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The partnership between LP4Y and Decathlon started in 2016 in India. Very quickly, Decathlon extended their involvement in the Philippines and in Indonesia. Since then, Decathlon has been one of the main Integration partners with 100+ jobs offered to the Youth of LP4Y and 150+ activities ran, including company visits, mock interviews and trainings. Decathlon is also one of the main partners of the Micro-Company Move 4 Change in Payatas (The Philippines) which is giving sport training to the community twice a week. On average, Decathlon is also organizing between 15 and 20 activities per year with the center of LP4Y Luzon . Since March 2024, the activities have been extended to the two centers of Lapu-Lapu in Cebu (The Philippines). Decathlon and LP4Y are sharing the same values regarding inclusion and the company is offering multiple opportunities to the Youth to be more professionally exposed. On top of that, Decathlon is a key ambassador of LP4Y , spreading the word of Youth Inclusion to its network of partners and being and active member of the YIN (Youth Inclusion Network). The three new transversal axes of LP4Y (Well-Being, Sustainability and Citizenship) enable LP4Y and Decathlon to bring this collaboration to the next level by using sport as a motor for social and professional inclusion. A bright future for the Youth of LP4Y is already emerging thanks to the involvement of Decathlon. Wendy, who followed LP4Y training in Manila and Fides, who is now her manager in Decathlon, share a few inputs about their collaboration. - WENDY LARIESTAN, OMNI SPORT LEADER - I am Wendy Lariestan from Navotas, currently working in Decathlon Pasay as Omni sport leader (OSL) of the Fitness department. I am also a former Youth of Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y) and part of SOLARETO program. From May 2017 to May 2018, when I followed the program, our micro-company was to help the people who live in a slum find affordable and safety lights in Happyland, Tondo (Manila, The Philippines). After my professional training program in LP4Y in 2018, I got my first job in a corporate company. I was admin interim in a consultancy engineering firm for 6 months, while working in a Chinese shop as Sale staff and as a cashier at the same time. After 6 months of working, I got promoted as Office in Charge (OIC). After 2 years of working, pandemic came and I am one of the employee who lost their job during pandemic . After that I made an action-plan with a timeline for my job search, I printed 10 resumes to look for another opportunity, sent emails to partners, looked on Indeed and finally got hired in Decathlon . I have been waiting this company for almost 4 years. Since I started in LP4Y, I tried about a hundred times , and finally it came to me. That why I felt so blessed when Maui hired me to join in Decathlon.  What were your motivations to join LP4Y? I grew up in broken family since I was 6 years old, and I used to live with my relatives. Since then, I used to be a father and a mother to my 2 siblings . I had a dream to work in a corporate company to help our family in future, but in reality the salary of my father was not enough to cover our daily expenses. At the age of 8 years old, I started to help earning money by asking for water bottles that I would sell to the jump shop. I worked as dishwasher in factory company, service crew, etc. That why when I was a Youth of LP4Y, I pushed myself to study in English, be responsible towards the team, practice speaking with a lot of people even when nervous and have a perfect attendance . By the time I graduated as entrepreneur, I started to dream high. What did you learn at LP4Y and will never forget?  