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Loe Ai, a young man full of enthusiasm and determination, has just completed his internship program at Forvis MAZARS Indonesia . This company is not only one of the largest in Indonesia but also boasts a stellar reputation , ranking eighth best in the United States. This valuable experience is a crucial asset for Loe Ai, enriching his CV and opening up broader career opportunities in the future. Interning at Forvis MAZARS Indonesia was Loe Ai’s first experience working in a corporate environment. Over the course of one month, Loe Ai played an active role in assisting Nanda from the Marketing Communication (Marcom) team. His tasks varied widely, from designing posters, handling internal and external communications, ordering merchandise, to organizing various company events. This experience provided him with a deep understanding of the real working world , where he learned about work ethics, time management , and the importance of effective communication . Facing Challenges and Growing Stronger Despite this invaluable experience, Loe Ai had to confront significant challenges. He often felt a lack of confidence, especially when asked about his educational background . As a graduate of the equivalent high school program (kejar paket C), he sometimes felt insecure. However, his determination to continue his education and work in a corporate environment only grew stronger. He aspires to pursue higher education in IT or Digital Marketing Communication and secure a comfortable office job. Loe Ai is the eldest of three siblings. His father works as a technician, and his mother works from home, helping the neighbours with daily chores such as washing clothes or ironing, while taking care of her children. When his father was imprisoned , Loe Ai had to drop out of school in the second year of junior high to support his family’s economy, alongside his younger sibling who also had to quit school. After two years, he finally continued his education through the government’s equivalency program or kejar paket. Loe Ai's internship journey was far from easy. He had to travel 2 hours 30 minutes from Marunda public housing (Rusunawa Marunda), North Jakarta to the Forvis MAZARS Indonesia office in South Jakarta every day . He would leave early in the morning and often return late at night, depending on the availability of public transport from Tanjung Priok to Marunda. Despite the exhausting commute, his spirit remained undeterred. A Bright Future thanks to his internship at Forvis Mazars Indonesia This internship has broadened Loe Ai’s perspective on the working world. He plans to seek a job in the Operations and Management Control (POM BP) sector with a salary of around 4.5 million rupiah and a rotational work system. After working for a year, he aims to continue his studies in IT or Digital Marketing Communication. His goal is to secure a better position in the future and work in a more comfortable office environment. Loe Ai is a living testament to how determination and enthusiasm can overcome various challenges. His internship at Forvis MAZARS Indonesia not only provided insights into the professional world but also motivated him to keep learning and growing . Despite his challenging background, Loe Ai has proven that with hard work and strong determination, a bright future is within reach. His greatest hope is to challenge himself further during his Management step in the LP4Y program in Jakarta, pushing himself to achieve even greater heights.

I am Monette Tenedero, a young mother who used to live in Happyland (biggest slum in Manila). I still remember how I dreamed during my younger age and suddenly changed when I got pregnant at an early age. I thought that my life was over and hopeless but when I learned that there is an organization named Life Project 4 Youth, I feel fortunate and even my perspective on life changed ! LP4Y provides qualitative training like exposing myself to actual management of business, purchasing and making a product to sell. I feel that day by day the training boosts my confidence and this becomes my strength. I am thankful that LP4Y gave me a chance to extend my knowledge by attending company visits with partners and universities. By attending this training, I notice that I develop so many skills like professional behaviour, communicating in English language, managing the team and operating our micro-company that help me in different situations. I dreamed of working for a good company to finish my studies but it was difficult for me to achieve it while supporting my three children. “HOW CAN I PROVIDE A BETTER FUTURE FOR MY CHILDREN?” This question kept on circulating in my mind and  kept me to challenge myself, to continue and fight for my dreams! When I was hired in Decathlon last 2017, I felt very grateful to this company because they gave me a chance to have a decent and stable job ! This chance that LP4Y & Decathlon gave me changed my personal life and professional life. At first, I thought that it would be easy for me to work while taking care of kids but I was wrong! Decathlon Alabang is the first branch in the Philippines and I am the first from LP4Y who got hired . I felt pressure at first but they supported me a lot in the professional aspect. I learned during my training in LP4Y about the importance of attendance. Despite almost 3 hours of travel to work in Alabang, I was never late. I am grateful to the Catalysts that accompanied me and Mrs Nadege because they ensured my emotional wellbeing that prepared me for who I am today and not just my professional path .   I worked for Decathlon Philippines for 6 years and throughout these years, I could see that my life is improving . I now had savings for my kids, a house in Antipolo, meaning that I would not need to think of our safety anymore (Happyland is prone to fire). At the same time, things remained difficult as I got separated from my partner and became a single mother! While working too hard, I was not able to focus on my children, which hurt me a lot as a mother but every time I took days off, I would make sure to give my full attention to them! I am now working in Decathlon Singapore as a Sports Leader ! I believe that working hard with a goal will lead you to a brighter future and that you can learn to develop an entrepreneur mindset! Do not lose hope for your dreams and keep fighting, that is my advice to the young ones!

