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Srijana’s journey is a testament to perseverance , courage , and self-discovery . Growing up in a rural village in Nepal without parental support, she faced countless challenges in pursuit of education and a better future. Moving to the capital city was a bold step, but it came with hardships financial struggles , job scams , and uncertainty . Everything changed when she discovered LP4Y. Through the program, she not only gained professional skills but also developed self-awareness and confidence . Her journey led her from being a struggling Youth to securing a design job at a major insurance company and later becoming a Coach and Catalyst for Change at LP4Y. Now, Srijana is empowering other young people to dream big and take charge of their futures.

Ghida's journey is one of breaking barriers and overcoming challenges . After struggling to find a job due to a lack of experience, she joined LP4Y to develop her skills. In just three months, she transformed her future , securing a role as a Community Life Coach and inspiring excluded Youth. As a Coach, she witnessed young people breaking barriers every day overcoming personal struggles, gaining confidence, and shaping their futures. One of her proudest moments was helping a young woman who once feared being around others grow into a capable and compassionate teacher . Her story is a testament to perseverance , growth , and the impact of believing in oneself .

My name is Aye Myint Myat . I’m 25 years old and I’m from Myanmar. I’m a final-year student at West Yangon University in Yangon, but I recently stopped my university studies due to Myanmar's difficult situation. In 2021, there was a military coup in Myanmar, and now there is a lot of fighting. Many people have been hurt or killed, and many others have lost their homes. The economy is also struggling. Some places are still fighting, so it's not that stable. I am currently attending as a trainee at Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y). Challenges I Faced: Economic Hardship, Societal Expectations, and Barriers to Education As a young woman, I have faced many challenges , including economic hardship , societal expectations , and barriers to education . In Myanmar, the economic situation has become increasingly difficult, with the rising cost of everyday essentials making it even harder for struggling families to afford basic needs. In society, traditional gender roles and expectations often limit girls' access to education and opportunities , with early marriage and childbearing still prevalent in some communities. Education itself remains a challenge, as many families cannot afford school fees, uniforms, and books making it especially difficult for me to pursue my studies. Before joining LP4Y, I honestly had no hope . I spent most of my time in my room. In 2020, when COVID-19 began, we had to stay home. Then, on February 1st, 2021, the military (Tatmadaw) seized power in Myanmar, and life became even more restricted. For 3 to 4 years, I barely went outside , couldn’t meet my friends, and spent most of my time on my phone. Sometimes, I helped my mom, but mostly, I felt stuck and unsure about my future. Starting from the COVID-19 year, I was living my life with no passion . Struggling Between Education and Career As a young woman, I struggled between pursuing my education and building a career. In my community, people often say that girls shouldn’t work , and they question how I can succeed without experience. At the same time, my relatives constantly ask me, " When will you finish university? When will you get married? ” These questions made me feel lost. I kept wondering should I continue my studies or start working? I didn’t know what path to take, and it left me feeling uncertain about my future. In Myanmar, with the country being unstable due to political issues, youths and all the people in Myanmar struggle a lot. Discovering LP4Y: A Light in the Darkness I heard about LP4Y from my brother, and I decided to join this program because I saw a light in this program that could get me out of my comfort zone and help me change my life. I want to be an independent woman . I want to be social and help other people in the community . I want to be a new version of myself . When I stepped into the program, at first, I was really nervous and excited . And I was also afraid that I couldn’t do this . I wasn’t sure if I could really get out of my comfort zone and communicate with new people, seeing new things. Or if I could fit into the program . And also, speaking English was a challenge for me . But I was really thrilled to step into the program. First Impressions: Welcoming Environment and Valuable Training My first impression of the program was that I was really happy to join it and get an offer like this. My first impression of this program is that I am really impressed with the Youths and Coaches' training. They’re really welcoming and nice. The training is super. I gained soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills that made me feel more empowered as a young woman. Yes, LP4Y helped me a lot, like communicating with new people, doing new things. Also, our Coaches said, Do what you love, do what you like And then I gained confidence , even when I met challenges. I dared to challenge myself . Proud Moments: Taking On Leadership Roles and Gaining Confidence There was a moment when I felt proud of myself as a woman. In January, I did community training as a trainer at Dala Community Center. The topic was “ Job Search ”. I also was the Master of Ceremony for the graduation ceremony and the Project Leader for the Event Team** and other small tasks. That’s when I felt confident and strong. Introducing LP4Y to the Community When we introduced LP4Y to the community, they thought it was really good. They wanted their sons or daughters to join the program. Some youths also wanted to join the program, and some were interested in visiting our center to learn more. Overall, they were really interested. Inspiring Role Models: Coach Bawk Pan NPyen There’s one Coach Bawk Pan NPyen, who inspired me a lot as a woman. She is a motivational and active person who worked in the women's empowerment sector. During her training, she shared her experiences with us, " How to overcome gender discrimination from conservative families to achieve our dream jobs ." She also provided valuable information about women's rights and gave me advice that kept me motivated. Advice to Young Women: Never Give Up I would like to give advice to other young women who face obstacles or lack opportunities . Never give up! Don’t lose hope. We’re here with you! Yes, I have talked about LP4Y to other women, my friends, and my community. Understanding Women’s Empowerment From my perspective, women's empowerment is making women powerful and capable of making decisions for themselves . Women have suffered a lot through the years at the hands of men. In earlier centuries, they were treated as almost non-existent . Rights belonged to men, even something as basic as voting. After I joined LP4Y, women’s empowerment became real for me . It's not just abstract equality; it's about helping women discover their strengths , build confidence, and support each other to achieve our dreams, big or small. My Future Goals My goals for the future are to share my knowledge , get a decent job in business and education, and I would like to travel around the world . For me, I hope to contribute to women's rights and equality by providing information and resources about the issues that women face and by raising awareness about the importance of gender equality. I also want to connect women with organizations and resources that can help them to achieve their goals. Final Words: Empowerment, Support, and Unity Don’t feel like you are alone. We women are here for each other. Don’t think low about us. If we want to, we can be a mother, a wife, a worker, a businesswoman all at the same time. We can be whatever we want to be. So don’t hesitate to start new things as a woman. If I could describe my journey with LP4Y in one word related to empowerment, it would be " Transformative ."

