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My name is Durga Devi , I was born in 2007 . I grew up in a slum where not many people get the chance to dream, and even fewer get the chance to chase those dreams. After discontinuing my studies after 10th grade , I felt stuck. I didn’t know what I could do, or where I belonged. But there was one thing that always made me happy: watching videos of people baking cakes and bread. Since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted to become a baker and I dreamed of being a young baker. When I joined LP4Y , I was nervous at first. I didn’t know how I would fit in, or whether I would be able to learn anything. But from the very beginning, I was welcomed with support and encouragement. The program helped me build my confidence, improve my communication skills, and understand how to work in a team. I also learned how to manage time, speak in public, and set real goals for myself. During the program, I had the opportunity to do an internship at a government school in Palvadi . It wasn’t related to baking, but it gave me the chance to take responsibility and contribute to something meaningful. I learned how to be disciplined and how to face challenges without giving up. The experience helped me grow, and I became more determined to follow my dream. After completing the program, I finally got a part-time job as a baker in a French bakery . For the first time in my life, I was doing exactly what I had dreamed of mixing dough, decorating pastries, and learning new techniques every day. I felt proud of myself, and I could see my future starting to take shape. But things at home weren’t easy. The bakery is far from where I live, and my parents didn’t support my decision at first . They were worried about the distance and the low income. I was earning only ₹8,000 per month , and they wanted me to work in a nearby supermarket in our slum, where I could earn ₹10,000  instead. For them, the choice was obvious: more money and closer to home. But for me, that would mean giving up everything I had worked for. My father works as a housekeeper , and my mother stays at home with my younger brother . Both my father and brother struggle with alcoholism , and there’s often tension at home. It was hard to make them understand why this job mattered so much to me. I had to explain again and again, this bakery job is not just about the salary, it’s about my passion and my growth . I knew that if I could just hold on and prove my commitment, things would change. And they did. After weeks of discussion and tears, my parents finally agreed to let me keep the bakery job. It wasn’t easy, but I think they saw how serious I was, how much this meant to me. They saw that I was happier, more confident, and truly working hard.I still earn ₹8,000 now, but I know that this is just the beginning. Very soon, I’ll move to a full-time position , and my salary will double . But more importantly, I’ll be doing what I love, every single day. I changed my life.  LP4Y gave me the tools, the support, and the courage to fight for my dream. I learned that I don’t have to accept the limits that society, or even my own family, places on me. I can choose my path. To any young person out there who feels trapped or discouraged, I want to say: don’t give up on your dreams . Even if it’s hard. Even if no one believes in you at first. With the right support, you can become the person you’ve always wanted to be . Today, I am not just a baker , I am a changemaker ,  someone who took a small spark and turned it into something bright and full of hope. Now I am rising,  just like dough in the oven. Durga Devi - Youth from TDC Chennai, India

My name is Samjhana Khanal. I am 22 years old. I come from jhapa, Nepal. Before joining LP4Y I had very low hope on myself . I thought I would just be at home doing household chores. My family members were not supportive at all . I studied intermediate(10+2) but that also felt like nothing because I was not working and I was just at home I was not earning or anything and that made me feel humiliated by my family relatives. But fortunately one day I got to know about LP4Y from Montessori teacher and she was former youth of LP4Y. She told me about LP4Y and I was really interested . I felt like I got such a golden opportunity . I felt like I can do this too. I can help my daughter for her further study to speak, in professional and how to work in professional. As well be as confident, as our coaches, catalyst and my colleagues have also helped me a lot. I am so grateful for it’s been 6 months training. From this training I learned about public speaking , computer skill and leadership skills as I develop my confident while going for mobilization to inform about our micro-company which is giving computer training to community people. It helped me lot to engage with people and also develop my computer skill while creating content. I play as role of leader in some department from that I learned to lead the team effectively . When I have to speak in front of 36 people I felt like now I became more confident , self aware and professionally capable . This center is like support system for baby mother. It as a big help for me . I could focus on my training without worrying about my baby safety. The LAA team took care of her and kept her happy while I was in training. It made me realize I can pursue my future without choosing between my education and my child’s care . Now, I am more responsible , more motivated and I believe in myself . I am able to solve problem without always depending on someone else. I am currently employed as a marketing leader in a co-operate company. I really want to give message to those a young mother who already lose hope without struggling. Don’t lose hope. LP4Y can help you become independent and find a future for yourself and your children. Trust yourself and stay strong . We have power to shape a better future for ourselves, for our children and for everyone. We can achieve great thing if we believe in ourselves. I now feel empowered to lead, in my home, my workplace, and my community. Samjhana Khanal - Youth from TDC Kathmandu, Nepal