After a shift from business to social work and numerous volunteer engagements in France and abroad for children's causes, I now find myself working with LP4Y to coordinate their 3 Little Angels Academies (LAA), which are nurseries. From the start, my enthusiasm for this project was evident . As I told John, the founder of LP4Y, "It's the LAAs or nothing! " His response was just what I hoped for: "OK Marion, the LAAs are a project dear to the Catalysts, and we need help to get it back on its feet!" Challenge accepted! The LAAs are one of the many innovative initiatives of LP4Y. As 85% of the Youth supported by LP4Y are young women, often young mothers, it was therefore obvious they needed help to take care of their children while they followed the LP4Y program. The goal is to enable these mothers to focus on their training and find decent work so they can offer a better life to their children. For me, education is the starting point for a successful adult life . My ambition is to make the LAAs a place where every child has the opportunity to get a good start in life. In these nurseries, we don't just welcome the children of excluded young mothers; we offer them a safe environment where they can play, learn, thrive through various activities, and receive healthy meals. Each month, a medical check-up is organized to ensure everything is going well, as health problems in slums are numerous: malnutrition, pollution, unsanitary conditions. We also organize monthly excursions so the children can experience activities outside the slums — things their parents couldn't afford. Though I am extremely motivated, the task is immense. The LAAs are located in three different countries: one in Kathmandu, Nepal; one in Tondo, Manila in the Philippines; and one in Chennai, India , where I’m based. Six LAA Catalysts are responsible for the daily care of the children in these nurseries. My role is to ensure everything runs smoothly, despite the unique challenges of each location. In Chennai, when I first took on the role, the situation was tough . Children were often half-naked because diapers were too expensive, their hair was messed up and infested with lice, and their little milk teeth were full of cavities. But despite these difficulties, their welcome was warm, full of laughter and smiles. I still remember Sham, a baby who was crying. Without hesitation, they put him in my arms, and before I knew it, his chocolate-covered mouth had stained my white t-shirt! Not the smartest choice of outfit, but I was there, finally on the field for a social mission; a lifelong goal realized. With a lot of work, things improved. The white walls of the LAA are now colorful with the children's drawings, and thanks to the awareness sessions for mothers led by the LAA Catalysts, chocolate and junk food have been replaced by healthier snacks. With the medical check-up, the children were sent to the dentist. In the Philippines, another challenge awaited me. When I arrived at the LAA, I discovered that we had more cockroaches than children ! The children did not seem bothered, playing hide-and-seek with them; a scene that, while common in the Philippines (I even saw street children walking cockroaches on leashes!), was not acceptable. It was clear the building was becoming unsanitary. My priority was to find a new place. In less than two months, we moved to a new location , thanks to the incredible commitment of the LAA Catalysts; Mariechu, Anabelle and her husband. It was not easy; my Birkenstocks still carry the memory of the white paint we used to repaint the walls! Today, the children are in a much healthier environment. In Nepal, the situation is different. The challenges are fewer, but managing a large number of young children remains a demanding task. The Little Angels Academies are much more than just a project for me. They represent a mission that deeply inspires me and pushes me to get up every morning with enthusiasm. These nurseries offer the children of marginalized mothers a space where they can flourish, learn, and grow safely. The LAAs are a bridge to a future where exclusion has no place, where every child, no matter where they come from, has the right to a good start in life.

Hi my name is Bhima Palungwa. I am 23 years old. I am currently studying BA.LLB and I am a 4th year student. I also have a job in a law firm as a Receptionist. I am here to share my journey. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I am from a small poor family and a lot has changed from where I started to where I am today. I want to give credit to everyone who made me who I am today.  What do you call delicious food? For me salty vegetables and rice are delicious foods. I never asked for anything, even when I don't understand things. A disconnected family I learned to deal with my circumstances in life. When I was a child, my father was not with me; even if he was with us, either he used to get angry or was not in touch. My dad mostly worked as migrant labor in the Middle East and comes back to Nepal to see my family once in a while. So, that is why the relationship with Father is on and off . It is because of the consequences of poverty and long-distance relationships within family members. I grew up in my mother's parents’ house . There were only 4 of us: me, my mother and my grandparents. My mother said that she enrolled me in a government school by selling chicken at 50 rupees . She works as a laborer at the house building site. She could not afford the school boarding fees with that income. The money from her wages was enough to pay for my food, clothes and pay for my tuition fee. My family never stopped me from studying , they always encouraged me to study. Our house is made of mud and we had to put buckets in the house in the rainy season. No matter the difficult situation I was living in, I never felt we were poor. Maybe I'm just happy with what I have. In Class 2, this question was asked during the English exam: “what is your father's name?”  