Hi everyone! My name is Gen B. I am 24 years old, 10 years ago. Kidding! I am from the Queen City of the South and one of the beautiful islands of Cebu, in fact a paradise named Olango Island Lapu-lapu City Cebu. I have been part of this amazing association named LP4Y or Life Project 4 Youth since 2014 and it’s been 10 years now. I was one of the pioneering batches and was with probably more than ten coaches in the program. My Troubled Start My adventure began in 2014, when I was first arrested and charged with narcotics offenses. I never imagined my life would be so unhappy because I had so many friends back then, but I had no idea they were doing illegal things. As a result, I ended up in prison. When I was newly detained, I was 24 years old at that time. A foreigner drew my attention and piqued my interest in “why she was often around the jail”. Until I discovered she was working for an organization dedicated to Youth inclusion. I was hesitant to join the program at first, but after speaking with Coach Florence, I decided to do so. I did not pass up the opportunity to participate in the program because I was qualified . Overcoming Self-Doubt Before LP4Y, I had a lot of self-doubt . I graduated from a university, yet I lack self-confidence and had very low self-esteem . Because I did silly things during high school, I used to skip lessons and spend the entire day in a computer shop playing games rather than attending school and learning. Finding Hope Through Friends and LP4Y Through a friend named Dan, who is now a well-known tattoo artist and active star member in Cebu, I became acquainted with LP4Y. He filled me in on all the positive aspects of the program . From making jewelry to teaching English and general knowledge, and more importantly, having faith in your goals and reshaping yourself. Since then, I have learned a number of things that I know will help me live a more productive life, making my ambitions attainable in particular. Transforming Through Life Project Plans I was able to put the pieces of myself back together and dream for myself once more . Since I had the opportunity to transform and demonstrate that it was never too late to change and that the only thing constant in this world was change , I could argue that I was among the luckiest young people of that era. I could still clearly recall my coach and I doing my first LPP or Life Project Plan. My nerves were rattling since our coach challenged us to give a professional-style presentation, which meant memorizing our script and refraining from reading from spills. This I found quite difficult and demanding. Gaining Professionalism and Confidence In terms of professionalism, I can honestly state that LP4Y taught me a lot over my four years and eight months at the facility. From 2014 to 2018, I was greatly influenced by the tools required to equip and improve myself.  Life After Release I was released in 2018 and given the opportunity to prove myself. I was really grateful to my supporting coaches at that moment, who ensured I would be in a better situation and able to find a good and decent job. I was really moved by what the coaches did for me. They provided financial assistance as well as moral support. They also helped me develop a great sense of self-confidence and motivation. The unfortunate part is that I experienced discrimination from my friends as a prisoner, which was exacerbated when discrimination came from my family . This made me sad and weak, but I knew I needed to prove to them and to myself that I am capable of being a better version of myself and a good and responsible person in my community. So they could be proud of me. A Proud Career Achievement Proving myself capable of working in one of the country's largest BPO companies like TP or Teleperformance was a proud moment for a former PDL. I assumed that if I merely had a good job, I'd be able to live a nice life. But I discovered that being a professional implies a lot of obligations and headaches . LP4Y made a significant impact in my life in the correctional institution. That is why, even though I already had a job, I made time to volunteer by teaching English to MyCraft's youth during my free time or rest days. Representing Cebu Stars I was voted president of the Cebu Stars and represented Stars Cebu in the 2018 Stars Gala. It was a truly spectacular and unforgettable event that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I met all of the Coaches, Catalysts, and Partners of LP4Y. I was on cloud nine with the euphoria I felt that night, and I could never have imagined this would happen in my life. Balancing Work and Life Goals My life was focused on work, my family, and LP4Y. I really had one goal : to achieve my dream or LPP, which is to be an English teacher . During weekdays, I worked four days of 11-hour shifts, leaving three days for rest. But honestly, work days were draining. High pay entailed working extremely hard. Despite these challenges, I was confident in overcoming hurdles posed by work, family, and peers. Acts of Compassion With all the grace and beautiful things that have transpired in my life, I tried to do more good, particularly for my co-inmates in Abuyog, Leyte. I came up with a simple act of compassion : every payday, I bought groceries worth 500 PHP and sent them to my co-inmates via LBC forwarding. It was a small gesture, but I knew it would be extremely beneficial . I believe it is the thought that matters. A Setback and Resilience Unfortunately, in 2021, I was unlawfully arrested for the second time. While on my way to Olango Island for a celebration, I encountered a setup by someone I thought was trustworthy. My entire self was broken for the second time, but fortunately not as badly as the first. With LP4Y’s support , I regained the strength I needed to get back on track . Staying Hopeful Currently, I am still in the Male Dormitory facility of the Lapu-lapu City Jail. It's been 3 years and 5 months of being hopefu l. Why am I saying hopeful? Because I believe everything happens for a reason . God will never give me such a difficulty if He knows I am incapable of solving it on my own. Serving as a Leader Now I am the newly elected Stars President for the year 2024-2025. Previously, I served as the Stars Digital Ambassador. I look forward to learning more and sharing what I learn . Action speaks louder than words , so if you want to help , do so in words as well as in deed. Holding on to My Dream As part of my Life Project Plan (LPP), I hope to become a teacher. It is the same dream I had ten years ago, and I am sticking to it because I believe I can achieve it. Practicing and developing my teaching skills at the center has been fulfilling. Through challenges, I have built resilience, strengthening my determination to succeed . Soon, if ever released, I see myself working as a catalyst specifically a “Stars Catalyst” One of my great realizations in this second adventure was that Life is not just about money, but happiness truly matters.