My name is Chadni . I come from Bangladesh , and my story, like that of many young women in my country, began with struggle, but not with defeat. I grew up in a context where being born a girl meant facing exclusion  from the start. Girls were often denied opportunities, expected to marry early, and discouraged from dreaming big. My family was very poor. Sometimes, we didn’t even have enough food at home. My father was the only one working, and it wasn’t enough to support all of us. At a very young age, I had to drop out of school  and start working to help support my family. I felt worthless , like I had no place in society, and no one believed I could achieve anything. I didn’t know how to speak confidently, how to use a computer, or even how to plan my future. But I knew I didn’t want my life to continue this way. I wanted more, not just for myself, but for my family and other girls like me. That’s when I discovered LP4Y . Joining the program was a turning point. It was the first time someone asked me: What do you want to do with your life? I had never been asked that before. At LP4Y, I was trained in digital skills, communication, English, and professional behavior. But more than that, I was listened to . I was encouraged. I started to believe in myself. Step by step, I grew. I got an internship  in a real company. I learned how to work with others, how to speak in public, how to set goals. I started earning money, supporting my family, and seeing myself differently, not as a burden, but as someone with value. Today, I am proud to say that I am a Catalyst . I am working with LP4Y to accompany other excluded young women like I once was. I help them gain confidence, develop their potential, and dream of a better future. It gives me so much joy  to give back what I received. In March 2024, I had the honor of sharing my story at the United Nations in New York  during the Commission on the Status of Women. Standing there, speaking on behalf of thousands of excluded youths, I realized just how far I had come. A girl from a poor family in Bangladesh, who once had no voice, now speaking on an international stage, it was a powerful reminder that change is possible . My journey wasn’t easy. I faced many obstacles, and there were moments when I wanted to give up. But I kept going, because I had a dream, and because LP4Y believed in me. To all the young people out there who feel invisible, unheard, or hopeless, I want to say: you are not alone . You have strength inside you. And with the right support, you can turn your life around, just like I did. Muntasir Hasan Chadni - LP4Y Catalyst in GV Bangladesh

My name is Eingyin San. I'm 21 years old and I'm from Yangon, Myanmar. I was part of the LP4Y Youth, and now I’m standing as a Star member . I’m really glad to be a part of the LP4Y program. I would like to share the difference between before and after joining the program. Before I joined, I didn’t know how they were helping Youths. At that time, my friend told me to try the program and said, If you have free time, you can try to join. I only knew that they taught computer and English skills. But in reality, it wasn’t like that. They didn't teach like a school , they only gave the guidelines and doing and learning and thinking by yourself . You can learn all of the skills as much as you can.  When I attended my discovery week, I noticed that everyone was around my age and they were doing really well . I admired their confidence and motivation . They seemed so smart and confident, and I told myself, I want to be like them That moment gave me the motivation to truly commit to the program . Throughout the program, many things were challenging for me. But I didn’t give up and kept going because I was inspired by the seniors. When I become a senior, I hope others will be inspired by me. I want to be a good and respectful senior who others can look up to me like a senior. After a while, I felt glad, because I realized how much support they give and they really care for each youth. During these six months, I had the chance to meet many other organizations and communicate with them , which made me feel more confident and less afraid to make new friends. I gained a lot of experience and received many opportunities from those conn ections. I found my dream job and learned step by step how to reach it and how to manage myself. I was always motivated to join the training, which was supported by professional employees. I have changed myself and grown in my personal development . I can manage and control my emotions in every complex situation.  