I did not have the answer. Perhaps there are few people who don't know their father's name. I didn't think so at that time. I wrote my friend's father's name. When I was in class 3 and about 9 years old, my father, after a long time, came from a Middle Eastern country — where he was working as migrant labor — and I was glad that we all moved into one house — father, mother, siblings, and grandparents — before we were living in a maternal house with maternal parents. However, after a brief period of time together, my father had to go abroad again to cover my school fees and, more importantly, to earn money as we planned to purchase property for a house . And, after a year of my father’s earnings, we were able to buy a piece of land where we had previously resided (eastern Nepal). But again, we were short on funds to build a house because my father brought a limited amount, which we used to purchase land. We are thus forced to remain in the same home with a leaky roof. Regardless of a difficult family situation, on the one hand, my family (mother especially) kept hope and gave the utmost love, and on the other hand, the more love I had, the more responsibility I had. Big dreams to fulfill and a journey full of hopes To fulfill my parents' wishes, I wanted to build a house . So I always thought of becoming a lawyer, engineer, and doctor only. Because in that profession there is both power and money. I didn't think about how I could. I just told myself I have to do it, there is no other option. By the time I passed 10, I had thought that I would study law because I liked to speak for others. I studied law in Class 12.  I had to go to Kathmandu to do my bachelor's degree. I was happy and wanted to tell my father. But happiness did not last long. My mother and grandmother gave their land to their grandchildren in relation and it was the land that my father and I were expecting to build a house one day. When my father found out about this, he stopped talking again. It was not my fault or theirs. They wanted to help others and thought they would return it. It was okay for my father to be angry as they gave the land without discussing it with my father first. This greatly affected my studies. But I didn't stop. I thought that “Whatever happens, I will see.” My mother gave me money from a piggy bank, which is 5K NPR (about 30€) and my grandparents gave their old allowance, a total of 25K NPR (nearly 170€) and I left my home for the first time. I took the entrance exam and I was selected but I am worried how I can pay such a big amount. That time I had to pay 87K NPR (585€) and I didn't have that much money. I remember those relatives who say “You go, we will help you with big hopes,”  but they only give excuses. So again, I called my parents and I shared it with my grandmother. She is the only woman in my life who understands what I want . She always encourages me to think big and dream big. So, she forced my grandfather to give me money because he had money. He sold slum area land and sent me 1 lakh (about 670€). I got admission in law college. Because of my grandmother I got the chance to study.  Sometimes later I have to get citizenship so I went to Taplejung (Eastern Nepal) to my father's home (an ancestor place). It had been a long time since he returned from abroad but he did not want to talk to me, and it really hurt my feelings. To make my father talk to me again, I told him we got the land back. But it was a lie that brought more complications in my life. Some time later my father returned. I panicked. What should I do now? Because of my lie, I could not be happy about his return . I felt guilty. I asked the person on our land to return it to us, but she just ignored me and made excuses. I decided to tell my father the truth, and he understood. We filed a case against the people occupying our land, and we got back the land . Without his support I don't know how I could have handled things. My father started stressing about my study because there is no income source and my study is not complete. He had more than 5 lakhs (3,400€) when he came from abroad. I convinced him to come home and build a house . My grandmother's situation was worse because of critical health issues, and she still was hoping to have a good house to stay in. Now ready to build a house, he invested all the money. It was important to me to see my grandmother happy because she is the world to me. It gave me the motivation to just fight with a lot of situations and to keep pursuing my journey of hope.  A job search turned upside down thanks to LP4Y After that, I started seeking a job but I started to doubt myself. I had fear of judgment and no confidence . But 1 day completely changed my life. My sister shared a post on social media about LP4Y training. I was just curious to know what that is and called. The lady who received the call had a polite and sweet voice. I asked her how I could join the training center. She said: “You have to come tomorrow.”  So I decided to go there because there is a living allowance also and training where I can gain experience and money also which helps me for my daily life also. I decided to move to a slum area also because before I lived in a hostel and there I had to pay 10k monthly. With financial problems, day by day it's hard for me to pay. My father was against it but I convinced him . At the beginning, I was afraid of living there because many people who live there use drugs and alcohol. But I started to live there. LP4Y allowance helps me to live there. In LP4Y, I can openly express my opinion without judgment. I just feel confident. There, I see many types of people who are learning from base and some are experts. Everyone is treated equally. The best part I feel is collective guidance . That time I learned a lot of things. Which helps me for self-awareness. I am always grateful for LP4Y who helped me to achieve my goal. I completed 6 months in LP4Y. During that period, all Coaches and Catalysts helped me. After that, I searched for a job in a law firm. Before LP4Y, I tried, but they rejected my application . And they offered me only NRS. 5,000 monthly (about 35€). But later, thanks to LP4Y, I knew my worth , and I upgraded my skills, so the same law firm offered me a job in a receptionist position with a decent salary , i.e., 110€ per month for 5 hours of work per day. So, I am successful in achieving my short-term goal (in a law firm as a receptionist). The training helped me a lot. I now know how to talk with people with confidence. Before LP4Y, I didn't know how to print things but now I know how to do it. So I confidently print the papers and make files. The small, small things I learned in LP4Y help me to have a clear vision. I am happy I got a job related to my field. LP4Y training made it easy to work there. My journey is still ongoing but I am clear about my objectives. In my difficult time, LP4Y supported me a lot, I am always grateful. I got the job and now I am independent. I pay my room rent, my food bill, all things. So today I am here because of LP4Y. It's the best platform to grow yourself.

Jestoni Gande followed LP4Y program at Illigan City Jail. He shares about what has changed in his life since he joined LP4Y training, the reaction of his family, how LP4Y guided him, challenges experienced while following the program in jail, and talks about the recent contribution of the United Nations to LP4Y center and overall Illigan City Jail. Since the making of this video, Jestoni has been released from jail, now ready to tackle upcoming challenges with a great deal of motivation!