On December 5th, 2024 Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y) Jakarta held its End-of-Year Breakfast at Training Development Center (TDC) Jakarta, bringing together key partners, Youth, and LP4Y team members to celebrate a remarkable year of achievements. This event wasn’t just a breakfast, it was a testament to the power of collaboration , the dedication of our partners , and the transformation of the Youth we accompanied.  Despite the logistical challenges of road closures and ongoing construction, the partners' dedication to attend the event highlighted their strong commitment to LP4Y’s mission of empowering underprivileged Youth. Since its launch in 2016, the TDC Jakarta has accompanied 516 Youth , 76% of whom have successfully secured stable employment . In 2024, LP4Y Jakarta organized 275 mock interviews and 143 collaborative training sessions , preparing Youth to thrive in the professional world. Coll aboration has been at the heart of our success, with 49 active partnerships facilitating over 508 professional exposure activities , ranging from company visits and internships to training sessions and mock interviews. A highlight of the year was the Metro TV visit , where Youth independently planned and executed a corporate engagement, showing their professionalism and readiness for the workforce. Celebrating Together: Highlights from the End-of-the-Year Breakfast The breakfast was designed as an intimate yet dynamic event, attended by key partners such as Hyatt Foundation (Alila SCBD, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt), MANE Indonesia , ID Logistics , Forvis Mazars , Schneider Electric , Concentrix , Japan Airlines , Kampus Diakonia Modern Foundation , Red Nose Foundation , Decathlon Indonesia , Schneider Electric , Technicoflor Indonesia and others. The program included: Icebreaker Activity:  A stretching session led by the Youth with music to set a relaxed and friendly tone. Youth-Led Presentations : Two Youth as MCs, confidently guiding the event. Videos capturing key moments from 2024, including collaborative projects and testimonies from Youth. Interactive Workshop: Partners contributed ideas and feedback on large manila papers, responding to prompts like “What skills do you think are important to work in your company?” and “What activities would you like to organize with LP4Y in 2025?” The activity sparked meaningful discussions and opened doors to future collaborations. Networking Session:  The friendly yet professional atmosphere encouraged Youth to approach partners directly, securing six business cards and discussing potential internships and opportunities. As part of the breakfast, partners were invited to share their experiences of working with LP4Y and the Youth. Their testimonies highlighted how empowering Youth benefits not just the individuals but also the organizations and communities that support them. Testimonials is also emphasized the mutual benefits of the collaboration: Ludovic Bouvier, Director at ID Logistics Indonesia , shared: Giving trust and teaching new skills is the best investment we can make in their future. Seeing the Youth grow and succeed in their internships gives us confidence that we’re contributing to lasting change. Sebastian Gautier, Managing Partner at Forvis Mazars Indonesia and IFCCI President , reflected on the partnership: Collaborating with LP4Y has been incredibly rewarding, not just for the Youth, but for our employees as well. It has fostered inclusivity, mutual learning, and a deeper understanding of the importance of empowering communities. We’re excited to continue this partnership and create even more opportunities in 2025. The testimonials didn’t just highlight LP4Y’s impact, they also underlined the enthusiasm and trust our partners have in our mission. Youth Testimony: The Power of Transformation During the event, we celebrated the 6th anniversary of the RiseHy program , a collaboration between Hyatt Foundation and LP4Y global that has opened doors in the hospitality industry for marginalized Youth. Sadiyan Al Fudilah  as Youth testimony is part of the RiseHy program at Alila SCBD Jakarta, shared his story: First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to Allah SWT for being given the opportunity to attend this event. I also want to thank LP4Y for the incredible year during training and the career guidance after I graduated, and Alila SCBD Jakarta for accepting me into the RiseHy program. I had incredible time in LP4Y Jakarta, I learnt to be professional and also had chance to join many companies visits and internship such as in Forvis Mazars for a month and applied for Risehy Program. Since March, I’ve been part of the Banquet or Event Service department at Alila SCBD Jakarta. Over the past nine months, I’ve gained invaluable experience, from learning about wine and setting up meeting rooms in various styles to handling guests with professionalism. The seniors in the Banquet team have been incredible mentors, always guiding me and sharing their knowledge generously. This program has been a life-changing opportunity, and I hope RiseHy continues to grow, providing even more chances for LP4Y Youth those interested in the hospitality industry like me. You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Stories like Sadiyan remind us that investing in Youth is not just about equipping them with technical skills, it’s about building their confidence, broadening their perspectives, and giving them the tools to stand for their life.  A Vision for the Future It was a morning filled with reflection, inspiration, and commitment to building a brighter future. The event wasn’t just a celebration of past achievements, it was a launch for inspiring change in 2025 . LP4Y Jakarta outlined three ambitious goals for the year ahead: Co-creating Projects Across Indonesia : Expanding outreach by collaborating with local communities and organizations to address unique regional challenges. Empowering Youth as Catalysts of Change : Equipping Youth with leadership and professional skills to drive progress within their communities. Advocating for Youth Rights and Decent Salaries : Promoting equitable working conditions and wages for young workers through national campaigns and partnerships. Let us together pave the way for contributing to more advanced and equal opportunities for everyone. As we close this meaningful gathering, we invite the partners and you, the reader, to be part of this movement to break the cycle of poverty for Youth in Indonesia. Here's how you can contribute to the LP4Y mission: Professional Integration:  Offer job opportunities and mentorship to excluded Youth. Company Visits : Host Youth for a firsthand experience of corporate culture. Professional Training : Share your expertise to shape entrepreneurial mindsets. Mock Interviews and Internships:  Help Youth gain practical, real-world experience. Testimonies : Inspire others by sharing your CSR journey with LP4Y. Financial Support:  Fund training and development programs to ensure lasting impact. LP4Y Jakarta committed to its mission of empowering underprivileged Youth through professional integration. With the continued support of the incredible partners and supportive ecosystem, LP4Y Jakarta is ready to inspire change, one step at a time, and to create even greater impact in the coming year.

