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My name is Smita Rai, and I’m from Ilam (eastern part) of Nepal, however now I am living in Kathmandu. I come from a middle-class family, and my parents have worked incredibly hard to raise me and my brother. They came from a small village in Nepal, where opportunities were limited , but they decided to move to Kathmandu to give us a better life and education . They knew that education was the key to breaking the cycle of struggle , so they made countless sacrifices to ensure that we could attend a private school from nursery all the way through to now. Watching my parents give everything they had for our future left a deep impression on me. They didn’t just provide us with an education, they gave us the foundation for a better life , even if it meant going through hardships themselves. One of the most selfless sacrifices my mother made was going abroad to earn money for our family. I still remember the day she left. It was one of the hardest moments for all of us. My mother, who had always been there for us, had to leave us behind so she could work in a foreign country, far away from her children and her family. She did this not just to provide us with an education, but to ensure we could survive during some of the toughest times of our lives. Every time I think about the pain in her eyes when she left, I am reminded of how much love and sacrifice she has shown us. But our struggles didn’t stop there. When I was in class 8, my father became seriously ill. The man who had always been the pillar of our family suddenly became so weak that we had to watch him suffer. It was a helpless feeling , knowing that all the dreams my parents had worked so hard for, the dream of owning a home where we could be safe and happy, began to slip away. We had been saving for years to buy land and build our family’s dream house , but all our savings were used up for my father’s treatment. It was a heartbreaking decision, and I could see the pain in my father’s eyes as he struggled to accept the reality of our situation. It was not his fault, but it felt like our dreams were shattering before us . In the midst of all this, my mother made the difficult decision to go abroad. She had to leave us behind once again, but this time, it wasn’t just about education, it was about survival. It was about keeping our family together, making sure my father received the treatment he needed, and giving us a fighting chance. My mother’s strength, courage, and determination to provide for us in the face of such adversity are what continue to drive me to this day. Growing up, I faced my own struggles, especially when it came to my confidence . I was a shy, introverted child, and the bullying I faced at school only made things worse. When I was in class 5, I was chosen to lead a speech program at school. I was terrified. The fear of speaking in front of others was paralyzing, and when my moment came, I froze. I couldn’t speak a word. The teasing from my classmates made me feel even more worthless , like I was not good enough to do anything that required courage or confidence . It was painful to feel so small, so invisible, but it was in these moments of weakness that I decided I had to change. That’s when my best friend, Sostika, came into my life. She was always there to support me, through thick and thin. One day, she told me about Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y). She had seen the transformation LP4Y had brought in the lives of others , and she believed it could help me too. She encouraged me to join, and looking back, it was the best decision I ever made . Joining LP4Y was a turning point for me. It wasn’t just about gaining new skills, it was about finding my voice. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who believed in me , who saw potential where I saw failure. LP4Y gave me the courage to face my fears and step into the light . LP4Y didn’t just help me gain new skills, it gave me the courage to be myself, to speak up, and to believe in my own worth, through their support, I gained the courage to face my fears. Joining LP4Y has been a transformative experience that significantly shaped my personal and professional growth . I worked in various departments, each offering valuable lessons and challenges: In the Human Resources & Finance  department, I gained skills in budgeting, managing the cash book and box, and participating in monthly finance closings (SAGA). I also managed the money forecast and allocated tasks within the team, enhancing my organizational, financial, leadership, and teamwork abilities. In Learning and Development , I created content for basic computer training and facilitated sessions for both LP4Y colleagues and the local community. I also helped build partnerships with clubs and community members and tracked program effectiveness by updating the Key Impact Indicator (KII) . During this time, I led a department team, coordinating tasks and responsibilities. This experience improved my leadership and communication skills, teaching me the importance of clear communication and active listening. LP4Y provided professional exposure