“Bridging opportunities” - At LP4Y, we believe that together we can reach a brighter future and work together towards Youth inclusion. We say that the Catalysts are building the bridge between the integrated and excluded world. After a first approach and visit to TDC Jakarta by Ludovic Bouvier from ID Logistics and his team, we realized that we were willing to overcome the same challenges in helping excluded Youths. On this day, we decided on both sides, to put the first foundation of this bridge and start working together for the same cause. But who else can talk about it better than Ludovic Bouvier himself? Let’s discover his interview, managed by Indah Sinaga, Coach at the Training and Development Center in Jakarta.  Indah Sinaga, Coach - TDC Jakarta Good morning, Ludovic. Thank you for joining us today. To start, can you share a bit about your background and your current role at ID Logistics Indonesia? Ludovic Bouvier, Director - ID Logistics My name is Ludovic Bouvier. I am the Director of ID Logistics in Indonesia. Our company is deeply committed to values like solidarity and entrepreneurship . We believe that being a good employee, and even more importantly a good human being, comes from a willingness to do better, to always move forward and to learn from others. Indah S. You mentioned that ID Logistics values equal opportunities, particularly in helping the Youth. Can you elaborate on how this partnership with LP4Y started and what motivated you to work together? Ludovic B. In ID Logistics, Inclusivity has always been part of our company values. We are a company providing logistics services thus our people, our know-how is key to our strategy.  End of 2023, together with the LP4Y team we elaborated a collaboration aiming at helping excluded Youths. At ID Logistics, we share a similar mission of providing equal opportunities, especially for young people. We saw this partnership as a chance to support the Youth in developing their skills and improving their chances of not just finding employment, but also securing decent jobs in the future. What particularly resonated with me was LP4Y's approach — they were not just asking for financial support, but for a tangible, hands-on way to contribute to these young people’s lives. I was particularly impressed by the professionalism of the LP4Y volunteers and the global training pedagogy for the Youths. “Learning by doing” - that is what they told us on our arrival. And step by step, we really saw what it meant. I thought the pedagogy was really innovative, adapted to the environment , and the main thing was to support the Youths to have a positive and professional behaviour.  Together with the ID Logistics team, we truly believe and want to involve ourselves in projects that have a real long-term impact and human dimension . This is what we found at LP4Y and made us willing to be part of this ecosystem. Indah S. That’s a very impactful approach. What specific actions have you taken to support these Youths through ID Logistics? Ludovic B. When we first visited the LP4Y center, the team was surprised by the differences in life experiences. They quickly understood the situation and decided to be a driving force in this adventure. Thus, we decided to integrate Youth interns from LP4Y into our team, not as mere interns but as colleagues. Currently, we have three Youths (1 Youth in ID Logistics office and 2 Youths working in ID Logistics warehouse) who are working closely with our employees. The goal is to immerse them fully into the working environment, so they do not just gain skills but also experience working with people from diverse backgrounds . The global feedback from the team is that they are so happy with the Youths' job so far! Indah S. What is it about these Youths that drives you to give them these opportunities? Ludovic B. It’s all about the spirit of education in a tangible way. I believe in giving young people, especially those from disadvantaged areas, the chance to prove themselves . The most important thing we can do is train them, show them different environments and rules to have a positive mindset and to continuously learn — qualities that LP4Y emphasizes. Their potential is strong and we want to help them raise and find it. Indah S. How has this integration been received by your existing employees? What has been the impact on the workplace culture? Ludovic B. So far, the integration has been very positive. Our employees have embraced the interns as part of the team . They are not just treating them as temporary workers but as colleagues who are here to learn and contribute. This has created a more inclusive environment and brought fresh perspectives to our team. The Youths bring a different energy, and it has been a learning experience for everyone involved. Indah S. What are your expectations for these Youths after their internship at ID Logistics? Ludovic B. My hope is that after their training, they will be well-equipped to find stable jobs and continue to grow in their careers . I expect that they will leave ID Logistics not just with skills but with a positive mindset and the confidence to pursue their goals. It is not just about the immediate impact, we wish to set them on a path toward a brighter future. Indah S. What message would you like to share with other companies considering similar initiatives? Ludovic B. Don’t hesitate!  It is our duty as companies to contribute and prepare the next generation. This is not about charity, it is about creating real opportunities and building a more inclusive society. Engaging in projects like this is not only beneficial for the Youth but also for the company, as it brings fresh perspectives and energy to the workplace and teams. It is important to give back some of what we have for a more balanced environment. Indah S. What is your message to the future generation? Ludovic B. My only expectation is that the interns we work with will be able to find stable jobs thanks to our shared moment together. Nothing more. I wish this support given by ID Logistics could mean something for the Youths' life.