I’m part of a big family from West Central Luzon in the Philippines. Both of my parents had their own families before they got married. At first, I thought having 16 siblings would make me happy, but as the years passed, I realized that my siblings on my father’s side didn’t accept us . I endured not being accepted by them, but it hurt because I didn’t understand why. Despite the family situation, I was happy and full of dreams! As a child, I dreamed of becoming a teacher — to stand in front of a classroom and share knowledge with young learners. I remember how happy I was until I experienced bullying in elementary school. I was bullied for having a darker complexion and being very thin . They even threw rocks at me. My parents transferred me to another school, but the experience left me scared to make friends. This fear led me to make mistakes, one of which changed my life forever. It resulted in my father beating me with a stick until my back was bruised. My family just watched, and I felt utterly helpless. From that point on, I started keeping everything to myself — my feelings, my needs, everything. I pushed myself to excel in school while working to provide for my needs . Eventually, I graduated from high school. At 15, I was determined to continue my education, holding on to my dreams and motivation. I worked as a housemaid in Pasig while studying Computer Secretarial, a vocational course that I thought would help me find a better job. Unfortunately, my elder sister asked me to stop studying and work full-time to support the family . I was torn between pursuing my dream and helping my younger siblings with their daily needs. Could I find a job with my limited educational background? Did I have the skills and qualities companies wanted?  These questions lingered in my mind, and no one could answer them but me. I choose to support my family , even though I felt scared and neglected. I worked as a service crew member to help my two siblings with their studies and provide for their needs. My routine was to receive my salary and immediately hand it over to my family. Over time, I didn’t realize that the dream-filled, motivated version of myself was fading . Living in a faraway city, struggling to survive, I drank water to quell my hunger, asked for places to stay because I couldn’t afford rent, and walked for two hours to save money. I envied young adults who could enjoy life and pursue their dreams. In my desperation, I began to wonder how I could develop skills and qualities to secure a better future. I applied for various jobs but faced countless rejections due to my educational background and lack of experience. The rejections and discrimination devastated me. I kept asking myself: " How can I find a job that allows me to learn while supporting my family?" One morning, a Youth from LP4Y invited me to join their training program. I joined the Training & Development Center (TDC) in Tondo in 2018. Initially, I thought LP4Y was a school with professors and students, but on my first day, I saw a sewing machine. I doubted whether I should stay because I needed to support my family. But something about the environment — free from bullying, judgment, and discrimination — made me feel safe . I am grateful for my face-to-face sessions with Julia, who supported me throughout the training. For the first time in years, I felt free to share what was inside me. During the training, I discovered new skills such as sewing, embroidery, selling products, teamwork, organizational skills for managing a micro-business, and improving my English. These skills helped me achieve my short-term goal: becoming a customer service associate in a BPO company . I transformed from a shy, fearful Youth afraid of judgment into a woman who could confidently express her opinions, smile genuinely, and recognize her worth in society. I developed vigorous strength in overcoming adversity and facing challenges with renewed confidence . Julia (Sherlyn's former Coach) and Sherlyn in Manila After completing my professional training in LP4Y, I achieved my goal and became a customer service associate at Alorica. I handled an Amazon account, ensuring customer orders were delivered and providing exceptional service. The training I received at LP4Y gave me an edge in performing my tasks. While working as a CSR, I volunteered on my days off at TDC Tondo, sharing my knowledge about the role. Although I was happy, I wanted to pursue something more meaningful. After two years, I decided to resign and applied to join LP4Y as part of the movement to fight for Youth inclusion. At first, I thought being a Catalyst would be easy, but I was wrong! This role requires a genuine eagerness to empower young people, the ability to think quickly and find urgent solutions, and the dedication to accompany Youths throughout their training journey, helping them identify their life projects and guiding them toward integration into society. I served as a Coach at TDC Tondo for two years, an experience that truly changed my life. While accompanying the Youths, I often reflected on my own journey. Through one-on-one sessions, I provided guidance to help them discover their skills and qualities, and I shared my own testimony to inspire them . What I loved most about my mission as a Coach was visiting the families of the Youths and learning about their daily lives. These moments allowed me to understand their challenges and aspirations, making my role even more meaningful. However, I believed that as a Catalyst, I needed to challenge myself further by accepting a new role : becoming a Green Village Leader. My biggest challenge was figuring out how to be a good leader. What if I couldn’t do the job properly? What if I wasn’t fit for this role? I began to question my capabilities again, but I was brave enough to face these new challenges. In this position, I am responsible for ensuring that the center operates efficiently. This includes supporting the Coaches in implementing the pedagogy, ensuring the safety of the Catalysts and Youths, managing the workers responsible for the center's maintenance and repairs, being solution-oriented in any situation, handling financial responsibilities, and developing strategies for the center’s improvement. I am extremely excited about the new opportunities and the chance to work in a green environment. I started this role in February 2024 and have been discovering more about myself. For example, I’ve started painting to pass the time, exercising to boost my immune system, and creating concrete plans for my future. This incredible journey comes with struggles and challenges. However, being part of this organization since I was a Youth has allowed me to discover who I am, empower myself and others, express my feelings openly, and most importantly, share my opinions because they matter. I am proud of myself for accompanying excluded Youths in the program, but I am genuinely happy to have empowered my family to stand on their own . I was able to support my two younger siblings through senior high school until they found their first jobs. Since 2023, they have been helping me build our concrete house in the province, which is almost finished. They also support me financially, which has allowed me to save and think more about my future. I am Sherlyn Caasi, an excluded Youth from Tondo Manila, the Philippines who believes that being a Catalyst means believing that an empowered Youth will, in turn, drive positive change.