I'd always keep in my mind that failure is not the end of my story; it's just a good start for me . I hold onto these words as a reminder not to give up and to see failure as a lesson that helps me grow both as a person and in my work. Listening to and reading inspirational testimonies from LP4Y books, attending meetings with the STARS Club, and connecting with other Youths and Coaches are crucial for motivation and confidence. Why did you choose to work at Decathlon? I was hired in Decathlon and started working on November 2022, two years ago. Time flies so fast. I remember it took me 4 years of applying in Decathlon, a lot of hindrances, rejection, challenge. Finally I got my Job here as OSA (Omni-Sport A) and got promoted as an OSL last March 2024 in Fitness Department. For me, the dynamism, quality and vitality of Decathlon is compatible with my interest in badminton sports. Decathlon is the leader of the market and is able to combine quality of product and low prices which allow more people to practice their favorite sports. What surprised you the most at the beginning? At the beginning, I was so shy to approach the team members but I feel the dynamism, quality and vitality of Decathlon. What are the most important skills you are currently developing? Currently, I love doing the layout of our products in Decathlon. Layout means a retail store layout (whether physical or digital) is the strategic use of space to influence the customer experience. I do believe that 80% of sales comes from the Layout. Also I'm developing my leadership skills . As OSL and social impact referent in Pasay, I want to be more firm, more professional to manage the team . What is the most important teaching you have learned from your mentor? I like the professionalism of Fides, and I am so lucky that she’s my leader. I would always keep in mind the word "Ownership" . If you have an ownership in your business, whatever the result, it is yours. In this word it encouraging me to do well in my current job. - FIDES SARMIENTO, DEPARTMENT MANAGER - I am Fides Sarmiento, a girl from the province of Lipa, Batangas who dreamt of having an opportunity to have a scholarship through playing sports in the Metro Manila. Lo and behold, I was scouted by one of the coaches here in Manila and I was able to finish my studies through playing sports . Decathlon is my first job and my profile came from a referral of a friend . Why did you choose to mentor Wendy? What I admire the most about Wendy is her coachability and perseverance . That no matter how worse the situation may be, she can pull off the task. Wendy improved a lot in terms of her decision making . Before, she kept on asking me what and how to do things. But now, I can say that she can really decide on her own. What is the main thing you’d like Wendy to remember from everything you are teaching her? That even though she came from a difficult background, she can also shine . What did Wendy teach you in return? Wendy taught me to be compassionate and patient . Would you like to recruit other Youths who followed LP4Y training? Definitely yes! Youths following LP4Y trainings are hardworking and coachable .

Hello, Assalamualaikum, It's me, Muntasir Hasan Chadni.  I was a Youth in LP4Y from July to November 2022. When I graduated from LP4Y then I worked for 3 different types of job sectors and my job position also 3 different types. I worked as a Sales Executive position, Writer position and Executive officer position. Now I am a Catalyst ! I loved all of my jobs and gained a lot of experiences. All my office colleagues were very nice, and we all shared lunch with each other. If someone is struggling or does not understand the work, everyone helps them to understand the work. As a Bangladeshi woman I had to overcome many problems: like when I did a marketing job, that time, my neighbour always put pressure on my family like asking: "Why is your daughter going outside? It's not right, your daughter talking with men."  In Bangladesh, I feel that it's not only the job market that restricts women from working but more the mindset of people. We really need to work on changing our mindset towards women.  All people need to think more positively about women . To change people's mindset, here are a few ideas: As Catalysts , we can make a presentation about "positive attitude towards women" and then we need to go to rural areas and organize community events . We need to show them the benefits with some examples , and why it is important. Most of the people don't know enough information. Partners could also contribute to change people's mindset by working with Youth and sharing their testimonies about this topic, then upload them on social media for example. I think parents need to be more aware of this, they need to be more supportive. To convince them, we can take a nice speaking testimony from the parents and upload it on social media . And you, do you have ideas to change people's mindset? If so, let's work together!

