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So, are you ready to read my story about being a Wonder Wo-mom? Hi! I’m Analie Delos Santos, a young mother of 19 years old. I graduated from senior high school last year, but I was four months pregnant at that time. None of my family knew I was pregnant; they were proud of me because they expected me to go to college and eventually get a job to give back to them. However, things didn’t go as planned. When they finally learned about my pregnancy, they expressed their disappointment with hurtful words. I gave birth to a wonderful girl, but I felt lost and helpless, unsure of what to do next! "You’ll be stuck being a stay-at-home mom, that's your only job, nothing else." This phrase echoed in my mind, making me question myself: “Is this really the purpose of a young mother like me?” Then one morning, I heard a familiar voice: “Analie Mae, wake up.” It was Cyrille, my best friend who is part of LP4Y. Her initial plan was just to visit my daughter, but soon she began motivating me to join the training program at Life Project 4 Youth, Green Village. As a young mom, many people discriminated and underestimated me because of my past mistakes. But LP4Y encouraged me to be confident in my public speaking, to use my English language, and to express my ideas and opinions. This training program truly enhanced and sharpened the hidden skills I never had the opportunity to develop before. Since I started my training here, I have received positive feedback from every company visit, collective guidance session, training, and mock interview. This experience has reminded me that I have something to be proud of. I struggled with time management, often prioritizing my family or others over myself , which affected my professional schedule. I realized that I needed to start by managing my time better and focusing on myself. As I prepare to search for a job, looking back at what people said — that I would achieve nothing — makes me smile. They only saw me as a young mother and didn’t recognize me as a Youth with dreams . Finding a job is much more challenging than I thought! My target job since I started the program is to be a call center agent at Concentrix, but I was rejected during the linguistic assessment. My motivation and hope shattered during this time, but I believe it happened for a reason! I’m still working to improve myself to fit the position I am aiming for , and I know these dreams will come true because this program believed in me, which made it possible for me to believe in myself as well. I know that after this wonderful experience with LP4Y. Now, I am currently looking for a job as a call center agent but with a positive mindset that I will achieve the job I dream of, and will have the life I deserve! And I will be a Wonder-Wo Mom! I made mistakes in the past. I’m working on fixing and improving myself now so that I can see my success in the future.

Hello I’m May Thazin Phyu. I'm one of the STAR Club members from LP4Y. I would like to share about my job experience. Before I’m sharing my experience I would like to ask some questions to the Youths who are currently joining the program. How do you feel working at LP4Y? Is it a big pressure for you? For me, managing the team, and the time for myself and the team added a bit of pressure, but I enjoyed it because it enabled me to grow and to help LP4Y grow as well. It may be difficult for you but it is a good time to predict how you will manage your stress. In a real workplace it is more difficult and it has more pressure than LP4Y. In a real workplace, you may face team conflict, so many new things to learn . Most people will not show the way how to manage such a problem. Well sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. However, it doesn't mean that you shouldn't behave professionally, because what is true is that you will be judged more harshly as a junior than someone who is senior. And sometimes they will say it's just your fault. Do you know why they say that? Because it is a "Real Workplace", everybody is an adult. Let’s think about how adults behave? They will behave like professionals. Punctuality, emotional intelligence, self-awareness, open mindedness and team work (good communication) are all qualities that you need to master in the professional world. My first job experience was really bad. I learned so many lessons and also I got depressed for about one year. After that I joined LP4Y and my confidence level is high because LP4Y is a place that believes in Youth ability, potential and coaching the right way to make our dreams come true. Now I’m doing great at my current job. So I want to say to the Youths: never give up. Even if you face failure, just remember to try again and think what is the reason that makes you fail. For me, I’m a STAR member, I’m always ready to help LP4Y. And if LP4Y supports you, you should also be an ambassador of LP4Y like me. I'm happy to be an ambassador of LP4Y because LP4Y shows the way to achieve my dream, so I want to help the other Youths to know what their dream is . I'm thankful a lot to the Coaches, my seniors and teammates.   One of my Coaches said "You are the ambassador of LP4Y." I always remember those words. I try my best to be a professional in my workplace as long as I learned in LP4Y. I'm trying to stay a good ambassador.