Namaste! First of all I am very much grateful to this project who has provide me a golden opportunity to share about me and my story and here's where my story begins. It's me, Manisha Shrestha. Formally known as Manisha Katuwal while being at the Green Village (GV). I am from Chaubise Dhankuta, and currently residing at Godawari, Lalitpur (Nepal). My journey of LP4Y began when the team mobilization team visited CPCS Godawari, where I was staying. I got to know about LP4Y project which increased my interest to join to understand more about LP4Y and I went Training and Development Center Nepal which is located in Tinkune. After knowing about the project I decided to utilize my free time by joining 3 months professional life skill training of the LP4Y project. I joined the training in August 2022. Green Village Nepal is a part of LP4Y project that aims to accompany young women towards professional integration by equipping them with life and soft skills, which is located nearby Greenery nature. Everybody has their unique hidden talents, which needs a proper and perfect environment to grow and Green Village has helped those last lights to burn brighter and to grow in the form of professionalism. There were four micro-companies including Restaurant, Event Organizer, Digital and Sustainable with its own purpose, where we had to give mock interviews to be in the company of our choice . I was successfully hired at Event Organizing micro-company as an inventory officer. I started to work as an inventory officer with my different friends, who belonged to different backgrounds. I was totally unaware about professional life before joining the GV. But later on, I got a chance to learn about the profession process of inventory management as well as learnt about the huge differences between fake and real Job Market and the companies. Beside that, I found an environment where many Youths get chances to sharpen their skill  through training. I was a shy person when presenting myself and to speak in front of people was one of my biggest fears but slowly it changed. Soon, I was able to organize awareness workshops among community people. While working with the team at GV, I learnt to find beauty in working with different people from different backgrounds. I was able to experience the power in Unity, which has helped me a lot now as well. Two months in Event Company was such an amazing experience. The last month of the training was based on job search, where we did door to door to find decent jobs by ourselves which helps us to be independent on what we want and how we want. I learnt to use Google Maps as an important tool of modern life. While going door to door, I was selected for the job at the Head Office of Labim Mall Company and had an interview with the HR office of that company, while doing an interview with Team Leader of Orchid Company. Unfortunately I failed to get a job in that Company due to lack of citizenship. The silent struggle of denied access to essential rights and opportunities was my biggest problem. I got many job opportunities but due to the lack of a citizenship Card, I was denied the jobs , which made me feel down. I was losing all hopes towards life. Everything became blank, my confidence, my skills. I was suffering from anxiety and lost all my patience even though I decided to talk about it with the Coach. They found a partner named Kritan Adhikari, who was a legal adviser. Even after completing 3 months training (Entrepreneur step), I continued to have a followup with Kritan and my Coach of the center. After 7 months of followup to various government offices to fight for citizenship and doing a search on the local places where I used to live before 15, I found my step father with the help of local people from the community and successfully made a citizenship Card. Achieving a proof of nationality as a citizenship Card was my biggest success ever in life . As always, I will be much grateful to every members of LP4Y project including Kritan Adhikari and CPCS staff for unconditionally helping me to achieve my rights.   In 2022 I joined the STAR club  (LP4Y alumni network) which is an autonomous and a huge part of LP4Y project. It's a group of those motivated Entrepreneurs who had successfully completed the 3-month Entrepreneur step. There are 6 important positions to form the club. I am the event ambassador of STAR club. I organize events and workshops, raise awareness and maintain the processes of every step of the event. Workshops are my main responsibility. We have different responsibilities as our position in the club with which we work together to achieve together. Growing together to achieve more has become our main Motto of the club. Besides, it I am currently studying for a Bachelor second year and working as an inventory officer at CPCS Organization . My work has become better  now due to my team working experience from GV. I am working freely now and have basic rights as normal people do due to citizenship card. Imagine belonging to a country but lacking the basic proof of citizenship and being denied access to essential rights and opportunities due to the absence of a citizenship card. It creates a silent struggle for countless individuals. Therefore, I want to raise my voice on it. Working with young adult like me and the small kind kids has become one of the greatest environments to grow together for the bright future. In the future, I want to write a story about my journey so that I can share a spark to those who have been feeling lost on their journey. My journey taught me to find strengths in the darkest moment, during obstacles of my life where I had almost lost my hopes. Therefore: You are capable for brighter days! I believe that everything happens for beautiful reasons in life. To those Stars who can shine brighter than they imagine, please let your hope be your compass to your aimed direction , because it’s the light in the heart’s tunnel.