Two young women from the 26th batch of the Green Village West Bengal shared their thoughts and feelings as the end of their LP4Y training is coming close to an end. Prity Khatoon * is originally from Bangladesh and was a victim of human trafficking in several places of India. She had a child there, and was then rescued by an NGO. Priyanka, mobilization leader of the Green Village West Bengal, made contact with them and Prity came to the center’s program, to find a job, feed her child and finally become independent.  She graduated from the Green Village (GV) on May 5th and found a job two weeks before as Assistant Chef in a cafe restaurant. She is now earning 12K INR/month and was able to find a flat in Kolkata where she lives alone and can support all her daily needs. A true entrepreneur of her life!  Manisha Parveen  comes from Kadamtala, a small slum area in the city of Howrah, near Kolkata. Coming from a devout Muslim family, she entered the center at 23 years old with the willingness to learn business skills and build up the life she wants to have: be a social worker and change the mindset of her community.  She dropped her global engineering studies because she did not have the self-confidence to work hard. Yet, it seemed almost easy for her to graduate with her colleague and friend Prity on May 5th. Now part of the STARS Club of the GV West Bengal, she became the mobilization and ecosystem ambassador of the center almost one month after her graduation. She is now confident enough to take mobilization actions in her community in Howrah, and already brought 2 new Youths. She will be community life coach of the center for 2 weeks in July and is on the way to be hired as a Cook at Daydreamer love your cup cafe in Kolkata. An inspiration for many Youths and Catalysts! 🎬 Hear Prity and Manisha's testimonies in the following video *Prity 's name has been changed for safety reasons.

I am an independent and strong woman who has lived on my own since I was a teenager. When I was just 8 months old, my own mother left me for her new family, and although my father was around, I always felt alone . I have lived with my grandparents since birth, but they were often absent due to work. Sometimes, they took me to their workplace, even to the dumpsite, when I was 5 or 6 years old. Between the ages of 14 and 16, I worked as a housemaid , and I felt capable of living independently. I funded my own education through various jobs, even though they were not always respectable. I worked nights and attended school in the mornings, often sacrificing sleep. During my graduation, no one came to support me; I celebrated my victory alone. Throughout my teenage years, I always felt alone and sought companionship everywhere, which led me to seek love from friends and others. At 17, I became pregnant , which was early, but I had no hesitation because my child brought a sense of completeness to my life. His birth gave me hope and ambition , motivating me to strive every day to support him. When I saw a post from one of the coaches at Life Project 4 Youth, I didn't hesitate to join. On my first day, I felt excluded, doubting my abilities compared to others. One of the youths spoke to me, saying, "It's part of the process. You're here to build your confidence and skills through training." It made me realize that I wasn't there because I knew everything; I was there to learn. Day by day at Life Project 4 Youth, I faced challenges, achieved milestones, and learned valuable lessons. They helped me understand my worth regardless of my lack of formal education. They didn't judge my background but gave me a chance to prove myself. I remember my first challenge at LP4Y: delivering a speech during a company visit to one of their partners, Concentrix . I accepted the challenge to boost my confidence and gain exposure to the corporate world. They also gave me the opportunity to intern at a bank for two weeks , an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. Becoming a Youth at this organization taught me so much and contributed greatly to my personal growth. Joining LP4Y changed everything for me . They helped me discover my capabilities and changed my perspective on life. Before LP4Y, I thought my only role was to be a good mother and that I didn't have the right to dream anymore. Now, since joining LP4Y, I have made significant changes in my life. I have allowed myself to learn new things and become stronger in facing life's challenges. I am very thankful to be a part of this organization. I now feel valued and important because I made the decision to join. I remember my younger self who had many dreams to pursue. I feel like I turned my failure into success. I didn't realize that "sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever."