After the program, I got a decent job and I’m working with our partner company, EXERA Myanmar , as a Command Center Coordinator. This organization is great because I’ve learned many new things and improved my skills. My teammates are very friendly and warmly welcome me. They really appreciate what I can do and teach me a lot. I’m always ready to learn from them. I never stop learning and I’m still working toward my goals.  When I don’t know what to do or can’t decide something, I communicate with the Coaches. They are always here to support me and give me guidance. I would like to share some advice about the workplace. Right now, the working environment in LP4Y is supportive and your teammates help you , and it's a positive space. But in the real workplace, it’s not always like that. You’ll meet many different kinds of people with different personalities. So, you need to be brave , stay calm , and not let emotions control you . Just focus on doing your best. You might make a lot of mistakes, and that’s okay. Mistakes are part of learning . Each mistake gives you experience, so don’t be afraid to make them. Keep learning, growing, and doing your best no matter what.  In Myanmar, many young people are unable to attend school and are forced to give up on their dreams . As a result, they often feel hopeless and unsure of how to move forward in life. I believe that LP4Y has the power to transform their lives by helping them regain confidence and find purpose . I say this from personal experience because I am also one of them. LP4Y has made a difference in my life, and that’s why I never stop reaching out to others , encouraging them to join the program and take the first step toward building a better future . LP4Y is always looking for young people who may have no experience, feel lost in life, or are struggling to find direction . It’s a program that gives hope and opportunity to those who want to build a better future and find a decent job. LP4Y is the best place to rediscover themselves , building confidence , and take real steps toward a brighter future . Eingyin San - STAR from TDC Yangon, Myanmar

Hello, my name is Dima Chaker, I am from Akkar, North of Lebanon, I am 22 years old and I’m so happy to share my experience with LP4Y. Before I joined LP4Y, I was just staying at home with no clear goal or direction. But through this program, I experienced true women’s empowerment. I developed new skills , gained confidence , and took control of my future . From cooking in a micro company to leading a store team, LP4Y helped me step into leadership and discover the real me . During the three-month training, I was in the restaurant micro company, I did learn lots of things like cooking and managing to cook big quantities, being able to finish the food in limited time, so I developed so many skills like time management , speak confidently because we had to introduce always our micro company to the new comers , teamwork, and most importantly, believe in myself . In the last month, they prepared us to find a job. We went door to door, applying to different companies. After some time, I got a call from a company called Marie France, it is a leading lingerie brand known for its hosiery, underwear, and broader apparel lines. They told me I had a job interview, I went for the interview and I was so afraid, the coaches motivated me a lot, I arrived and the manager was waiting for me, she asked me some questions and she asked me to stay for some hours to see if I will like the work or not, and I liked it then they accepted me as a sales employee. I worked really hard , and I loved what I was doing. Because of my dedication, they promoted me , and now I’m proud to say that I’m a store manager . As a store manager, I am responsible for all the organization in the store , to divide the tasks of the employees, check the orders and all the finance at the end of the day. If I could change one thing during my training, I would participate more from the beginning. I was a little shy at first, but I learned that I actually can lead and take initiative . Today, I’m proud of who I’ve become . I’m not the same girl I was before. I’m confident , independent , and motivated , and yes, I’m truly happy with my life .

As part of its commitment to the professional inclusion of disadvantaged Yout, Hyatt has launched the RiseHY program. A global initiative designed to give opportunities to Youth aged 18 to 24 who are neither in school nor employed - by providing them with immersive training in the hospitality industry . Participants engage in a 6 to 12-month program that offers hands-on experience across various hotel departments, including housekeeping, food and beverage, front office, and Culinary. During their training, these young individuals receive a stipend to support their development, with the goal of equipping them for long-term careers within Hyatt or the broader hospitality sector. LP4Y and Hyatt started to collaborate around this initiative in 2024 in Nepal, Indonesia and India. The testimonies are the LP4Y Youth who finished the program. The program has enables a first group of young people, the very first batch, to benefit from training, workshops, and professional meetings with Hyatt teams. A unique experience to develop their skills, confidence, and employability in an inspiring environment. Here are some testimonies of the first batch: Priyanka When I was learning in LP4Y, they teach how we can communicate in English in public place, with new peoples, teamwork and a lot of new things. When I was working in Hyatt Regency, there are many things I learned at LP4Y that helped me . Like team work, friendly behavior, and a lot of other things. I am very glad to have the opportunity in Hyatt Regency. It was very helpful for me, I developed communication skills by talking to different guests daily. I learned time management as well. When I was in culinary class, I also grown my cooking skills. At my first day in Hyatt, I was very confused that how can I work, I don't no things about Hyatt regency this is very new for me I don't know what is my next step and in which department am I going into, but I tried my best and after some time I get comfortable there. Now I am trying to get an opportunity to work in a good hotel. Deep Kumari I am Deep Kumari I joined LP4Y on 1st May 2018 and completed it on 1st May 2019. I learned a lot from LP4Y so I did not face much difficulty in training at Hyatt Hotel. As I was already told what we should do for the interview, like it is mandatory for us to wear professional clothes for the interview so that our chances of getting selected in the interview are high. Secondly our grooming should be good and thirdly we should know how to give a good interview. Hyatt did not ask us much in the interview. Only basic things were asked in the interview like your name, education and date of birth. Apart from this, nothing else was asked from us.  And we were not asked too many questions because they liked our professional look , and since we have worked for the first time in Hyatt Hotel, we had to face some challenges so we faced some problems but we faced those things and did our work well and the employees there helped us so we got to work very easily and our training in Hyatt Hotel was very good which we liked a lot and we also got to learn a lot. Hema Yadav Hello everyone, I hope you all are well. Today I am going to share my experience at the Hyatt Regency Delhi Hotel. It was a golden opportunity for me that I joined LP4Y and I am still associated with it . I have learnt a lot here and because of LP4Y, I got the opportunity to work in big hotels like Hyatt Regency. I feel proud and confident after completing this hotel management training. It has been a valuable experience where I’ve developed strong skills in customer service, front office operations, housekeeping procedures, and food and beverage service. I also learned the importance of teamwork, time management, and attention to detail. Overall, I feel well-prepared and excited to start applying what I’ve learned in a professional environment.The most challenging part of my first job was handling difficult or dissatisfied guests. At first, it was intimidating, but I quickly learned to remain calm, listen actively, and offer solutions that meet their needs while maintaining professionalism. It taught me the importance of patience, communication, and problem-solving in the hospitality industry . The next step for me is to start gaining real-world experience in the hotel industry. I am actively looking for a role where I can continue learning, contribute to a team, and grow within a professional hospitality environment. I’m eager to apply my skills and take the next step in building a successful career in hotel management. Priya Kumari I got the opportunity to do hospitality training during my LP4Y journey and my coach prepared me for the interview as it was my first interview and I was a little nervous.  During the training I took training in 4 departments: food and beverage department, housekeeping, kitchen and front office department. My favorite department was food and beverage so I will tell you a little about it. I learnt a little in food and beverage service how to greet the guest, our grooming should be very good and most importantly if we choose the food and beverage department then we should have knowledge about food and beverages. This training developed my hard work , patience , and active listening skills . I am feeling good after completing this training. My challenge was to stand for 9 to 10 hours but as the time passed I got used to it. My next step will be that I will now prepare more about hospitality and will give interviews. Priyanka, Deep Kumari, Hema Yadav and Priya Kumari, Youths from TDC Sangam Vihar, India

I joined LP4Y in February 2023. At the time, I was living in Toronto, Canada, finishing a VIA mission, a French program that allows young professionals to work abroad for up to two years. When I received the news of my departure, everything changed quickly. Within a week, I went from -15°C in Canada to +30°C in India, with a short stop in France. The transition was intense. But I was not unfamiliar with India. I had previously spent a semester studying in Kerala and had come back to visit after that experience. It made it easier to adapt. Why Empowerment through Volunteering Matters to Me? I was assigned to the Training and Development Center (TDC) in Howrah, near Kolkata, where I spent a year and a half working for the communication team, followed by six months at the TDC in Kathmandu, Nepal. Even if I was not worried about cultural adaptation, I still had concerns about being able to adapt to LP4Y’s frugal living conditions . Could I stick to a fully vegetarian diet? Share a home with a bunch of new people that keep coming and going? Even more importantly: Could I carry the emotional weight of the Youths' stories , or would they overwhelm me? These uncertainties led to deeper, more uncomfortable questions about my real motivations to volunteer, and about the