My name is Kay Khine Yee Yee Thein. I am 20 years old. I live in Yangon with my big family. Now, I am in Responsibility Step. I would like to share with you how I faced my challenges in LP4Y. Challenges in LP4Y are harder than I expected . First of all, I want to tell you about my life before LP4Y. Before LP4Y, I was a homebody and lived in my comfort zone. I wasted my time staying in bed using my phone. I want to improve something but I know staying in bed doesn't make my future better. Before LP4Y, I was really interested in learning French and learning from Duolingo. I found out about this program from my friend from the church where I usually go every Sunday. I was really happy to come to the center. My grandmother expected a lot from this program. She is thinking I'm going to get a job from this program. I explained to her later it depends on my efforts. I have a big family so I have to provide for them . From my home to the center it takes around 2 hours every day by bus . On my first day of this program, I was shocked because the Coach and Youths were greeting each other in English and I was worried whether I could do it. My worries are not yet here. After two days, foreign Catalysts came to the center. I tried my best to communicate with them. We did a lot of communication and activities. Mostly it is about our dream job and how to know our career. Catalysts and Coaches helped me a lot with speaking English. Sometimes we laugh when we are doing something wrong, but Coaches taught us not to laugh while others are speaking English . We must  encourage them. Not to rush in speaking English and to be calm. They trained us in speaking, like tenses and how to use modal verbs for our daily conversation. Because we have to communicate in English during the program. During training time, I learned how to use Google calendar, sheets and slides and how to manage my time . From a home person to working with a team there were a lot of challenges. In LP4Y we have to work with teams. I have to communicate with my teammates. As a Learning and Development team, we have to discuss a lot. Many different opinions and many misunderstandings . About community training, we have to think about which templates we're going to use and who will search for information about the topic. My teammates were very helpful to me personally and professionally. During the first two months at LP4Y, I changed and improved some of my habits as well skills like flexibility and active listening to others, teamwork skills, management skills, and also improved self-esteem . Also I changed my morning routine , I have to get up early to go to the bus stop. Following the center's rules and regulations will improve my habits significantly. After LP4Y, my long-term goal is to be a flight attendant. My short-term goal is to advance in English and to get a decent job.

Essential context of the 2024 protests in Bangladesh To fully understand the background of Bangladesh, we need to go even further back in time to 1947, when India won its independence from the British. This huge country was partitioned: East Bengal became part of Pakistan, known as East Pakistan, while West Pakistan was the dominant part of the country. However, linguistic, cultural, and political disparities raised tensions . In 1971, after a brutal conflict and a bloody war of independence (millions of Bangladeshis died), East Pakistan seceded to become Bangladesh. Under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, called “the Father of the Nation” for his big play in the liberation of the country, the new nation struggled with poverty and rebuilding. Over the decades, Bangladesh experienced military coups, political turmoil, and the rise of major political parties — the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). In the 2000s and 2010s, Bangladesh saw significant economic growth and improvements in social indicators , but also faced challenges like political violence, corruption, and the impacts of climate change . By 2024, Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Mujibur Rahman, had led the country for many years, steering it through both progress and political unrest, with the nation continuing to struggle with issues of governance, democracy, and social equity. The protests come from long-running resentment over a quota system  that saw 56% of government positions in Bangladesh reserved for various groups, including 30% for the descendants of “freedom fighters” who fought in the 1971 War of Independence. This quota system has proved an enormous barrier to highly coveted civil service positions for the country’s large Youth population, many of whom are unemployed. It had also become a subject of controversy due to the large number of quota jobs going to supporters of the ruling Awami League party. Under immense pressure from an earlier student mobilization over the issue, Hasina abolished the entire quota system in 2018. But in June 2024, the country’s high court overturned this decision , sparking a fresh round of big and violent protests across the country. Main events: July-August 2024 Violent Protests: Hundreds Killed and Wounded July 1, 2024: Protests began, led by students, in response to the government's controversial quota laws. Initially focused on educational and job quotas, the demonstrations quickly spread to broader issues of economic hardship and political corruption. July 5-10, 2024: Violence between opposing factions of protesters intensified, resulting in deadly clashes. The situation escalated further with the involvement of police and military forces, leading to numerous deaths and injuries. Lockdown and Internet Shutdown: LP4Y Training and Development Center closed  July 10-15, 2024: The government imposed a six-day lockdown and cut off internet access nationwide in an attempt to quell the unrest. Despite these measures, protests continued to gain momentum. The LP4Y’s Catalysts had to close the TDC for the safety of the Youth and remain confined (instructions from the French Embassy). August 1, 2024: The national parliament was attacked and partially damaged by protesters, who also looted the building, symbolizing the breakdown of governmental authority. Prime Minister’s Departure: Interim Government and New Hopes  August 5, 2024: Under immense pressure and fearing for her safety, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India. Her departure was seen by many as the end of an era and was celebrated by protesters, with some referring to it as the "Second Independence of Bangladesh." August 6-7, 2024: Following Hasina's departure, there was a surge in violence, particularly targeting minorities, as Hindus, and her supporters (see below the testimony of one Youth). Vandalism and robberies became widespread as the country descended further into chaos.  