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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.

Hello, my name is Mubeena, and I’m part of LP4Y. I’ve had the chance to work with FM Logistic as a partner, and I’m really excited to share insights into how this partnership is making a difference in the lives of young women like me. Today, I’ll be speaking with a representative from FM Logistic to learn more about how our collaboration works and the impact it’s having. Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us a little about your background before joining LP4Y? FM Logistic’s mission has always been to promote logistics and support underprivileged youth , especially young women . Our FM Foundation shares a vision of providing education and skill development to those in need, and we’re proud to partner with LP4Y in this effort. Q: How did FM Logistic first get involved with LP4Y? What motivated your company to support a program like this? FM Logistic partnership with LP4Y began with a shared goal, to support and empower young women by providing them with skills and education for a future in the logistics industry. The FM Foundation was particularly driven by the desire to offer these opportunities to underprivileged youths. Q: What exactly does FM Logistic do with LP4Y? How do you work with young people like me? FM Logistic provides a range of skill development programs, internships, and hands-on learning opportunities for LP4Y participants. We help young women understand the logistics industry, explore job market opportunities, and develop skills that will make them employable in this field. Q: How do you think this partnership is helping young people gain the skills they need for their future jobs? We arrange company visits , provide detailed information about logistics operations, and offer internships where young women can gain real-world experience. Additionally, we provide essential skills training like CV writing and mock interviews , all of which are vital in preparing them for their careers. Q: From your experience, what is one of the most important things that LP4Y participants like me can learn from FM Logistic? One of the most valuable lessons LP4Y participants can take away is the real-world experience gained during our one-week internship program . It provides a practical understanding of logistics operations and a chance to develop key professional skills. Q: How has working with LP4Y benefited FM Logistic? Have you seen any positive changes or outcomes? Working with LP4Y has been a rewarding experience for us. We’ve been able to see firsthand the educational needs and training requirements of young women. We’ve also observed a significant level of enthusiasm and engagement from the participants, which is always encouraging. Q: In your opinion, what makes a successful partnership between a company and an organization like LP4Y? A successful partnership is built on a clear vision of how to address the educational and professional development needs of young people. It’s about mutual understanding and collaboration , and the goal should always be to help underprivileged youth achieve their full potential. Q: What would you say to other companies who are considering working with LP4Y or similar organizations? Why should they get involved? I highly recommend other companies to collaborate with LP4Y. It’s an opportunity to help young people build their futures, and through this partnership, companies can make a real difference in society. It’s rewarding to see the impact of such efforts. Q: Finally, what do you think the future holds for our partnership? How do you see it growing, and how can it continue to help young people like me? The future of our partnership with LP4Y is very promising. Over the past two years, the programs have been highly effective, and we’re excited to see more young women benefiting from them. We’re committed to expanding and improving these initiatives to ensure even more young people have access to these valuable opportunities. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with me today! It’s really inspiring to see how FM Logistic is helping young people build their futures. I hope that more companies will follow your example, and that we can continue to grow together , creating more opportunities for young people everywhere.