through company visits, mock interviews , and testimonies from industry experts. These experiences built my confidence and helped me refine my interview skills, directly contributing to securing my current job. The mock interviews and networking opportunities during the program played a crucial role in preparing me for professional roles in finance and administration. One major challenge I faced was during the mobilization for computer training  sessions. Despite some initial rejection from community members, I learned the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Balancing responsibilities across finance, training, and leadership roles pushed me beyond my comfort zone, helping me think critically, manage multiple tasks, and work under pressure, skills I continue to apply today. One of the most powerful moments of my journey was when I was asked to be the Master of Ceremony for LP4Y’s Graduation Day. Standing in front of so many people, leading the event, was something I had never imagined I could do. But with each word I spoke, I felt the shy, bullied child inside me begin to fade away. I was no longer afraid. Later, I had the incredible opportunity to MC for LP4Y’s biggest event, Entrepreneur’s Day. It was a huge milestone for me, and as I stood there in front of everyone, I realized just how much I had grown . From being the quiet, self-conscious kid who couldn’t speak in public, I had transformed into someone capable of leading these major events with confidence . Today, I am proud of who I have become. I no longer let my past or the bullying I endured define me. Thanks to LP4Y, I have gained the confidence to lead, to speak, and to believe in my own abilities. But my journey isn’t just about me, it’s about giving back to my family , especially to my mother, who sacrificed so much for us. I am currently a bachelor’s student, working hard to continue my education and build a better future. I already have a decent job , but my true drea m is to give my parents the life they deserve . I want to give them the dream house they’ve always wanted, a house filled with warmth, love, and memories. I will work tirelessly, and with every step I take, I will remember the sacrifices they made for me. My first priority will be to bring my mother back from abroad, so that we can all be together again. I will not rest until I can make them proud and repay them for everything they’ve done for me . I want my mother to know that her sacrifices will never be forgotten , and I want my father to see the dream they both had come to life . The journey is far from over, but I now walk it with confidence , as a resilient youth in Nepal, shaped by my family’s sacrifices and the strength I’ve discovered through every challenge . My future is bright , not just because of what I can achieve, but because of the love and sacrifices that have shaped me into the person I am toda y. Smita Rai - Youth from TDC Kathmandu, Nepal

From April 21–27, 2025, LP4Y Indonesia proudly took part in the “ La Nuit & Matinée des Idées ,” a global event organized by Institut Français Indonesia . This international initiative brought together hundreds of French cultural institutions and changemakers to explore how innovation , commitment , and bold ideas can address the world’s pressing challenges , climate , technology , and democracy . One of the highlights of our participation was the screening of I Am Future – Youth Vision  during La Nuit des Idées . The event featured Dian , the protagonist of the film, accompanied by two inspiring youth representatives, Sherly and Becky . The post-screening discussion was led by Shannen , who guided the exchange with energy and authenticity, inviting the audience to dive deeper into the motivations of LP4Y Youth and the journey of transformation they experience. The conversation that followed was rich and engaging . Guests asked thoughtful questions about the movie’s message and the future envisioned by the Youth. The presence and support of the Jesuit brothers , who support LP4Y by training Youth in English and Excel, along with corporate partners , made the evening even more meaningful. One powerful message stood out from the discussion: “Wherever you come from is not a reason to stop growing, learning, or even failing. Failure does not define the outcome. It simply means trying another way.” This simple truth is at the heart of youth empowerment , the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to rise, grow, and contribute, regardless of their background. On Sunday, LP4Y joined La Matinée des Idées – Pouvoir Agir (Empowering Action). We opened a booth alongside 15 other changemakers, including NGOs, citizen-led initiatives, and grassroots organizations. With the amazing help of STAR, Una, and Tirah , we introduced visitors of all ages to the LP4Y mission and promoted the Youth Inclusion Forum  to a broader audience. This event was a powerful reminder of how youth empowerment   thrives through collaboration, visibility, and belief in change, step by step, conversation by conversation. We’re grateful to have been part of this journey and look forward to taking part again next year!