August 8-10, 2024: Amidst the ongoing disorder, students and other citizens began organizing to restore some semblance of order. They took on roles in maintaining security, managing traffic, and cleaning public spaces, working to stabilize the situation from the ground up. August 12, 2024: The army took control and established an interim government, tasked with restoring order and leading the country through this crisis. In response to a request from the students, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus agreed to lead the temporary government, bringing a sense of hope for a peaceful and democratic transition. Testimony of Asha Moni, Youth in the Training and Development Center Dhaka Hello everyone, my name is Asha Moni. I am 17 years old, and I joined LP4Y five months ago. I live in Bhashantek, an underserved area of Dhaka. During the 2024 protests in Bangladesh, my family faced many difficulties because my father was a supporter of Sheikh Hasina . We had to go into hiding for several days, which prevented us from going outside for work, and I missed nearly a month of my training at LP4Y. My father and brother run a steel shop, which is our family’s only source of income. We had to close the shop for many days. After Sheikh Hasina left the country, some people, including former friends who once supported my father, found and attacked us. When we tried to move the raw materials from our shop, they robbed us in broad daylight . My mother tried to stop them, but they didn’t listen and even threatened my father and brother, forcing them to hide again. Thankfully, the situation is slowly improving, and we hope that soon we will be able to go outside and work freely. I aspire to get a decent job soon, and I hope that under this interim government, people like us, who have been marginalized, will have a chance at a better life. Testimony of Emma Vandenbrouck, French Catalyst in the TDC  Hello everyone! I’m Emma, and I’ve been with LP4Y for the past six months, working in the Partnership Team here in Dhaka at the Bhashantek TDC. These last few weeks have been particularly intense and emotional.  As a “bideshi” (foreigner in Bengali), it was challenging to fully grasp the situation and its implications . We had to deepen our understanding of Bangladesh's history and political landscape to realize the scale of the events unfolding around us. Thankfully, our co-national Catalysts, who are also our roommates and friends, kept us informed and guided us on the best ways to stay safe. The most stressful period was the lockdown , during which we were confined to our flat for six days with no internet or means of communication . We were cut off from friends and family and were unaware of what was happening outside. Despite the difficulties, this period also allowed us to bond more closely with the roomies (community life at its best!). We cooked a lot of French crepes and kitchuri (a Bengali dish with rice, dhal, vegetables, and a touch of chili) and played UNO every single day. The days that followed were still anxious and uncertain. There were attacks and robberies in our neighborhood , the TDC remained closed and, as foreigners, the embassy advised us to stay confined as much as possible. But since the official inauguration of the interim government we are finally feeling optimistic. The police are back on duty, students have resumed their classes, and the Youth are gradually returning to the Center! It’s a great relief to see life returning to normal and to feel safe going outside again. Let's hope things continue to improve and that this new government brings peace, justice and lots of great opportunities to this young and rich country of Bangladesh! More information - International News Article Le Monde - Published on July 20, 2024: Violent crackdown on student protests plunges Bangladesh into chaos ( lemonde.fr ) Article AP News - Tue August 6, 2024: What's next after Bangladeshi protestors forced PM Sheikh Hasina to resign | AP News Article CNN - Thu August 8, 2024: Who is Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel laureate leader of Bangladesh’s interim government? | CNN

I was very young when my parents separated . I know my mother cheated on my father, but I didn't understand what that meant at the time. Sometimes, my mother would take us to fast food places with her lover, but I didn't know what it meant, so I kept quiet. My mother was often angry with my father because she worked while my father took care of us. I knew my father really loved my mother. One day, my mom said we could go back to the province, and she would stay in Montalban. My father agreed because he trusted her. When we arrived in the province, we lived in our grandparents' house because we didn't have our own. After a month, my father decided to build a small house in the backyard. He enrolled us in the elementary school nearby. Since we were not financially stable, my father decided to send me to live with his cousin because he couldn't afford to send me to school , but his cousin could. I started living with my aunt, who sent me to school, bought me school supplies, and sometimes sewed clothes for me. I felt comfortable there, but my siblings did not . They often went to school without snacks, so I gave them mine every day. The kids at school bullied us , saying we didn't have a mom and that our mom didn't like us. There were times when my younger siblings' classmates called me because my younger sister was also being bullied. I once saw boys in her class force her to eat a ball of paper, which broke my heart. Months later, my brother lost his right eye in an accident . He didn't tell us, and we thought it was just sore eyes. When it didn't get better, my father took him to the center, which said we needed to bring him to the hospital. They said his right eye was damaged and needed to be removed to save his other eye. It was hard for us, but we agreed to the operation. When my mother heard the news, she visited us in the province and seemed worried. After the operation, my brother felt better. My mom decided to bring us to Payatas, Quezon City, where she lived. We didn't know then that she had a new boyfriend. My father didn't know my mother had cheated on him. When we arrived at my mother's house, she introduced her boyfriend to us. At first, I thought he was just a friend, and my mom said he was our uncle, so I thought he was one of her siblings. When I got older, I realized my mother had cheated on my father and didn't let him visit because she wanted to hide her affair . My father had to meet us at fast food places because my mother wouldn't let him come to our house. Sometimes, my mother taught us to lie to my father to get more financial support and to cover up for her boyfriend. During this time, I was very angry with my mother. Instead of teaching us good values, she taught us how to lie to our father and sometimes to other people. When my mother decided to send us to school again, I was scared because of the trauma from our old school in the province. On my first day of school, I was very nervous and thought my classmates would hate me like the kids in the province. But I was wrong. I made a lot of friends, and one of them invited me to go to their church. I said yes, and every day after school, we would go to church. When I got home, my mom always thought I was flirting and hanging out somewhere else. I explained myself to her, but she didn't believe me and hit me every day because of it. I loved going to church because I felt like God was protecting me and loving me there. Even after my mother beat me, I felt that the church was my safe place. I felt loved there, but at home, I felt like no one loved me . My mother always said mean things to me, like my teacher and classmates did before. I was very angry with my mom, and I felt like I didn't want to forgive her . She was always kind to my siblings, even when they were disrespectful to her. My brother didn't respect me as his older sister, and my mother didn't care about that. I promised myself that if my mother got older, I would never take care of her