Hello everybody, I hope you all are well. I am here because I want to share about my personal and LP4Y life journey with you.  I am Sohagi from Bangladesh. I am 21 years old. I am doing my Bachelor Of Science 2nd year in Lalmonirhat Govt. college of zoology department. I live with my parents. There are five members in my family.  Now, I want to share my life journey with some dreams. I always wanted to be self-reliant . Because I did not want to depend on my family. That’s why besides studying, I tried to do something. I did believe in myself always. But my life journey was not very easy, because I faced some obstacles in fulfilling my dreams. Most of the people in the village believe that one should not get married at an older age. What happens after studying so much? They always told my parents to get me married off. But I am very proud of my parents because they always support me.  One day, I heard about LP4Y from a federation guy of RDRS. He told me that “LP4Y is a Computer training center” and it’s an international training center. After hearing about LP4Y, I was interested. First time, my father did not allow me to come to Green Village, Bangladesh. Finally he agreed to send me there. I took professional training from LP4Y Green Village Bangladesh on from September to December 2022. I was team leader of Micro-Company Digital Center from Batch-8. First, I went through computer training because a federation guy told me that it is a computer training. But after a few days I realized it is a professional training center. Before coming to Green Village I did not know about professionalism . Then, day by day, I gained some knowledge about it. Also I developed some hard and soft skills like leadership and good communication with the team and Catalyst. Also basic English & computer skills. I had some challenges in the first week  like I cannot adapt with so many people. Also time management. But after one month, I overcame my challenge. From the first day, my dream was to be a Catalyst. That time our community life Coach was Sharmin Sultana (Medha). All the time I was trying to follow Medha. That’s why I know about the CLC mission. If Medha had vacation that time I was training to do group tasks.  After I finished my professional training. I got an offer for LP4Y Community Life Coach position from February 2023. That was a great opportunity for me. At first I was thinking “How will be the other Catalyst? Am I going to get support from them?” But after a few days they are always training to support me. If I say I cannot do this, they told me “yes you can” . I got a lot of motivation from them. Before I had less motivation. But now I am full of motivation and self confidence. Also now I know who I am. After joining as a Community life Coach, I had few challenges. On the first days some Youth treated me as a Youth or friend . Also they did not want to do evening activities. But I was always trying to make them understand why it’s important for them. After a few months, I finally succeeded in making them understand. My best moment in the Green Village Bangladesh! Since January 2024, I have been working here as a Project Manager Coach for Digital Center & Sustainable Development . My goal was to be a Coach, so that’s a big achievement! My neighbours feel proud of me. Also my parents are very proud of me for my achievements. Overall, I realize nothing is impossible. Everything is possible if everybody has good motivation. Always stay positive! Allow yourself to think deeply. Don't be demotivated. Remember your goal. You will succeed one day!

Jakarta, Indonesia - The recent Youth Inclusion Forum held at the Cabin Hotel in Jakarta saw a gathering of 165 participants from various sectors dedicated to promoting inclusion. Andika Pradipta, Country HR Business Partner at Servier Indonesia , delivered an inspiring TED Talk titled "Creativity as the Driver for Youth Inclusion." His presentation underscored the transformative power of creativity in fostering Youth inclusion within Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Servier Indonesia, a local subsidiary of a French pharmaceutical leader specializing in cardiovascular, hypertension, diabetes, venous disease and neuroscience, underscored several critical themes during the Talk. Pradipta emphasized the broad impact of CSR, encompassing humanitarian efforts, environmental sustainability, community engagement, charitable contributions, and employee volunteerism. He stressed that effective CSR goes beyond charity; it aims to create sustainable, positive societal changes . Empowerment and Inclusion to fuel CSR Central to CSR, according to Pradipta, are empowerment and inclusion. CSR program should be able to empower not only the beneficiaries, but also employees as main driver . The program created should be inclusive with the main purpose being "acceleration" rather than "social program". Therefore, it helps to build positive yet high spirit environment for both beneficiaries and employer. He stressed the importance of recognizing and addressing "The Little Voice," or the internal insecurities that can impede inclusivity.  Employer and Beneficiaries Roles Pradipta underscored the dual responsibility in achieving impactful CSR Program. Employers must build and support inclusive cultures and programs, while beneficiaries must be highly self-driven to engage actively in these initiatives. It’s a collaborative effort that requires commitment from both sides . Skill-Based Sponsorship A significant part of Servier Indonesia's strategy involves skill-based sponsorship . This approach allows employee to be the main actor who run the CSR program where they can contribute by sharing their expertise through training session. It focuses on developing both technical and soft skills within the community, thereby empowering individuals and enhancing their employability.  