Hello everyone, my name is Judy Ann Abasola, and I’m truly honored to share my journey with the LP4Y program. As I begin to write this story, I’m reminded of the most unexpected beginning, my parents meeting in a place no one would ever dream of: JAIL . It was an unlikely place for love, but their connection sparked something beautiful . I grew up without my father by my side for the first 21 years of my life. But in the face of that absence, my mother became my rock . Her unwavering love and determination shaped me into the woman I am today. Looking back , my journey from challenge to entrepreneurial has been far from easy , but every step has been worth it. And today, as a businesswoman managing my growing small business, I can proudly say: LP4Y changed my life. It was a game-changer , more than just a program, it was a turning point. I still remember my first days in the Youth program. It feels surreal to see how far I’ve come . LP4Y equipped me with the skills , confidence , and vision to step into the professional world . It helped me define my life project plan , and today, I am living that dream . The program focused not only on career skills but also on personal growth , mentorship , and real-world experience . It gave me the solid foundation I needed to stand on my own and chase my ambitions. To the companies and organizations out there: If you’re considering hiring excluded Youth, do it. The talent , passion , and dedication are already there. All they need is someone to believe in them . LP4Y taught me that with the right support, anyone can rise. These young people bring new ideas , fresh perspectives , and unstoppable drive . By investing in them, you’re not just changing lives, you’re building a stronger future for your company and community. When I started working at my first company, they welcomed me with open arms . They saw my potential and gave me space to grow. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth every moment. That supportive environment helped me evolve, even though my path eventually led me in a different direction—towards entrepreneurship. If I could go back, there are five things I wish I had known before joining LP4Y: Be open to learning  – Growth is a journey, not a destination. Embrace every lesson. Don’t be afraid to ask for help  – You don’t need to have all the answers. You have a team behind you. Network, network, network  – Opportunities often come from the people you meet. Build those connections. Believe in yourself  – Even when it’s hard, trust your potential. You are capable of amazing things. Take calculated risks  – Step out of your comfort zone. That’s where the magic happens. You might be wondering how I made it through the six-month training and what happened next. The truth is, the hardest part was finding the right fit afterward . I started in a virtual assistant agency, but it didn’t align with my passion for starting my own business. Still, I don’t see it as a failure . It was a lesson . It helped me understand what I truly wanted. It taught me resilience , flexibility , and how to stay open to possibilities . LP4Y didn’t just give me skills, it gave me courage. It taught me to dream boldly , and to go after those dreams with everything I have. With hard work, determination, and the right support system, anything is possible. So to those of you thinking about joining the program or supporting young people like me: Don’t hesitate. Take the leap. Believe in yourself or believe in someone who just needs a chance. You’ll be amazed at the impact that one opportunity can make. In closing, I want to thank LP4Y from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t yet believe in myself. Thank you for giving me the tools to build a life I’m proud of. If you’re looking for a program that can truly transform your life, or the life of someone you care about, look no further than LP4Y. It’s a journey that will challenge you, inspire you, and empower you to reach your full potential . Judy Ann Abasola - STAR from GV C

My name is Thin Lai Phyu, and I am proud to share my story of career transformation . Before I joined LP4Y, I was working as a sales assistant at Capital Hypermarket. It was a difficult and exhausting job, and I didn’t feel like I was growing or moving toward a better future . Back then, I didn’t really know what I liked, what kind of job suited me, or what I was truly passionate about. I used to focus only on earning money, not on finding a meaningful or fulfilling career. But everything changed after I joined LP4Y. Through the program, I started to discover myself . I realized that I enjoy talking to people, helping others, and working in a team. That’s when I began to see my dream job more clearly . I wanted to work in a field where communication and teamwork are essential. So I started to focus on improving my communication skills. I asked my coaches for guidance and support, and I followed their advice carefully. I trained hard and built up the skills I needed for the job I really wanted. During my time at LP4Y, I developed valuable skills, including computer literacy, public speaking, English speaking, and teamwork. Most importantly, my communication abilities improved significantly. Now, I am working at Daraz Myanmar (Shop App MM) as a Customer Digital Service Representative. I finally have a professional job that I love, where I can use my strengths every day. I feel confident working with my colleagues, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Now I have find my way , my purpose , and I believe in myself . I am deeply thankful for this life-changing experience.

When her father walked away from the family, Nushrat Tasmia A Jahan, the eldest child, refused to give up . Faced with uncertainty and the pressure to return to her village, she made a bold choice: stay in Dhaka and take control of her future. With determination and a strong sense of responsibility, Nushrat committed herself fully to building a better life. In just a few months, she earned a managing position in a supermarket. Today, she supports her entire family and proves that youth empowerment in Bangladesh begins with courage and perseverance.