Hi, My name is RJ, but you may call me HACHIKO. I'm twenty-five years old, and I live in Saint Arnold Janssen Village Soong Mactan Lapu-Lapu City. I want to tell you all a short story regarding my life, how I joined the LP4Y Training and how it altered the way I think. Let's get started! I am the third of five siblings in our family. My mother was a housewife exclusively, while my father worked as a security guard. We were residents of Mandaue City, Cebu, a slum. We are pleased and satisfied despite our lack of wealth . My parents are so proud of my accomplishments from elementary school that they anticipate me to be the first to complete my education and earn a degree. So in order to continue to challenge myself in the hopes that they will be pleased with me, I graduated in Grade 6, the final grade of elementary school in the Philippines. Because I was an honor student at the time , I was awarded certificates. During my high school years, I made many kinds of friends, including one who unfortunately had vices. Curiosity led me to attempt one of their vices , which was smoking cigarettes at first. Later, I tried other vices, like using marijuana, which is prohibited in our nation, and SHABU, and I became addicted to these. As a result, my academic performance suffered greatly , and I began skipping classes, stealing, and even lying to my parents about needing money for my education. To keep my vices alive. Thanks to the teachers' sympathy for me, I graduated from high school. I met a drug dealer when I was twenty-three, and he was offering me money if I sold his drugs. Since it's a lot easier to sell drugs than to work, I began to sell narcotics and use some of them myself . I offered my parents the money I made and explained that I picked this profession despite the fact that it was illegal because I wanted to support them with our everyday necessities. I ignored my parents' objections, even though they expressed that it was wrong. When the time came, the police raided our home and, regrettably, I was arrested because my name was on their list. I was quite upset and frightened while I was incarcerated since I couldn't communicate with my family. I also acted like a savage because I always believed that "this is jail, it is Survival of the fittest." Suddenly, though, I noticed that some PDLs were wearing the same polo shirt , and I also noticed some foreigners within the jail. As I mentioned before, I'm quite curious. I went up to the foreigner and inquired about their activities and the name of the program they had joined. After giving me a step-by-step explanation, he added that it would assist me in changing. As a result, I began to question whether I could actually make it . Is it possible that I would be changed? My cellmate who was a Youth in the LP4Y program once told me what the benefits of joining the program would be. Once he had fully explained everything to me, I told myself that I would stay the same as I was in elementary school. There is a moment when they are interviewing new hires who will potentially join the training. I seized the chance and went to the interview without hesitation. Fortunately, I passed. I was first hesitant to attend the training because I was scared and lacked confidence. However, the main reason I will continue the training is because I am willing and eager to learn and develop . After that, I realized how much I had changed, started to think more optimistically, and started making plans for my goals and future. I grow both personally and professionally. Also my parents are so happy to hear that their son is making progress and starting to change.  For me, LP4Y is a huge assistance; it's like a candle in the dark . That leads me down the correct path. I would say to everyone who reads my short story, "Don't lose out hope; everything happens for a reason, and it can turn your negative thoughts into positive ones." Knowing that "Sunset is a proof that everything has an ending." As of right now, I am the STAR Club Vice-President and a member of the STAR Club. I will keep sharing what I have learnt with everyone here. I hope my narrative was enjoyable to all of you.

Together We Art Paris Organization Team When creativity meets purpose, talent becomes a bridge to hope. The 4th edition of Together We Art  opened in the stunning setting of the Terrasse Champs Élysées, bringing together artists, donors, and supporters for LP4Y’s mission. This event once again demonstrated that art can be a powerful force for transforming lives, as art enthusiasts and patrons came together to support the professional and social inclusion of excluded young adults worldwide. Stories of Resilience and Solidarity The evening was enriched by inspiring speeches and heartfelt testimonies . Frédéric Boissel,  Vice-President of LP4Y France, set the tone by emphasizing generosity — a core value embodied by LP4Y and the Youth. Reflecting on his experience in Nepal, he highlighted the resilience and determination of young adults facing extraordinary challenges, including natural disasters such as recent floods . Laure Delaporte, co-founder of LP4Y provided a powerful overview of LP4Y’s mission since 2009: with 26 centers across 14 countries, the organization’s unique "learning by doing"  pedagogy has empowered nearly 10,000 Youths , most of whom are young women and mothers, achieving a 70% success rate  in securing decent employment and positively impacting over 100,000 lives . The evening also shed light on urgent challenges: In the Philippines , a strong fire devastated the Tondo slum in Manila, displacing over 1,000 families. LP4Y responded swiftly with emergency aid, cash support, and training to rebuild homes and secure jobs, turning crisis into opportunity . In Lebanon , Michella Gabriele , LP4Y Catalyst, shared the plight of Youth amidst conflict, economic instability, and displacement . Despite the closure of LP4Y’s Beirut center due to war, online training and community mobilization have continued, exemplifying solidarity and resilience in times of hardship. A Milestone Event in Numbers Over the weekend, 300 visitors  attended, making this edition a remarkable success. 