white savior complex . In short, I did not want to be part of a system where people like me give without wondering if by giving, they truly help. One of the things that convinced me about LP4Y was its pedagogy : it believes in the Youths' capacity to find solutions on their own and gives them the keys to become autonomous. By essence, it aims at making them independent . This approach perfectly embodies the idea of empowerment through volunteering, where the goal is not to save but to enable Stepping back now, I believe these questions were an essential part of my volunteering mission , and it helped me feeling more comfortable about the way I chose to volunteer. If I was not there to save anyone , then I had to be honest about what I came for. I feel no one joins a mission like this solely out of altruism, and it is okay as long as we acknowledge it. I joined LP4Y to fight for values that are close to my hear t: social justice, equality, and especially equal opportunities for women . Like many Catalysts, I often feel the world we live is not working the way it should. LP4Y gave me a way to act on that frustration. Volunteering would not change the system overnight, but when I went to sleep after a day working with Youths and Catalysts, I felt I had done my part to contribute to the change I want to see . While volunteering, change also happens within ourselves. Some interactions that we have during our mission have a deeper impact than others. Here are two that left a mark on me: A conversation that changed more than one’s perspectives During my mission, I met Youths, listened to them , played with them , witnessed their doubts and breakthroughs . Slowly, I started understanding how powerful our own life stories can be. A year later, I still remember a bus ride to a company visit at TAJ SATS in Kolkata. I sat beside Afreen, a bright young woman from a conservative family. She began asking playful, curious questions, which sparked an open and joyful mood among us. Then she asked, What’s the one thing you’ll never compromise on?” Without hesitation, I replied, “My freedom” and told her why it mattered so deeply to me . Two months later, my friend and LP4Y partner Archita visited the center and asked Youths what they had learned from their time with Catalysts. Afreen raised her hand and recounted our conversation. “That day,”  she said, “I realized I should never compromise my freedom for anyone, even my own family.”   She shared her daily difficulties , fighting with her family to have a chance to work, and that she would never forget this life changing conversation. At this moment, I fully took the measure of how words yet so basic to me could completely change someone else’s perspectives . When I returned to Kolkata near the end of my mission, I met her again. She was still living by this principle. Her family would not let her leave the house to work, so she and her sister started a tutoring business from home. It was working so well they ran out of space and were now negotiating with their father to expand it. The determination in her eyes still fuels me today, and I know it will continue to. Turning a tragic event into a boost of energy In August 2024, just before I left Kolkata, the city was shaken by a terrible rape case that drew attention to the lack of safety for women in India . Protests broke out, and tragically, some women were attacked returning from them. It made me sad and angry. It brought back memories of all the times I was disrespected or harmed simply for being a woman. At that moment, I was scheduled to run a job search session for a group of young women at the TDC. I used to begin each session by asking how they are feeling. That day, they asked me the same question back. I admitted that the news had left me shaken. That simple honesty opened a floodgate . The Youths began sharing, slowly at first, then all at once. We decided to postpone the conversation for later and create a safe space to talk about it . With the help of their Coach Léa, we organized a women-only session. Shy at first, the Youth began opening up once Léa and I shared our stories. What followed was powerful: every single woman around the table shared something . Many stories were hard to hear, but the collective strength was overwhelming. One story after another, solutions started coming up, with one as a red thread: the need to better educate boys and men . That discussion changed something. It did not leave us broken, it lit a fire instead! That day, each woman reclaimed a piece of her power. And it was beautiful. Months later, I returned to Howrah and saw some of the women from that conversation. They had completed the program. All of them had found ways to work or study, even when their families disapproved at first. Empowerment does not happen overnight . Motivation keeps going up and down . But once that spark is lit , it keeps growing . Witnessing it remains the most meaningful reward of this mission. At LP4Y, I have heard hundreds of stories , some joyful , others painful . Far from discouraging me, each challenge only strengthened my resolve . I have learned that harsh conditions do not stop people from blooming , even though they can delay growth, and obscure the possibilities that exist just beyond the fog. Our role as Catalysts, but it can be extended to anyone, is to walk alongside Youths until they find their own path forward. And in doing so, we often find pieces of our own power , too.

