in the field of Youth inclusion in Jakarta, there are several other social organizations spread across the slums. With the same vision and mission to fight poverty and provide unlimited opportunities for the younger generation, we decided to organize a collaborative event with various NGO that focus on improving Youth’s skills. With this project, Youth from different backgrounds can meet and inspire each other. In June, LP4Y had the opportunity to collaborate with the Red Nose Foundation, Jesuit Refugees Service and Refugees Learning Nest in organizing a joint sports activity. The collaboration was very well received by many partners in Jakarta. We believe that the more we are involved in activities in sectors that are directly impacting the community (education, health, etc.), the more people will trust LP4Y pedagogy.

Hello everyone my nickname is CFC, and I am 26 years old. Before joining LP4Y I could not control my nervousness, especially when I was speaking in front of a lot of people. Whenever there was a job interview, I could not speak well and I did not know what to answer because I lacked self-confidence. I discovered LP4Y here in jail thanks to a former Youth who invited me. At first, it was difficult because I had low self-esteem. I could not speak well in front of people whenever there was a report or when my coach asked me to explain something, but I gradually gained confidence throughout the training and started expressing myself. In some situations, I am still shy, but not all the time. The greatest impact that LP4Y had in my life is that now I know what to do with my life when I will get out. I know what my goal is because LP4Y supported me on how to find it.

Today’s adventure is about the meeting between three different groups of people: LP4Y excluded Youth, RedNose Children and young refugees from Bogor - RLN Refugees Learning Nest. This event was held on the 6th of June with the collaboration of JRS - Jesuit Refugee Service and Red Nose Foundation. The goal of this event was to impact the refugees by raising awareness to unlock their potential in the society. Can we call it a successful event? Big yes! You want to know more about it? Take a dive in with us! First, we invite you to dance with the 1st Zumba activity given by the Youth, followed by diverse sport activities, each of them as fun and original as the other. After a little break, sit with us for a quiz game: the best players shall be rewarded. If you are curious to learn more about the prices, make sure to join us next time… and give us the right answers! After the game, back to your feet: join the circus training from the Youth of Red Nose Foundation. Feeling a bit dizzy? Get back to your chair and enjoy the Karate show offered by the refugees. The gathering between the various groups of Youth appeared to be natural. They discussed and played together, forgetting their differences of culture and language. A breathtaking experience, full of smiles and rhythmed by a big sharing spirit. Around 50 young refugees took part in this event. We cannot thank everyone enough for being part of it. Thank you RLN. Thank you JRS. Thank you Red Nose Foundation. Thank you LP4Y. Thank you.

Have you thought of your own Life Project Plan? The Life Project Plan invites the Youth to question themselves about the goals they would like to reach in their life and supports them in building their own project. A key tool of LP4Y’s pedagogy, it encourages the Youth to take a step back, and allows them to dream big! First, they get a grasp of their skills and qualities. Then, with the accompaniment of the coaches and the benevolent space, they realize all they already have achieved and what they are willing to improve. Finally, they set up an action plan to succeed in their short and long term goals, in order to achieve their dream one day! Every year, the Youth organize two special events called "Life Project Plan Presentations" in all LP4Y centers, enabling them to share their projects with Youth and Catalysts. During these presentations, the Youth are out of their comfort zone and show their dedication, motivation and creativity to reach their dream! Catalysts are also solicited to present their Life Project Plans. A great way to further their personal development, inspire the Youth and create stronger bonds between Youth and Catalysts. No matter where you come from, no matter where you are now, your dreams are accessible. Look at the Youth, they are the existing proof! Photo credits TDC Cilincing - Stefanie presenting her LPP and group picture TDC Yangon - group picture, Hnin Sandi Htay and Thae Su presenting their LPP TDC Beirut - group picture and Hevarin presenting her LPP TDC Payatas - group picture TDC Lapu Lapu City Jail - dance and presentation TDC Cebu - Alexia presenting her LPP GV Calauan - Jenny presenting her LPP TDC Iligan City Jail - flag ceremony

During the UN Commission for Social Development, the NGO Committee, which LP4Y is part of, is dedicated to raising awareness on the Priority Theme and bringing the voices, experiences, and recommendations from the grassroots. The NGO Committee holds a Civil Society Forum, which one of the thematic sessions is about “Working Toward Concrete Solutions for Marginalized Young People Facing Unemployment.” For most marginalized youth living in poverty, their work does not mean earning a living wage. It means exploitation, very low pay, and forced layoffs. This panel will look at how work should enable youth to live in dignity and be recognized as useful members of society. Sherlyn Caasi, LP4Y graduate, is an example of success. She worked as a call center agent in Alorica and is today coach herself leading a LP4Y program in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. She will share her testimony and precious inputs on this panel on February 10th.

In January 2023, every center of Life Project 4 Youth had celebrated Entrepreneurs Day : the final graduation of the Youth who finished the program in 2022. Every centers also heard inspiring testimonies from Alumni and Partners on their vision of Youth Inclusion which will give us food for thought! Let's see the picture of this event!

On a recent visit to India, Satya Ravi took the opportunity to see the work of Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y) in the TDC Chennai. During her time there, she was able to learn more about the organization, have lunch with some of the women, and participate in a question and answer session. Satya said of her visit : “I spent a day with these courageous young women, and I was touched by their commitment to changing the course of their lives against all odds. They live in government subsidized housing provided initially to Tsunami survivors. They are seeking the blessing/permission/acceptance from spouses and in-laws in a joint family construct and trying to win hearts and minds in their quest for financial independence. They certainly benefit from all the encouragement and support from mentors. The funds from generous donors, as the pictures demonstrate, have supported the creation of a safe space for them (and their young ones) as well as computers and other valuable resources.”