Hello everyone! My name is Kwon Hyuk Lin, I’m half Korean & half Filipino, 19 years old, and I’m currently a trainee at Green Village Philippines - LP4Y. Over the past five months, this experience has been a journey of transformation and self-discovery. Let me share a bit of my story and how I ended up here. From a young age, I was full of ambition. When asked about my dreams, I often said, “I want to be a teacher,” even though my true aspirations were different . I feared judgment and negative responses, and so I settled for a safer, less authentic answer.  Why did I think this way? It resulted from my own experiences and the opinions of those around me. I was told things that made me doubt my abilities, confining me to my comfort zone. Opportunities to showcase my talents were often met with self-doubt because of these ingrained beliefs. Reflecting on those experiences now, it’s clear how they shaped my perspective. It’s ironic how the same people who held me back later pressured me to achieve more , which only fueled my anxiety about the future. I envisioned a different path —one where I’d move to Korea with my mother. But life had other plans, my mother died, making our plan to be postponed. I tried finding a job and faced job rejections due to lack of experience led me to return to Calauan, Laguna, where my aunt suggested I join LP4Y. Initially hesitant, I eventually agreed. When I arrived and saw the bamboo structures amidst nature, I was surprised and intrigued. Meeting the previous trainees and hearing their success stories inspired me . I realized this could be a chance for me to grow. Joining the program has been eye-opening. I’ve learned not to be confined by my fears and have started to embrace new experiences. Despite my initial struggles with being perceived as too serious or organized, I’m learning to adapt and grow. Through my time in LP4Y, I’ve connected with many people, overcoming my fear of social interactions and public speaking. Each step forward has been a testament to the   power of facing fears and seeking growth. Even though doubts still linger, my goal remains clear: to reach beyond these uncertainties and embrace the light of opportunity. As Lao Tzu wisely said, “Care about what other people think, and you will always be their prisoner.” Despite past disappointments and the feeling of lost opportunities, I remind myself that not all is lost. Every setback is a chance to learn and grow. I focus on the present and the future, understanding that there are endless opportunities for new beginnings if I remain open to them. Embrace your past lessons, heal from disappointments, and keep moving forward. Remember, you hold the power to shape a better future for yourself.

I am Fadia, an Egyptian-Lebanese, residing in Lebanon, from the 28th batch of the Green Village Lebanon. I am currently 26 years old. I graduated in special education for people with special needs. Initially, I always wanted to be self-reliant, financially independent, and feel important in this society , but my studies were suspended for a period due to bad circumstances, and I was not a social person. I always isolated myself and hid behind everyone . My journey was not easy. I went through many, many crises and obstacles, fear, stress, poor living conditions, early responsibilities, and many other things. I was thinking that I was a person who does not change and that I was not good for anything. In the middle of my depression, I came across LP4Y on Instagram and loved the concept. I felt that they had read my dreams and that it was the place where I would start a new beginning away from the boredom of those who discouraged me, the first of whom being my parents. I applied and I was not expecting much, but they surprised me by contacting me and accepting me to join. I was very happy as if I had seen Hope for a better life. With a lot of fear, tension, and astonishment I joined the Green Village. I was there for 3 months and it was the most beautiful experience I had ever lived. The Catalysts were very kind with their encouraging reception and support for us in all our steps during the most tough times. All the young women, Coaches and beautiful leaders at LP4Y trusted us and taught us everything they could. Now, I am an independent woman financially and in life. I do not hide behind anyone. My voice is heard and my looks are sharp, and I know my abilities. I know that I CAN . All of you can never lose hope, there is always an opportunity waiting for you. I hope to be able to travel and work abroad in the field of specialized education with a good job contract . I am strongly looking forward to that and I am trying to work hard to achieve it now. This is my dream. In the distant future, after I gain sufficient experience in life and work, I also aspire to work in the Life Project 4 Youth , which is currently being opened in Egypt.