Jesmin Akter journey is a true example of the transformation of life through integration, showing how support and opportunities can change everything. She was born in Thakurgaon, a poor and remote area in northern Bangladesh. Her life was full of struggles from the very beginning. She lost both of her parents when she was just a child. With no one to take care of her, she was sent to an orphanage. In the orphanage, she had food and a place to sleep, but not much more. No one expected anything from her. People said: Just be happy you are alive. Don’t dream too big. But deep inside, Jesmin had a small hope . She believed that maybe, just maybe, her life could be different . One day, she heard about LP4Y from someone who cared. At first, she was scared.  Will they accept someone like me? I’m just a poor orphan girl? But she decided to try. And that brave step changed her life . At LP4Y, people didn’t feel sorry for her. They saw her as strong , smart , and full of potential . Her coaches said, Jesmin, we believe in you. You can do this. She started learning things she had never done before , how to use a computer, how to speak professionally, how to write emails and do interviews. It was hard. She failed many times. But the team at LP4Y always helped her stand up again. Slowly, Jesmin started believing in herself. She became more confident. She started to dream bigger. She was no longer just a n orphan, she was becoming someone with purpose and hope. Then one day, she got a job offer from Abul Khayer & Company Limited . She looked at the letter with tears in her eyes. Is this real? Did I really get a job? Yes, she did. At first, she was nervous. A new office, new people, new work. But everything she learned at LP4Y gave her support.Now , she earns her own salary, takes care of her needs, and walks with pride. LP4Y supported me to find my voice. Now, I want to study more and support other children like me. If I can do it, others can too. Today, Jesmin is not just an orphan girl. She is a strong, confident young woman . Jesmin Akter - Youth from TDC Dhaka, Bangladesh

Located in the middle of the densely populated Kampung Sawah suburb, North Jakarta, the Training Development Center (TDC) of Jakarta is well established. The building belongs to the Atmabrata Foundation under Bruder Petrus, who also serves as our LP4Y Indonesia leader. The building was donated by a Rotary Club and was initially intended for vocational training in automation. Long story short, when John Delaporte visited the place for the first time, he fell in love. Like a paddle meeting the current (a perfect opportunity), Bruder Petrus warmly welcomed LP4Y to operate and run the program in this center starting in 2016. Since then, it has become a center for community empowerment in one of Jakarta’s most vulnerable areas. The center is strategically located and surrounded by vulnerable communities . It’s not only in the heart of a slum area but also close to fishing villages, red-light districts, and drug-trafficking zones. It's also not far from Tanjung Priok Station, which is widely known as a drug distribution hub. Moreover, this area is part of the coastal community where many people work peeling shellfish ( pengupas kerang ). Most of the people living here are migrants who come to Jakarta in search of a better life without any skills or diplomas. They start from scratch on the streets, living communally with fellow survivors. It’s common to see multiple families packed into a single house or people sleeping under bridges or on sidewalks. Like a breath of fresh air, the presence of TDC Jakarta has become a blessing for people living under such harsh conditions. I believe no one would choose to live this way unless life gave them no other choice. In Indonesia, when we talk about equality , the idea of welfare still feels far from reality. Many people suffer in rural areas while everything is centralized in major cities like Jakarta. The wage gap can be three times higher compared to smaller towns . We cannot label these people as the main contributors to Jakarta’s poverty. They are welfare seekers as individuals forgotten by the government, whose lives have been structurally impoverished. TDC is not just a place where Youth learn to become professionals nor just where they train to wake up early, start at 8 AM, go home at 5 PM, learn computer skills, and practice English with their coaches. These things might sound familiar, especially if you ask Youth what they’ve learned from LP4Y. You’ll often hear: "I learned computer skills, English, and teamwork." Beyond that, TDC is more than just a training center. It is a place Youth have dreamed of . As someone born in a village, I wish there had been a TDC in mine. Life pulses here . This is where Youth dare to dream again, where previously silenced voices are now heard , where Youth grow into leaders , and where th e community can access knowledge that is shared by Youth and our partners through advocacy activities and job training. For example, just recently, Servier Indonesia conducted medical checkups for elderly residents in Kampung Sawah, targeting over 50 participants. And this wasn’t a one-time event. Previously, organizations such as Yayasan Anak dan Perempuan, Rohto Laboratories Indonesia , Essilor , and North Jakarta International School conducted similar programs on various important topics, including HIV/AIDS screenings, regular health checkups, hygiene workshops on female reproductive health, and more. TDC has also become a safe space for children to learn English through thematic lessons. This activity is called the “ Café Project ”, an initiative to engage Kampung Sawah residents in creative and inclusive community activities. TDC has even been used as a Zumba venue for the local women too. There is so much to explore in a training center. We try to nurture the community’s sense of ownership , seeing TDC as an asset that can help improve their quality of life through job training and programs designed to address the challenges they face. TDC Jakarta is also well-liked by residents because it sells gallons of clean drinking water, something highly needed by the community, especially when clean water access is limited. Have I told you about the flooding that happens in Kampung Sawah? It frequently affects the center and the surrounding area due to rising sea levels and heavy rains. Poor drainage systems only worsen the situation. This is a community where trash is often burned or thrown indiscriminately and it is blocking waterways that make floods everywhere.  In 2024, Servier Indonesia, through the Mecenat Foundation, provided funding to LP4Y for major renovation works in response to this emergency. We finally managed to raise the center’s floor by about 20 - 25 cm to prevent flood water from entering the premises. For years, TDC had suffered from water damage, which affected computers, other equipment, and most importantly, posed serious safety risks to Youth during training. And here’s another piece of happy news from TDC that this year, we received in-kind podcast equipment donations from MANE for a podcast project and it will be launched soon. Hopefully, it will be even more useful for the community!