Namaste, My name is Sulochana Angdembe. I’m 22 years old. I am from Panchthar. Currently I live in Jadibuti Kathmandu. Nowdays I am working as an accountant at Creation Driving School. So now talking about my journey of Growth, it was an amazing platform I would like to say because from TDC I get to know lot of things like how to talk with people, time management, respect, care attitude, team spirit etc. My biggest challenge was while giving computer training to Manjubaha Hotel school’s students. Because I never felt like oh I can’t do it, but I did my best and I successfully completed it . Yeah there are many good and bad experiences . Sometimes we have to support those who are not able to do the tasks and another thing is you don't need to feel bad for someone else if you're doing good they always try to help just believe yourself and do what you want. My proudest moment during the training was that I always complete my tasks on time and I achieve what I want in my life . I always use to be on time and proactive so that is why I am in this position. After LP4Y training I found a job at jadibuti near my home as an accountant at a driving school. Nowadays it's going very smoothly and nicely . This is another of my proudest moments as well. My working environment is also very friendly and cool . My boss always motivates me and my colleagues. He is very friendly and calm. Working life is totally different as I expected. When we work practically on the field it is totally difficult. We need to face different kinds of challenges , but yeah it's kind of similar to the training. Yes, I feel LP4Y training prepared me so well . The biggest lesson that I learned last year is personal growth and overcoming challenges I learned the importance of self-care and setting boundaries . It made a big difference in my mental health and productivity . I learned that facing challenges head-on helps you grow stronger . Even when things didn’t go as planned, I found valuable lessons in every setback. This is a very useful lesson for my current job. Personally In the future, I want to focus on personal growth by continuing to learn new skills, whether it’s picking up a new hobby, improving my health, or working on my mental well-being. I also want to prioritize spending more time with family and friends , maintaining strong relationships, and creating meaningful experiences. And professionally, I’m aiming to develop my career by taking on more challenging projects and gaining deeper expertise in my field. I want to expand my network, learn from others, and eventually take on leadership responsibilities or work on projects that make a bigger impact. I also hope to continue learning through courses or certifications that can enhance my skills. Lastly, one and only tip I would like to give current Youth is, be patient and persistent , keep focusing on your growth and find your passion , success takes time . Be patient with yourself and stay persistent . Keep putting in the work, and you’ll see the results eventually. Always be open to learning, whether it’s from your experiences, people around you, or even mistakes. Growth is key , and it’s okay if things don’t always go perfectly. Keep pushing for ward and be better than you were yesterday . Just explore different interests and find what excites you. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away, but discovering your passion early can help you stay motivated and focused on your future . Thank you!!

In May, I experienced one of the most challenging months of my journey as a Mobilization Leader at LP4Y Green Village Bangladesh. Every month brings its own set of obstacles, but this time was particularly demanding. My role is centered on mobilizing Youth for change specifically, engaging at least 16 Youth each month to join LP4Y’s professional training program. However many of the target Youth were unavailable due to academic exams. Reaching out to eligible Youth felt like an uphill battle , but I was determined not to give up . To face this challenge, I leaned on collaboration . I worked closely with our incredible community mobilizers and partner organizations. I also conducted several home visits, speaking directly with Youth and their families, especially in communities where parents were hesitant to let their daughters join professional training. I listened with care, addressed their concerns, and shared how LP4Y empowers young women to become independent and confident . These visits were not without their difficulties. Many Youth lived in remote areas with poor transportation. In one case, I had to walk nearly 5 kilometers before finding a rickshaw. There were no hospitals nearby either. But I pushed forward, visiting homes , building trust , and encouraging Youth to join . It wasn’t easy, but I stayed committed. By the end of the month, I successfully mobilized 16 Youth and reached my target. It wasn’t just my achievement , it was the result of strong teamwork and shared purpose . Midway through the month, we had our Country Seminar in Sylhet. We spent a week sharing experiences, learning from one another, and building strong connections. It was a time of growth, reflection, and unity. Soon after, we welcomed Batch 38 during Discovery Week. This group included 16 Youth, some had dropped out of school, some were divorced, and most had experienced various forms of exclusion. One Youth shared a deeply moving story that stayed with me. She came from a poor family with no land or permanent home. Ten months ago, she was married off to a 38-year-old man, his second marriage, because her family was offered a dowry of 2 lakh taka. After marriage, she learned he had over 40 lakh taka in debt and suffered physical and emotional abuse . When she reached out to her family, they told her to stay in the marriage. Now, she’s part of LP4Y. Despite ongoing pressure from her family and husband , she’s determined to live independently and build a new life . Her courage inspired me, and reminded me why this work matters so much . This month taught me the true meaning of teamwork . Every success was a collective one, thanks to our team, our Youth, and our partners. Together, we made it happen. At our Country Seminar, we embraced the theme “We Are the Future.”  We shared ideas, lifted each other up, and truly felt the power of unity. After facing and overcoming so many challenges together, I now understand that this theme isn’t just a slogan. It’s something we are living , growing into , and creating , side by side . We are not just welcoming the future. We are the future.