41 generous artists  donated their works, resulting in a unique collection of 50+ pieces of art. Among them 29 were sold to benefit LP4Y projects . Thanks to the auctions and donations, an impressive €30,000 was raised , with organizational costs kept to a minimum at just €5,000. These vital funds will go directly toward LP4Y’s centers in 14 countries, including Southeast Asia, Lebanon, and Egypt. La Terrasse des Champs-Elysées during Together We Art Paris A Celebration of Generosity and Impact For three days, the Terrasse Champs Élysées became into a vibrant space of art and solidarity converged. Visitors engaged with unique artworks, connected with artists and LP4Y Catalysts, and actively contributed to an urgent cause. Sabine Juery, an artist testifies " My work as an artist, blending emotion and technique, often leads me to reflect on its true purpose... But when it serves the cause of LP4Y — a movement so close to my heart for its unwavering commitment and extraordinary energy that empowers thousands of young people from extreme poverty to gain skills and access employment — everything falls into place." It gives my art a deeper meaning and becomes a profound source of joy and fulfillment! Why Together We Art? Together We Art perfectly embodies LP4Y's mission, blending a passion for art with a commitment to social engagement, where creativity becomes a catalyst for change, and where every brushstroke, sculpture, or photograph carries the promise of a brighter future . Through the generosity of artists and supporters, this event turns talent and passion into a driving force for inclusion, creating ripples of impact across the globe. Thank You for Believing in Change To the artists, donors, volunteers, and supporters who made Together We Art possible: thank you! Your generosity fuels LP4Y’s mission, empowering thousands of young adults to rewrite their stories and create a brighter future for their communities. Together, we’re turning talent into impact, and crises into opportunities. See you in 2025 for the next edition of Together We Art! Presentation of LP4Y during Together We Art in Paris

In this open letter to her mother, Lorène Tonati — former Country Coordinator in Nepal — shares about her 3-year experience at LP4Y. Maman, Three years, it’s the time none of us had forecasted for your daughter to be away from home, three years to miss each other, to miss the important family reunions, but finally, three years of learning and of finding out how to exist and grow separately .  When you dropped me with Papa at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport back in 2021, I was flying for the first time in the land where Buddha was born: Nepal. Younger, maybe braver, particularly hopeful and trustful of my skills and personality, I was so happy and confident I would make a difference. As you know, since childhood I wanted to change this mad world into something better. As a child I thought it would happen through my spying skills (which I still hope haha), and back then, to do it as an engaged and committed worker. Yet, at that time I was full of insecurities I couldn’t even name , probably to show both of you my brave face when you were so stressed and worried for me. We said goodbye, who knew for how long, and at the time, we didn’t know that it was the last time we would see this version of ourselves. Because, Maman, there is no doubt that 3 years later,  I am no longer the same person than when I was 24 years old . So to me, the one word to describe this transformative experience is changes . Let me walk you through some of them.  For the first time, I understood the power of collaboration  and how the combination of people with different skills, yet all SO motivated and determined could create a great impact in society. A society where too often, everyone is defeated by the size of the challenges. Over 3 years of time, I worked closely in Nepal with 25 amazing Catalysts from Nepal, India and France. And together, we have trained 735 Youths. At the end, 73% of the graduates found a job. Said like that, it’s just a data, but the life trajectory of these young women have taken a turn, forever. This is called change. Generosity is one of the values I experienced . From the meal we share all together every lunch and dinner, to the one we take at the house of the Youth when we meet their family and discover their life’s conditions, food is this one factor of togetherness. I also found generosity in the sisterhood the Youths demonstrated towards each other. I remember Nikita Tamang, a young mother taking the training in TDC Kathmandu of winter 2023, who publicly took the mic to congratulate and appreciate the determination and efforts put by Kamala Doli (also a young mother and widow of TDC), who worked until 2AM the same night to rehearse again and again the presentation of her life project plan. Kamala didn’t know how to write Nepali, barely spoke at her arrival, but she rocked that presentation. What a generous act of kindness to be seen and recognized, this brings change in oneself.  Finally, I could describe all the important skills I developed through the handling of my mission of Country Coordinator, from leadership to management skills, public speaking skills to report writing… and I would say these are necessary to the values that got stronger: I believe more than ever in people, in our capacity to change our society . We are stronger individuals that know how to rely and work together… To me, this is what LP4Y is: a workshop to build individuals and communities stronger, a place that believes in people’s potential, especially the Youth, to become change-makers. So yeah, Maman, I am about to come home, but I am no longer the same person, and somehow, I just love it. With love, Lorène

On November 20, 2024, LP4Y inaugurated a new Training and Development Center (TDC) in Dhaka . The event was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including LP4Y’s current and past trainees, Catalysts, and officials, as well as the French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marie Masdupuy , and representatives from partner NGOs and organizations. Charles , the Dhaka team leader, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. In her inaugural speech, Ambassador Masdupuy highlighted the importance of such initiatives in empowering young people . Alex , the Country Coordinator, provided an overview of LP4Y’s work in Bangladesh, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized Youth. Tanvir Arif , a Coach at the TDC, detailed the 6-month training program, which includes 5 months of intensive training and 1 month of job search assistance. Sadia Afrin , LP4Y Alliance Finance Project Manager, discussed her experiences working at the center and the financial processes involved. Faisal Shuvho , representing a partner organization, also spoke at the event. Falguny Akter , a previous trainee and now Vice President of LP4Y STAR Club (LP4Y alumni club), shared her personal success story and the positive impact of the TDC program. Two current trainees, Zara and Tahsin Tanjil , introduced the center to the guests and conducted a brief tour. Charles concluded the event by outlining LP4Y’s plans for 2025, which include the opening of a Little Angel Academy (a daycare for working mothers), expanding the impact on young people , increasing the sustainability of the TDC , and organizing the first Youth International Inclusion Forum (YIIF) in Dhaka. This new TDC is expected to play a crucial role in empowering young people in Bangladesh, providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, while embodying LP4Y’s bigger ambitions to expand its reach, foster sustainable change, and inspire a future where every excluded Youth has the chance to thrive . In Bangladesh, LP4Y has successfully accompanied 626 young people , with a focus on women’s empowerment. A remarkable 100% of young women and 46% of all participants have secured employment, demonstrating the transformative power of LP4Y’s programs. Sadia Afrin: A Journey of Growth, Transformation, and Bigger Ambitions I have been through a significant journey in supporting Youth at LP4Y since 2022, especially witnessing the transition from the old center to the new one. The challenges we faced — particularly with limited space — was really tough, as I saw firsthand how essential the training was for these young people’s futures.  