because she always beat me and didn't love me. When I turned high school, I started entering into relationships to find the love I couldn't get from my mother or family. I always sought love from other people . I promised myself that if I had my own family, I would never let my children have a broken family. I started escaping in the middle of the day to meet my boyfriend. I thought that if my mother always thought I was flirting or being a whore, even if I wasn't, I might as well do it because she already thought that way about me. I had several boyfriends and failed relationships, but I always promised myself that I would never cheat . In my third year of high school, I met the father of my child . He was the only guy I introduced to my mother. My boyfriend always came to our house. One day, he said his mother planned to go to the province for good, and he would go with her. I thought he would leave me, so we planned to run away to his mother's province. When we were about to go, my mother's boyfriend saw us and didn't let us leave. He called my mother and the barangay officials because I refused to go home and wanted to go with my boyfriend. They used force to stop us, and we ended up at the barangay station . After talking, they made us sign an agreement. I agreed to stay at my mother's house, but that night, I gave my mother my bag and still went to my boyfriend's house. I decided to stop going to school and start working after that. I started living in my boyfriend's house with his parents and siblings. At first, I liked living there, but after a few weeks, I felt like I was just a maid. After my boyfriend left for work, his mother always made me do all the chores every single day. His mother and sister didn't help me at all. I washed the clothes of his family members and even took care of his niece. I didn't say anything because I was scared they would be angry with me. So, I decided to find a job so I wouldn't have to do all the chores every single day. At first, I was very happy because I had my first job and my first paycheck. I was a hardworking person and very dedicated. I always told myself that if I saved money and worked hard, I could go back to school . But my body became exhausted, and I got sick because of the kind of work I did . So, I decided to quit and find another job. I applied as a sales lady in a small store. Unlike my first job, this one paid much less, but I kept going because I didn't have a child yet. Even though the salary was small, it was okay because it covered my own expenses. I worked there for just three months because COVID-19 came to our country. The government declared a home quarantine , and no one was allowed to go outside. Every food stock we had was limited . The government distributed food packs so we could survive even without work. Months passed, and we were still in quarantine because of COVID. I got pregnant with my first child. I felt so happy even though I was planning to go back to school, even if it was homeschooling. Months later, I gave birth to a little boy. When my son turned two months old, I got pregnant again with my youngest because of a lack of sexual education . I chose to be a housewife and focus on my children. Now, my son is three years old, and my youngest is a baby girl who is currently two years old. I tried to go back to school, but I didn't have anyone to take care of my children while I was in school, so I didn't have a choice. When my father found out about my mother's affair, he stopped giving financial support to her. He said I could get the money to support my siblings and me. Months later, my father had a mild stroke . Thanks to God, even though he had a mild stroke, he could still move all his body parts, but he moved slowly. Because of this, my father stopped working and volunteered to take care of my children . During this time, I met Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y), which offers free six-month professional training and financial support to marginalized women like me. My father suggested I join. I had always dreamed of having a decent job, one with a contract, benefits, and good pay . So, I started going to the center. At first, I was very shy and nervous. I was not confident with my English and didn't have enough confidence to speak in front of people. But after months of training, I became more confident, especially when talking in front of a lot of people. They trained us to speak in front of others, and I became comfortable speaking in English, even if my grammar wasn't perfect. Despite this, I never heard anyone judge or mock me . Instead, they corrected me, and I really loved the environment inside the center. Being there for just six months was a great opportunity for me. Because of this, I plan to become a member of the STARS Club someday and support Youth like me . I am much more confident now in applying to different companies, even without a diploma. LP4Y taught me that a diploma is not necessary to find a decent job . You just need the skills and determination to get the job of your dreams. You can still bloom in the shadow. If you have confidence in yourself, the people you meet will also have confidence in you. Even though my past was full of struggles and confusion, I found my strength. Through the pain of a broken family and tough times, I learned that love can be found in unexpected places. With determination and support, I realized that you can overcome your past and create a hopeful future.

Alifa Salsabila Sari - Training and Development Center Surabaya, Indonesia  Within half a month after finishing training LP4Y, I found a new job and was accepted at a school where I became a teacher. The feeling was incredibly mixed and overwhelming as I secured a job that matched my skills. However, every job has its pros and cons. As a teacher, my salary might not be as high as at my previous company, but that's not a reason to doubt success, right? Success is not just about salary; it's about how you can achieve your dreams and aspirations for good and meaningful purposes. I learned what is a decent job thanks to LP4Y. During the training, I came to understand that by improving my skills, I can have access to such jobs. Today, I found my vocation and love my current job. At LP4Y, many aspects of myself have improved, especially skills I never knew I had. At LP4Y, I felt that I was in a place where everything needed to be tried and done without fear of starting, particularly when it comes to education. Education is a primary option that must always be pursued. One extraordinary thing I discovered was teaching. In my life, I had never considered teaching, and this has been an incredibly amazing new experience. From this experience, I have come to love teaching because it allows us to learn many things we never thought of before. I have come to understand the character of children, learned to balance my emotions, and grasped the true meaning of dedication.  Now for me, success is when I can pursue my dream as a teacher, happy and enjoying having an impact for my personal growth and for my nation.   My message to all the Youths out there: seize the good opportunities while you are young. You deserve a job that aligns with your dreams. Open the chapter of your enthusiasm to seek experiences and self-improvement at LP4Y, which will provide the facilities and support to help you become extraordinary. Thank you, LP4Y, for helping me find a job that suits my personality.