In Myanmar today, where the situation is difficult in many aspects, from economic and educational crise s to civil war , LP4Y had to find new ways to keep expanding its mission. Instead of opening more physical spaces, the idea was to collaborate with existing organizations to reach more Youth and multiply impact. This is the spirit behind the Engage Mission, which focuses on community collaboration  to continue changing lives. Dayamit Community College , part of New Humanity International , became one of our key partners in kicking off this mission. Dayamit works with Youth from slum areas, helping them with education and basic life skills . However, one critical challenge remained: many Youth struggled to find decent jobs , often lacking guidance on how to start their professional journey. That’s where the collaboration began. Together, LP4Y and Dayamit launched a Training of Trainers (TOT) program. The idea was simple yet powerful: train a group of Dayamit’s Youth in essential job search skills so they could then share their knowledge with others in their community. This peer-to-peer approach helps the impact grow far beyond the initial group . We saw that the impact could go even deeper, so both organizations expanded the collaboration to include regular Youth-led training every three months on important topics like waste management, goal setting, and raising awareness about drug use and addiction. These sessions will continue to build critical life skills for Dayamit Youth, led by young leaders trained through LP4Y’s methods. LP4Y and Dayamit also agreed to organize mutual center visits in the coming months. These visits are a chance for teams and Youth to exchange ideas, deepen relationships, and continue learning from each other’s experiences. This collaboration shows that even without expanding physically, impact can be multiplied through smart partnerships and shared missions . It is not just about delivering training; it’s about building bridges between communities , empowering Youth to become Catalysts of change , and planting seeds of change where they are most needed. We are proud of the journey we have started with Dayamit Community College. We hope that more partnerships like this can grow across Myanmar, reaching more young people who, despite the challenges they face, have so much potential to offer to the world. At LP4Y, we believe that when organizations unite with a common purpose, the ripple effects of community collaboration  can reach far beyond what any one group could achieve alone.

Hi! My name is Juana Kartika Chandra, and I am the second child of three siblings. My brother joined the training at the TDC Cilincing, Jakarta a long time ago. And this is my story. I still remember when I joined the program at the LP4Y Jakarta, which was renovated in October 2024. The center is located at the Red Nose Foundation center, which is close to the coast of Kalibaru, North Jakarta, where I live with my mom. Similar to other slums in Cilincing, I live in a crowded and dirty environment where people work as daily laborers, trash pickers, shell openers, fish sellers, and so on. As for me, I have had to work since I was little . My mom had me work as a shopkeeper in a clothing store, so I had to drop out of junior high school when I was in second grade. Maybe I was under 15 years old when I had to work for the first time.  Do you know how I felt? I felt so lonely, and I wanted to be like others who don't have to work and can just study. I have no idea how much I earn, because my boss sends all of my money directly to my mom. I had no choice . I used to live on the streets and endure tough conditions. My parents divorced when I was a child and are now living separately. My mom doesn’t have a stable job, so she offers herself as a helper to the neighbors. Meanwhile, my father lives alone in a small house without electricity or a phone, close to the TDC Jakarta center. Like my mom, my father is jobless, and he survives on the money sent by my brother, who already works in South Jakarta. What about my little sister? She faced similar struggles. She finished junior high school but couldn’t continue her education due to financial problems. I remember well what Coach Aulia asked me before: If your parents don’t work, how can you survive? I can say that… I can do anything to get food for my family. I used to look for vegetables or even grass in the rice fields to cook. I went to the main road to help park trucks, became a street singer, and did anything I could. When I first joined LP4Y, I was so afraid and nervous because I couldn’t speak English. The environment was totally different. I met Coach Lea and Coach Qori. It was hard for me to even move my mouth to speak in English. Anyway, I am still dreaming of continuing my education in senior high school , and education is my goal. This wish that I said to everyone during my graduation to autonomy step, and I was crying a lot because it was stressing me out at first.  