Rise of Easy Fruits Pvt. Ltd In a fast-paced world where convenience often trumps nutrition, Easy Fruits Pvt. Ltd. has emerged as a pioneering force in Nepal, making fruit eating accessible, hassle-free, and sustainable. Founded by a visionary entrepreneur, Preety Sigdel, Easy Fruits aimed to revolutionize the way people consumed fresh produce . Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, this innovative company has taken the concept of fresh fruit delivery to a new level, offering a unique subscription service that ensures customers enjoy a steady supply of fresh, ready-to-eat fruits and fresh juice without any of the usual preparation time. The company’s mission was simple yet profound: to make high-quality, fresh fruits accessible and convenient for everyone . Concept of the project The concept of Easy Fruits originated as a project for an MBA thesis . The founder, while pursuing their degree, was inspired by the complexities and inefficiencies in the fresh produce supply chain. They noticed how many people struggled to find fresh, affordable fruits and saw an opportunity to address this gap. At that time, the founder was working in a senior position at Save The Children Nepal , a global NGO, where they witnessed first hand the impact of food insecurity on communities . Determined to turn this idea into reality, the founder's thesis laid the groundwork for what would become Easy Fruits. The founder, passionate about healthy living and deeply concerned with hygiene and nutrition, put their academic research into practice. They decided to create a service that would deliver farm-fresh fruits directly to people's doorsteps, combining their business acumen with a commitment to health and wellness. Additionally, the founder envisioned Easy Fruits as an all-women enterprise, emphasizing female empowerment and creating opportunities for women in the workforce . The company's first employee was a trainee graduate from LP4Y . LP4Y has a significant presence in Nepal, empowering Youth through education, training, and community support initiatives. Overcoming Challenges in the Early Days In the early days, Easy Fruits faced numerous challenges especially in markets where the concept is relatively new . Consumer trust and education, sourcing the freshest produce, hiring skilled and trained female employee, fluctuating fruit prices, ensuring timely deliveries, and building a customer base were all daunting tasks. To ensure the consistent quality of fruits is crucial. Freshness and taste can be compromised by delays, improper storage, or handling. Establishing a reliable supply chain with trusted vendors and maintaining stringent quality control measures is essential. It took us four months to find our first female rider for delivery . Due to societal norms and gender rules female riders are very less. In Nepal, traditional gender roles often dictate that women should prioritize domestic responsibilities over professional careers, particularly those that involve physical labor or non-traditional roles like riding. This societal expectation limits the number of women who pursue jobs as riders. However, the founder's unwavering dedication and innovative thinking, honed during their MBA program and their experience at Save The Children, led to the development of a unique business model. They partnered with organizations like LP4Y Nepal to create opportunities and support systems for young women entering the workforce. Empowering Women through LP4Y Partnership This partnership not only helped Easy Fruits address the gender disparity in its workforce but also contributed to breaking societal barriers  by offering women a chance to prove their capabilities. Through such collaborations, Easy Fruits demonstrated its commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment and supporting community development by empowering marginalized groups, particularly women, to participate in the workforce. Beyond recruitment, Easy Fruits has actively engaged with LP4Y through various initiatives and events . We have participated in Youth Inclusion Network (YIN) and Youth 4 Change Network (Y4CN) events, where our representatives have not only attended but also contributed as panelists during discussions on youth employment. Our involvement has extended to mock interviews, where we have provided practical feedback to LP4Y trainees, and impact meetings, where we have shared insights and best practices. Furthermore, Easy Fruits has had the honor of inviting LP4Y Youth