My name is Min Khant Aung. I am one of the Youth from LP4Y in Yangon, Myanmar. Before I joined LP4Y, I didn't know what my dream job was and I lost my passion. In the past I dropped out from school and I didn't learn anything at that time. I lost my passion and I don’t know my career and what my dream job is . I was trying to learn the Korean language, but it was not ok for me and I am not interested in that language. But I learnt because I don’t know my passion and I was trying to find my career. But that was not working, I got depressed and stressed . That time was the worst time in my life . Within my family, I had many family problems and teenage problems. At that time I wanted to go away from my family and I lost my dream, which was to become a professional artist. One day, my friend told me about community training for the LP4Y program. He told me I can join this community training. I was interested, so I came to the center and I joined the training. That training was very fun and I was very interested in this program. I asked about this program, and the current Youths explained it to me. I decided to join. First day of discovery week, I was a little bit bored and my interest was a little bit lost. But I came on the second day also. That day was very different. I thought this program is very good for Youths. So I thought I should join this program and then I joined. I got a lot of challenges at the autonomy step like communication, English speaking, using the computer and many other things. But I was motivated at that time because the Youths are very good at communication and all the Youths helped me . So I always come to the center and I am never absent. I got a lot of experience from this program and I got a lot of knowledge about time management, saving money and managing money. The biggest change was time management , because I was always late to the center. The Coaches always talked to me to be professional and to manage my time and what the solution was to arrive on time. And I tried to arrive on time but I was late every day. That’s why the Coaches told me, if I was in a company they would not allow that behaviour and they would fire me. They told me to write a motivation letter and cut my allowance for the whole day. At that time I understood and I tried to arrive on time the next day. That worked for me and I arrived on time that day. And then I was never late to come to the center and my time management was good from that time. The training was very good for me and I got a lot of experience, knowledge and I changed myself to be a professional person and to be a good citizen . The LP4Y program changed everything for me. Now my communication skills, English skills and public speaking skills have improved. I am more confident and more professional than before. The LP4Y program impacted me too much and changed me. Now I am in a responsible step and I learnt many things from this program. This is the best experience for me. Coach Aung Kyaw Oo said “Stay in the Present and think about the Future. But don’t forget the Past.” That is my favorite advice. Now, I am trying to go to the future, I discovered my passion and I already found my dream job. My dream job is to become a professional Artist . Now, I am going to my dream and I committed to myself to focus on that dream.

Nikita and Noyel - Little Angels Academy Kathmandu My name is Nikita Tamang and I am the mother of Noyel Tamang. I wanted to have training from LP4Y. Due to my son it seemed impossible because no one was there to look after him but then I learned about the Little Angels Academy in Kathmandu. I kept him in LAA where he started to get involved in various activities where he learned names of body parts, names of letters, sounds of Nepali phonics and so on. It enhanced his academic knowledge and now school feels easy for him . LAA helps my baby in an academic way also because at an early age my baby learned to hold a pencil and  to do coloring in the pictures. The healthy food of LAA and good sanitation enabled my boy to grow up in a healthy way , which made me so happy. For six months, I found many changes like eating independently, chewing in the proper way, love for little ones, etc. The changes I found in my baby Noyel made me so happy. So, seeing good changes in my baby I feel so proud! Thank you LAA for your precious support. I am now working as a teacher at a school named Sano Paila Montessori, which is an LP4Y partner. Noyel is going to school there. His schedule matches mine, which makes it easy to manage taking care of him while working . Nowadays, Noyel is not coming to LAA but in case of emergency, he can stay at LAA. Anita and Khushwont -  Little Angels Academy Kathmandu Hello, my name is Anita Shah and I am the mother of Khushwont Sah. During my training period I could bring my baby with me and keep in the Little Angels Academy, where there is proper care for my baby so I could complete my six months training full of joy. If there would not be LAA, I could not complete my training from LP4Y . So I would like to express my appreciation for the LAA excellent work caring for Khushwont.  LAA fed healthy food, made him do indoor and outdoor activities which helped him to grow well physically . Rhyme time, phonics sessions, numeric sessions and other academic sessions help my baby recognize letters, numbers (counting), name body parts. All these activities helped my boy to uplift intellectually . As my boy is a single child, he used to play alone. Now after joining LAA, he enjoys group tasks and friend circles . In this way he is growing socially very well. I am very happy! I have kept Khushwont at the age of 1.5 years old but at the age of 2, after six months at the LAA, Khushwont changed, matured and followed good habits much faster than other babies. Thank you for everything you have done for Khushwont in the last six months. I feel so blessed to have Catalysts like you caring for Khushwont. After completing LP4Y training, I found a job, but I had to leave it to return to my village to deal with some family issues. I am now planning to stay with my family until Khushwont goes to school. It will then be easier for me to manage schedules.