Day by day, I forced myself to attend the training and learn how to speak English . I also learned many new things while discovering different divisions within LP4Y. I started with sports training, mobilization, connecting with the community, giving educational and awareness training to children, speaking in front of partners, and visiting many big companies. For me, the process of change was difficult . Maybe because I’m different, in terms of behavior and attitude, I find it hard to be professional . Dealing with people - other Youth became the next challenge. It’s hard to work in a team, and sometimes I feel underestimated by others, but I always remind myself that no one can stop me from reaching my goals . Be strong for yourself, don’t depend on others, keep trying, and everything will pass when we face difficulties. Stand firm for yourself, because if not you, who else will help you get to this point? Being alone, abandoned, and having to be stronger for myself and my family, these characteristics helped me become the manager of a team and lead a division. After finishing the LP4Y program, I continued my journey at LP4Y's partner institution, PSBR or Social Rehabilitation Center for Youth Empowerment,  one of the vocational training programs offered by the Jakarta government in collaboration with Korean KOICA. There, I developed my cooking skills for six months to a year while continuing my studies to secure a better job in the future. For me, LP4Y is like a family, where I can seek support for my personal and professional development. Many activities and training have built my confidence to fight for what I want. Through LP4Y’s partnerships, I am now taking the next step in deepening my knowledge in cooking and baking . As I always tell everyone, I dream of owning my own restaurant after finishing my education, getting a better job , and saving money for my business . It’s a true testament to women’s resilience , the courage to overcome, to lead, and to build a better future

As an Integration Leader at LP4Y, my mission is not just to train Youths but to find real career opportunities for them. However, this journey has never been easy. Many doors have been shut in my face, and I’ve heard the same questions over and over: "LP4Y? What is that?" "We need people with degrees and experience, what can your Youths offer?" But I always knew the truth: our Youths are not just skilled , they are resilient fighters who have overcome immense hardships and understand the true value of hard work. Youth Empowerment at UPAY : A New Opportunity One day, while job searching for our Youths in Rangpur, I met Mr. Rashedul, the area manager of UPAY, a mobile banking service under UCB Bank . He was experienced, pragmatic, and deeply aware of the challenges in the job market. During our first conversation, he looked at me with curiosity and skepticism. Do you just run a training program, or do you actually prepare Youth for real jobs?  he asked. I had heard this before, so I smiled and calmly explained the LP4Y model, how we train Youth not just with skills but with a professional mindset. I spoke about their communication abilities, digital expertise, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. But Mr Rashedul remained unconvinced. UPAY needs experienced employees. Can your Youths really handle this work? The Battle to Earn Trust at UPAY I knew this was my moment. I responded confidently, Just meet our Youths once. See their confidence, their eagerness to learn. Then decide for yourself. He agreed, and I arranged a meeting where I brought three Youths. Each of them introduced themselves and shared their stories, stories of struggle, resilience, and transformation through LP4Y. They spoke about their newly developed skills, ambitions, and the value they could bring to UPAY. Mr. Rashedu listened carefully, asked questions, and observed them closely. After a pause, he finally smiled and said, Alright, I’ll give you a chance. Let’s take one Youth for an internship and see how they perform! The Beginning of Change at UPAY That single opportunity changed everything. The first LP4Y Youth joined UPAY and, within weeks, impressed everyone with their dedication, discipline, and adaptability. Their willingness to learn and contribute shattered all doubts. One month later, I received a call from Mr. Rashedul. His voice was filled with excitement: Your Youth is truly exceptional! Their focus, their eagerness to learn, it’s beyond what I expected. We want to hire two more! One Victory, Countless Possibilities at UPAY That first internship opened doors for many others. UPAY saw the potential of LP4Y Youth, and soon, more opportunities followed. Today, 13 LP4Y Youths are working at UPAY, not just as employees but as proof that determination and the right support can transform lives. UPAY continues to be a space for true youth empowerment , where transformation is made possible through trust, education, and opportunity What started as a simple conversation in Rangpur turned into a powerful partnership, helping more young people break free from poverty and step into a future filled with possibilities and when someone believes in the potential of our Youths, it doesn’t just change one life, it changes an entire community.