and Catalysts for company visits, offering them a firsthand look at our operations and providing mentorship opportunities. We have also proudly participated in LP4Y’s campaign during Women's Month , celebrating and advocating for the empowerment of young women in the workforce. Additionally, we have testified about our successful collaboration with LP4Y during the Monitoring and Evaluation (MAE) process, underscoring the tangible benefits and positive outcomes of this partnership. This initiative also aligns with the broader goals of LP4Y, which focuses on equipping young women with skills and opportunities that enable them to achieve economic independence and build sustainable careers. Hygiene and Quality Standards In the burgeoning landscape of dining options, where restaurant growth often focuses on diverse cuisines and innovative dishes, a unique niche remains largely underserved: fresh, hygienically prepared cut fruits. In Nepal, the hygiene of cut fruits sold in street carts is a significant public health concern . Vendors often use non-filtered water to wash fruits, exposing them to harmful bacteria and pathogens. Additionally, the fruits are frequently left uncovered, attracting flies and other insects, which can transfer disease-causing germs. The lack of proper sanitation, refrigeration, and safe handling practices further exacerbates the risk of contamination, leading to potential outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Addressing these issues requires improved regulations, education for vendors, and better access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Easy Fruits stands out by adhering to rigorous hygiene practices.  To maintain the highest standards of hygiene, the company sourced state-of-the-art ozonizer machines . All fruits are cleaned in RO water in an ozone sterilization machine. The ozonizer machines were crucial as they helped in thoroughly cleaning the fruits by using ozone to remove bacteria, viruses, surficial pesticides, and other contaminants. This process ensured that the fruits were not only fresh but also safe to eat, addressing the founder’s deep concern for both hygiene and nutrition. Additionally, they procured advanced fruit peelers from Japan, ensuring that the fruits were perfectly prepared and ready for consumption. These innovations underscored Easy Fruits' commitment to quality and safety. Leveraging Technology and Embracing Sustainability To streamline operations, Easy Fruits embraced technology. They developed a user-friendly app and website where customers could easily browse a wide selection of fruits, fresh juice and fruit gift baskets; place orders, and schedule deliveries. Easy fruits envision providing useful information about each fruit, including its nutritional benefits and recipes, encouraging healthier eating habits among users. The IT team is working on it and will be available in the near future. Easy Fruits is not just about convenience; it’s also about sustainability. The company uses 100% biodegradable and compostable packaging for its fruit bowls, reflecting its commitment to reducing environmental impact. Corporate Wellness Solutions Recognizing the importance of a healthy workforce, Easy Fruits also offers corporate packages designed to boost productivity and wellbeing in the workplace . By replacing traditional snacks with fresh fruits, companies can enhance their employees’ focus and energy levels. Easy Fruits provides flexible delivery schedules and special pricing for bulk orders, making it an ideal partner for businesses looking to invest in their teams' health. Word about Easy Fruits spread quickly. People loved the convenience of having fresh fruits delivered to their homes. A Commitment to Core Values and Social Impact Through its journey, Easy Fruits never lost sight of its core values: quality, convenience, community, hygiene, nutrition, and female empowerment. The company continued to partner with LP4Y, innovate and adapt, always striving to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Easy Fruits' story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in creating a business that not only thrives but also makes a positive impact on society. It became more than just a company; it became a symbol of healthy living, community support, female empowerment, and a brighter, fruit-filled future for all, proving that a well-thought-out MBA thesis, experience in a global NGO, and a strong commitment to hygiene and nutrition can indeed change the world.