The difficulty of not being able to accommodate all the Youth who need support is a painful reality , especially when the training programs can be a crucial step toward their independence and self-sufficiency. I experienced how this lack of space could lead to some dropping out, which is disheartening both for the Youth and for us also, as we were trying to support them in such an important part of their lives. One of the Youth, Zuthi , who began her 6-month training on October 12th, shared her thoughts about the transition to the new TDC. As someone who has experienced both centers, she mentioned: "The new center is much brighter and more open, with better ventilation. It feels more spacious, and we now have the opportunity to work on gardening, making our center greener and more sustainable. We now have a large open field where we can do icebreakers in the morning or to do briefs in the morning and at the end of the day. It's also a great space for organizing larger events." Overall, the new center provides a more supportive and versatile space for learning, personal growth, and community building, reinforcing LP4Y’s commitment to empowering Youth and giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in life. This transition is not just about a physical move but a deeper transformation, where the Youth now have an environment that truly supports their aspirations, encourages collaboration, and equips them to face the challenges ahead with confidence. Source of the article: News Hour (accessible here )

Servier and LP4Y RenoFun team ready for painting Flooding has always been a challenge for the LP4Y Training and Development Center (TDC) in Cilincing, North Jakarta. Every rainy season, the center becomes a battlefield against rising water , with Youth and Coaches struggling to save electronic equipment, move furniture, and keep activities going despite the flooding. Even light rain creates stagnant pools of water, as the center continues to sink year after year due to severe land subsidence. North Jakarta has been sinking at an alarming rate: around 25cm annually in some areas. According to a study by Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Jakarta region has sunk 2.5 meters over the past decade, making it one of the fastest-sinking coastal cities in the world. Prediction: by 2050, nearly 95% of North Jakarta could be underwater . For LP4Y Jakarta, these statistics aren’t just numbers, they’re a reality that threatens the future of the Youth who come here to learn, grow, and find hope. But 2024 marked a turning point. With the generous support of Mécénat Servier and the collaboration of Servier Indonesia , a renovation project began to make the TDC safer and more resilient against flooding. Servier and LP4Y team - First day of the renovation A Lesson: Building More Than Walls Mécénat Servier and Servier Indonesia didn’t just provide funding for the renovation; they brought something even more valuable, their time, energy, and hands-on involvement. RenoFun Week , held from November 19 to November 22, 2024 became a beautiful collaboration between Servier employees, LP4Y Youth, and LP4Y Jakarta Catalysts. For the Servier team, RenoFun wasn’t just about fixing a building. It was about connecting with the Youth, understanding their struggles, and being part of their journey. Over four days, 77 Servier employees joined the voluntary activities with the Youth to renovate the center. The work was physically demanding such as sanding walls, removing the paint, painting rooms, and assembling tables, and huge cooking for almost 35 people.  Aulia (LP4Y Indonesia Ecosystem developer) remembers well one of the Servier volunteers saying, “When I first arrived at the TDC, I didn’t fully understand what these Youth had been through. But as we worked together, side by side, I saw their dreams and their motivation. It was humbling and inspiring.” Youth Perspective: A New Challenge and Opportunity Through RenoFun For the Youth of LP4Y Jakarta, RenoFun Week was more than just a renovation project, it was a completely new challenge. They were given the responsibility of preparing the project and assisting Servier volunteers for four days including coordinating with managers and professionals who were highly experienced in their work. “ At first, I was scared. I didn’t know if I could do it… Working with people who have so much experience felt overwhelming. But they were so kind and encouraging.” — Tika from Responsibility step Youths briefing the Servier team Interacting with the Servier team became a priceless learning experience for the Youth. As they worked side by side, the Servier volunteers didn’t just share their skills but also their personal stories about their career journeys, the struggles they faced, and how they overcame them. Beside that, Youth being trusted to manage parts of the project and collaborate with professionals helped them realize their potential. “As the painting leader, I never thought I could lead or give directions to someone older from Servier. They listened to me and supported me. It made me feel like I could do anything, be more confident and finish the painting project well with my team.” — Baihaqi from Management step A New Chapter for TDC Cilincing By the end of the week, the TDC looked completely transformed. The 25cm raised floors now protect the center from any flooding, and the freshly painted walls show a new beginning. For Servier, LP4Y, and the Youth, RenoFun wasn’t just about fixing walls and floors, it was about building confidence, connections, and resilience . It showed that when people come together with the same goal, they can face any challenge head-on. Thanks to Mécénat Servier, Servier Indonesia, and LP4Y Indonesia, TDC Cilincing is now stronger and safer. It's a secure space where the Youth can focus on growing and chasing their dreams .