Hello everyone, my name is Sherdon Zabate Delossantos. I am 23 years old and I live in Barangay Guadalupe, Sapangdaku. Today, I want to open my heart and share my life story, how I rose from the darkest moments of my past and found new hope and transformation through the program. I am the eldest of four siblings. I grew up with nothing , not even the simple joy of spending time with my family. I never knew what true happiness felt like . I grew up in the streets, surrounded by friends who were just like me, all trying to survive . At a young age, I was forced to become the provider for my siblings because my father was in prison. I worked hard , doing anything I could just to feed them . I forgot about myself. All I ever thought about was keeping my family alive. I was arrested. That first time in jail shattered me . I lost all hope . I thought my life was over. No one was left to support my siblings, and I felt useless. My spirit was crushed . But after four years, I was released. Sadly, I returned to the only life I knew, surviving through crime . I committed hold-ups, sold drugs, anything just to make money for my siblings. Still, I never thought about my own future. I just wanted to make up for the years I had lost with them. Then, I was caught again and sent to Lapu-Lapu City Jail. That moment broke me even more. I felt like there was no more hope left . I almost gave up on myself completely. But then, something changed. One day, a friend asked me "Do you want to study?" I said, “I don’t have time for that. I never went to school” But he told me about LP4Y (Life Project 4 Youth) and the opportunities it gives to people like me. That moment awakened something inside me. I became curious . I became hopeful . I took a leap of faith . I joined LP4Y. That’s when a new chapter in my life began . At first, it wasn’t easy. I struggled because I had no education. Everything was taught in English, and I found it so hard. But I told myself, “If I truly want to change, I need to fight for it.”  And so I did. I worked hard . I gave my best . I refused to give up , because for the first time, I could see a better future. It gave me something I never had before: hope , direction , and belief in myself . They taught me how to build a career, how to speak professionally, how to use a computer, how to deal with problems, and most importantly, how to dream again. I used to think my story was already over . I thought I had no place in this world. But LP4Y showed me that it’s never too late to change. Now, I am proud to say, I finished the training and am now part of Alumni or Stars . I have goals , I have a plan , and I know who I want to become a Doctor  to help the poor people in this world . To anyone out there who feels lost, who feels like life has no more meaning, please don’t give up . You are not alone. Even if you’ve made mistakes, even if you feel like the world has turned its back on you.  I am the living proof that change is possible . I was once a street kid, a prisoner, a lost soul. Now, I am a man with purpose . Now my life has direction. I now know how to support my siblings in the right way, with honesty and dignity. And to those who are struggling: Believe in yourself . Start small . Keep going . Your story is not over. Just like me, you too can rise again . Trust yourself and believe in yourself. Change starts with hope . Hope gives us energy and motivation to move forward in life. If you give up or stop believing in yourself, you won’t have the strength to improve your life. Don’t let past struggles define who you are. Instead of being controlled by pain or mistakes, use them as a reason to grow stronger and keep going. Remember, your thoughts influence your actions. If your mindset is negative and you only focus on your problems, you won’t move forward.  A hopeless mind leads to a stuck life, but a hopeful heart can lead to change.

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