It's hard to believe how far I've come since LP4Y (Life Project for Youth) first entered my life. I still remember the day they came knocking on my door when I was pregnant. They introduced themselves and shared their mission. I politely declined, thinking I didn't have the time. I was overwhelmed with my own struggles and didn’t feel like I could handle anything else. Months passed, and LP4Y returned to my house. They reintroduced themselves, sharing their vision and goals. This time, I said yes. I would join their program after giving birth, and I felt a spark of hope . Maybe this was the opportunity I needed to turn my life around. But life had other plans. I became a broken-hearted mother who lost her son. The pain was overwhelming, and I didn't feel like leaving my house or facing anyone. I was consumed by my grief and didn’t know how to escape. It was during this dark time that Danica from LP4Y Green Village came to visit. She was kind, compassionate, and understanding. She shared her own story, and I felt a connection . I finally decided to take the risk and join LP4Y. But, unfortunately, I was diagnosed with dengue and couldn’t attend. I felt like I had hit rock bottom. I was struggling to come to terms with my loss , and I felt like I was failing myself and disappointing my family . But then, something changed. My brother's cousin introduced me to Lowela, who was also a Youth of LP4Y. This time, I said yes, and I finally found myself at Green Village, a place that felt like paradise. As I walked through the gates of Green Village, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The surroundings were beautiful, and the people were kind and welcoming.  When I was a child, I noticed that one of my neighbors was sick, so I went there and just looked at the girl, saying something that could help her. The next day, her mother said she wasn’t sick anymore, and from that moment, I dreamed of becoming a doctor or doing something in the medical field to help others . I felt like I had finally found a place where I belonged , but my journey as a Youth wasn’t easy. There were ups and downs , twists and turns . Sometimes we were a complete team, finishing the tasks we needed to do and learning together. But other times, I felt unmotivated when we weren’t complete, due to various struggles. But through it all, I found a sense of purpose and meaning . I discovered that I was capable of more than I ever thought possible . I spent countless days, months, and moments with my fellow Youth, laughing, loving, fighting, and struggling together. We adapted to conflicts because, as Youth, sometimes we didn’t understand each other due to our different attitudes. We had disagreements, but we handled the conflicts by opening up to each other and, with the help and advice of our Catalyst, we overcame the challenges and formed an unbreakable bond – my GV family. LP4Y and Green Village became my safe haven , my happy place . It was where I found my tribe, my support system, and my sense of belonging. It was where I discovered my strengths, my passions, and my purpose. As I look back on my journey, I am filled with gratitude and love . I am grateful for the people who believed in me, who supported me, and who pushed me to be the best version of myself. I am grateful for the experiences that shaped me , the challenges that strengthened me , and the triumphs that empowered me , making me believe in myself. One of the most memorable parts was when I decided to have an internship to understand my dream job better. I pushed myself to go to a clinic to gain more experience. I went out every day, asking clinics and public hospitals if they were accepting clinic assistants for a two-week internship, but I found none! It was my last day of searching, and I asked myself, Is it worth pushing myself, or should I just take a different position for an internship? I was super sad and felt like I was losing hope, but I still pushed myself. One of the clinics, Audico Hearing Center, accepted me as an intern for two weeks! During my internship, I was in charge of checking blood pressure and testing the hearing of babies, making sure everything was done properly. While I was there, I showed my eagerness to learn and understand the position . I showed up every day, and because of my dedication, the clinic asked me if I would like to work there as a Clinic Secretary for six months! I was so happy and overwhelmed because this was my dream, and it was finally happening. I am grateful for LP4Y and Green Village, especially to my coaches Coach Kath, Coach Val, and Sherlyn, and to my fellow Youth, who will always be a part of me. They taught me that no matter what life throws my way, I have the strength and courage to overcome it. They reminded me that I am capable of achieving greatness , that I am worthy of love and happiness, and that I am enough. Thank you, LP4Y and Green Village, for being my guiding light, my safe haven, and my happy place. I will always cherish the memories, the lessons, and the love that we shared. I am Avril Dianne Delos Santos, a Clinic Secretary at Audico Hearing Center. This is the start of my dreams and the future I meant to be ! This isn’t just my success story. It’s a youth empowerment journey  that proves dreams are possible when given a chance and the right support.