From a Youth to a Catalyst. A journey full of ups and downs challenges, where each challenge is a step towards growth.   I want to share my journey and experience with LP4Y in Green Village (GV) Lebanon, where I began as a Youth participant and grew into a role that has profoundly impacted my life . When I first joined LP4Y, I was seeking guidance and support to become more responsible and independent. I wanted to learn how to create a professional CV, write a compelling motivation letter, apply for jobs, and perform well in interviews. My goal was to prove to myself and others that I could achieve success on my own. At GV Lebanon, I received training that developed both my soft and hard skills . During my time as a Youth participant, I was also preparing for my final exams at the institute . I successfully completed my studies and earned a certificate in nursing . As I entered the job market, I focused on nursing and healthcare positions. Despite applying for many jobs, including door-to-door applications, I struggled to find employment . After leaving GV, I continued my job search and eventually found a position at a nursing home. However, the salary was low, and the location was far from my home, making it financially unsustainable. Throughout this challenging period, my supportive GV leader, Mona, frequently checked in on me. She encouraged me to keep trying and never give up. One day, Mona offered me an opportunity to become a Community Life Coach (CLC) at GV for a month. I was overjoyed and immediately shared the news with my mom, celebrating the chance to give back to the community that had helped me so much. My journey as a CLC began on October 26, 2023. Seeing my former Coaches and now working alongside them was a dream come true. My first Monday was a significant day, with Ghida providing me with a thorough handover. Shortly after, we welcomed a new batch of Youth. Although I was a bit nervous, the experience was incredibly rewarding as I felt myself growing and gaining confidence. Day by day, I learned and acquired new skills and qualities. I now understand how solar panels and generators work, handle maintenance tasks, and take on real responsibilities. While I am not a mother or sister to the Youth, I always strive to support and push them to reach their potential . One memorable event was the E-Day, where I witnessed the incredible talents of the Youth at GV and TDC. They performed a theater piece on gender discrimination and unity, and we all danced the traditional dabke. The experience was challenging during rehearsals, but the final performance was worth every effort. It was a significant achievement, especially for the shy participants who gained confidence through the talent show. Since May, I have been coaching Youth in the micro-company, and I am proud of my growth in this amazing place. I continuously learn and improve, never hesitating to ask questions and broaden my understanding. Working with others who have diverse mindsets and experiences has been invaluable. Additionally, being part of the GV community has been an enriching experience. The sense of belonging and support has been a crucial part of my journey . I have formed meaningful relationships and learned the importance of community life. It has taught me the value of collaboration, mutual respect, and the power of working together towards common goals. This community has become a second family to me, providing encouragement and inspiration every step of the way. Initially, I was anxious about my new role, but now I feel more comfortable and confident. My curiosity and desire to learn more about coaching have brought me to where I am today. I am grateful for this journey and excited about the future.

Trigger warning: this article talks about violence against women In August 2024, Kolkata became the epicenter of a national movement after a shocking rape case in a local hospital . Outrage filled the streets, while social media platforms surged with calls for justice. What began as local protests soon spread across the nation, becoming a symbol of the fight for women’s security in India . Main events August 3, 2024: A woman is brutally raped in a renowned hospital in Kolkata, triggering immediate outrage among citizens. August 4-7, 2024: Protests begin to emerge locally, with small groups gathering outside the hospital, calling for justice and stricter security measures for women. August 8, 2024: The protests grow larger, with women’s rights organizations joining the movement. Protests spread across major streets in Kolkata, leading to traffic blockages and demands for government action. August 10, 2024: Social media becomes a driving force, with the hashtags #JusticeForKolkata and #SafeStreetsForWomen trending nationwide. Videos of the protests circulate widely, garnering national and international attention. August 12, 2024: Protests reach a national scale as other major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai, see similar gatherings. Violence breaks out in some areas as clashes between protesters and the police escalate. August 14-18, 2024: The protests continue with increased participation from universities, student unions, and public figures. Demands shift from local to national reforms on women’s safety laws and a push for more protection in public spaces. At the Training & Development Center in Howrah The mood among the Youths and Catalysts at the Training and Development Center of Howrah turned somber. Many feared stepping outside as violence occasionally broke out during protests. There was a collective anxiety — anger at the slow pace of justice and sadness for the victim and for women across India, but also throughout the world, who experience similar dangers. Despite this, the desire to bring about change remained strong. In response, the TDC organized a group discussion , to provide a safe space for the Youths and Catalysts to share personal stories of insecurity, voice their frustrations , while brainstorming ideas to raise awareness and bring about change. A citizenship session was created , focused on women’s security, raising awareness through statistics and suggesting actionable solutions to improve safety. The Youth also considered ways to involve the community , spreading awareness and advocating for change on a local level, working toward a future where women in India can feel safe. This event has become an opportunity for LP4Y to actively engage in advocating for a safer future for women in India. Testimony of Léa Gkionis, French Catalyst in the TDC  Hello, I’m Lea, I’ve been a Coach in TDC Howrah for 10 months. Being a Coach means spending your days with the Youth, talking with them, and doing your best to ensure they feel good at the center and in their personal lives. It also involves fighting for the inclusion of women and gender equality. So, when such an event occurs, it affects us deeply . As a Coach, but above all as a woman, this story shook me. I felt angry, sad, and helpless. It made me question my own freedom and safety. How can I motivate young women to find work far from home when even a doctor can be raped in her own workplace? I felt that, as women, we always have to fight for our rights, even for our safety, which should have been guaranteed as a fundamental human right for many years. I was revolted. With other Catalysts, we decided to organize some group discussion, to share our feelings because we could feel that the atmosphere was heavy , and we needed to talk. During the group discussion we had with the Youth, some of us cried, others were outraged, but what I remember most is the support we were able to offer each other . This brought me hope. On our own scale, we can make a difference by raising awareness and empowering women. I am convinced that together, we can make things evolve. Testimony of Sadaf Akhtar, TDC Howrah

Is being a woman a crime? This is a question I always asked myself, being the eldest daughter and the community I was born and raised in. I am a curious person by nature, and always have questioned the "WHY" of any stereotypes and superstitions that have been put on me . This curious mindset and a purposive vision led me — the first woman in my family — to pursue higher education and live my life to its best by choosing my career and the job I am passionate about.  Hello, my name is Beauty Khatoon. I am 26 years old, and I am from India, West Bengal Do-ars border. The border is shared by two beautiful countries India and Bhutan. I have completed my graduation in BCA (Bachelor in Computer Application). It's strange that I found out at the very initial stage that I cannot be living just working with computers for a salary with no meaning , or adventures in life and after that I started finding the actual meaning of my life. Working for two years in Bihar, India in a remote rural area helped me to find answers to my questions. To explore more about my lovely home state and to explore multicultural diversity, I joined LP4Y as Green Village Integration Leader in West Bengal. I applied for Coach but was offered an Integration Leader position. I worked as an Integration Leader for 2.5 years in India and Nepal, where I have witnessed the impact of my contribution for Youth coming from difficult and vulnerable backgrounds. I remember a Youth from West Bengal telling me "Coach I do not want to go back to my life, from where I come initially, before joining Green Village. I am happy NOW." This statement from the Youth touched my heart and made me proud of the mission I was doing. When you see Youths who started their journey from scratch and now doing amazingly in their life, doing decent jobs, it makes you feel proud. Every time I get the message that change is possible in your life if you give effort and of course, if you come out of your comfort zone. I still cannot believe that my life led me to working with young people who have a growth mindset and eagerness to do a lot of things in their life. Seeing the Youths, who are coming from geographical and social exclusion, thriving during the training makes me satisfied with the work I am doing. The beauty of LP4Y is to work with multicultural background people, where we share different cultures, food, clothes, and mindsets with a learning and unlearning spirit.  Professionally, I got winged in my skills and uplifted myself. I got to work on a lot of projects with different centers of LP4Y. Personally, everything with my family has changed . The people I know now are different from the people I was brought up with. It's a life-changing thing for me. They are proud of Beauty. And I am proud of being a Catalyst. They appreciate what I am doing in my life. I am also one of the rare Catalysts who moved from a local contract to an international contract and this trust from the organization boosted my energy and dedication . From the age of 13, where I was told to get married to now working in LP4Y is a big and difficult journey. For me, if you want to do something in your life, the first step is to come out of your comfort zone . It needs to be your call. I am happy with what I am doing in my life, and want to keep following this path, where I am the best version of myself, without filtration with society. I want to do the same as LP4Y and hope to succeed in Engaging (replicating) LP4Y pedagogy in schools, governments, and more in my hometown, to mobilize women and empower them . They have a lot of potential and change that they can bring to a society. Inshallah, one day I will!

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.