For many from lower-middle-class backgrounds in Indonesia, the idea of staying in a three-star hotel is almost unimaginable. Hotels are often seen as symbols of luxury places, people pass by while wondering, What does it feel like to sleep in a soft bed and spend more than 20 euros for just one night, while most people earn only 5 to 8 euros a day for eight hours of work? This perception also extends to those who work in hotels. Many assume that only graduates from prestigious hospitality schools can land jobs in such places, making it an unattainable career for most. However, the story of Vanni and Wulan is different. They have been working at Citi M Hotel  for years after completing their PTE program at TDC Jakarta . Both come from slum areas, Vanni grew up in a high-risk zone in North Jakarta, infamous for crime and drug trafficking. Who would have thought that talent could emerge from such vulnerable environments? I had the privilege of being their coach, witnessing first hand their transformation into career-driven women after overcoming immense struggles. I still remember the tears they shed during our Face to Face sessions, talking about the sacrifices they had to make, the burden of caring for their younger siblings, and the pain of losing a father while still in the LP4Y program. One had to step up as the sole provider for the family, while the other’s mother had to flee an abusive household . As a coach, I had to maintain a professional perspective while guiding them. My role was not to solve their problems but to help them develop the mindset and skills to overcome challenges on their own. Vanni and Wulan were diligent yet fragile, carrying heavy family burdens that most people could hardly bear. But the question remained, should we focus on their hardships and sadness, or on what can be done to overcome them? Building Bridges for Inclusion through Hospitality Career Through coaching, I learned the importance of creating bridges between marginalized Youth and the professional world . Partnerships became a challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone but also led to meaningful impact. That’s how I met Kenneth Tan , the owner of Citi M Hotel. During my first visit to his hotel in 2022, I advocated for internship and job opportunities for Youth. The hotel had already been a partner since 2019 through a previous volunteer, but I worked to relaunch and strengthen the collaboration. Kenneth, a businessman living in Singapore and Indonesia, strongly believes in building a committed and hardworking workforce. He welcomed the opportunity to give underprivileged Youth a chance to prove themselves in the real world. Years have passed since Vanni and Wulan started working at Citi M Hotel. After three months of probation, they successfully secured their positions . Kenneth, at first, had doubts about their ability to adapt, but he was amazed by their resilience and determination. When I visited them recently, I had the chance to interview them about their journey. Coming from an abusive family background wasn’t easy, they admitted. In the beginning, we struggled a lot. We were scared, insecure, and found it difficult to communicate with guests, especially foreigners. There were many times we cried because the pressure felt overwhelming. But nothing comes easy; over time, what once felt forced became second nature. Vanni shared: he coaching sessions, gallon project, and mobilization training really helped prepare me for the professional world. Hospitality is exhausting because it involves multiple roles, from assisting in the kitchen to helping guests find places to visit in Jakarta. But when I look back, the training at LP4Y gave me the stamina and confidence to speak with foreigners. I’m grateful for the experience, and I hope more Youth will get the same opportunities. During my visit, I saw how confident and professional they had become, polite, quick on their feet, and much more talkative than before. What touched me the most was their unbreakable commitment to their dreams. They had not only secured stable jobs but were also saving money, funding their younger siblings’ education, supporting their mothers by opening small businesses, and even renovating their family homes. They proudly showed me the jewelry they had purchased, symbols of financial independence . For the first time in my life, I’m earning my own money, Coach. I can buy gold, help my family, one of them shared. Their journey reminded me of the challenges of mobilization in the past. We must travel by public transport or angkot , searching for vulnerable young women in high-risk areas, trying to convince them that change is possible. God is always good.  No matter where you come from, no matter how poor or broken your family may be, if you have the will to change and the courage to seek new opportunities, the right path will always reveal itself. This experience reaffirmed my belief that we can break the cycle of poverty . All it takes is trust in people’s potential and the willingness to provide them with the space to grow.

In March 2025, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck Myanmar. This disaster sparked urgent Myanmar earthquake relief efforts across the country . This earthquake caused more than 4000 deaths, damage to homes and buildings, left many families without shelter, and added more hardship to communities already facing many challenges. Fortunately, the LP4Y center in Yangon is safe but we knew we couldn’t stay silent. We wanted to show support and help in any way we could . However, organizing a public fundraising event with the current situation in Myanmar wasn’t possible without permission from the local authorities. The paperwork takes time,  time we didn’t have. We wanted to act quickly, before the long holidays of Thingyan  began. So, we kept it simple . We prepared a few donation boxes  and reached out only to trusted friends and coworkers   inside the French Institute compound where we work asking for small contributions, whatever people could give. It wasn’t a large event, and we didn’t collect a huge amount. But every single kyat was given with love and the wish to support those suffering far away. This small action reminded us of something important: Helping others doesn’t always need to be big to be meaningful . In a time when many people feel powerless, small acts of kindness and solidarity still matter. We sent the donations through a trusted source Singgara Foundation , making sure the money reached the areas affected by the earthquakes. It may not have changed everything, but it was something, and it was done with honesty, care, and hope. In Myanmar today, people continue to face difficult situations, natural disasters, limited resources, and ongoing civil wars. But stories like this show that hope is still alive . That even during hard times, communities can come together , even in small ways, to show love and support for one another. At LP4Y, this is what we believe in: empowering youth, building strong communities, and taking action, even small ones, when it matters the most . We are proud of our team, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed. This is the kind of spirit that keeps us moving forward, one small step at a time.