Servier Indonesia's CSR Strategy Pradipta outlined Servier Indonesia's comprehensive CSR strategy, which aims to "Build a Better Society through Employee Empowerment with Sustainable Programs."  The strategy focuses on three main areas: Education:  Sponsoring skill & competency development programs to enhance capability of the targeted community. Environment:  Initiating efforts to reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and promote green movements. Health:  Implementing health education and health check-up programs to build healthier communities. Youth Programs A highlight of Servier Indonesia's initiatives is its structured Youth program, which includes a kick-off ceremony, company visits, professional work preparation, job search readiness, and job integration . This program provides professional life skills training, CV creation, mock interviews, and internships, aiming to prepare young people for successful careers. Since 2021, Servier Indonesia has actively collaborated with LP4Y Indonesia to support excluded Youth in Jakarta and Surabaya through their CSR programs. Servier recently launched an inclusion program that accommodates 15 Youths per batch for 5 months in Jakarta and coming soon in Surabaya, with the total of 11 employees participating as part of the "Do-Gooders Squad."  Inclusivity Goals Pradipta emphasized that CSR program is not merely about enhancing brand reputation or following trends . It is about providing equal opportunities and fostering a genuinely inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. He concluded his presentation with a powerful call to view limitations as opportunities and stressed the significance of intentionality in achieving inclusivity. The Youth International Inclusion Forum of LP4Y provided a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of Youth inclusion, with Pradipta's address providing profound insights into the transformative potential of creativity and CSR. Servier Indonesia's active engagement in the YIIF underscores its dedication to enhancing societal well-being through progressive CSR strategies and nurturing inclusive environments, particularly for the Youth demographic and beyond. This commitment highlights Servier Indonesia's proactive role in shaping a more equitable and empowered future through collaborative and innovative initiatives.

“You can not do that, you can not go there, you are not capable enough." Those  sentences make everything hard for the Youths, and that's how they become excluded. I am Masirul Evan, Coach at the Green Village Bangladesh. Once, it was disheartening for me to hear about one Youth from batch 25 who faced exclusion and discrimination within her own family . Despite having the same rights to education and opportunities as her brothers, she was denied these due to traditional gender roles and biases. Her family believed that her future was predetermined to be a housewife, leading them to restrict her education and social interactions , and causing her significant distress . She was very scared to leave her home and her lack of confidence always caused trouble to socialize. This story underscores the challenges many young women face in societies where gender biases and stereotypes persist. It is a stark reminder of the importance of advocating for equal opportunities and rights for all , regardless of gender. It is not common in Bangladesh to see young people, and especially young women, take a brave step towards their future and go out from home to pursue a career. They are mostly meant to be a core member of their household according to the society. But LP4Y gives them the opportunity to step out of the box and explore the world according to their life project plan and their dreams. The training helps them to learn and get empowered, making them ready for the battles they will have to fight . LP4Y gives them the courage to fight back and find a place where they will not feel any kind of exclusion. The young women learn all the skill that they will need to go out in the world and showcase that they can do everything like others. Confidence, ambition, dreams, survival instinct makes them stronger. With these skills, they have the potential to overcome any kind of new challenge . They all have bright futures waiting for them, if willing to break the circle and grab the opportunities that will come their way. They are the hope of our future . During and after the Youths finish LP4Y program, I have noticed that their growth and mindset are so strong that even their family recognizes their capabilities, and society appreciates their learnings and skills . Some Youths even started giving training to their own family and neighbours. After a few months living and working at the Green Village, I have seen how they are now appreciated by the people who once used to say that girls do not need education. They are true inspiration for other women to achieve their dreams. When they go out to arrange community events, people are amazed by their presentations and the knowledge they gain from the training. The expertise they develop in public-speaking, managing people, talking professionally, their ability to conduct researches about the training topic, their confidence and the ambition they develop are as many reasons to convince more women to join the training. Community people usually end up being interested by the training and see these strong independent women as examples.

Jakarta, Indonesia – In a vibrant culmination of its decade-long commitment to Indonesia, the international organization Life Project 4 Youth recently convened the Youth International Inclusion Forum . This landmark event, part of a global series spanning diverse countries such as Madagascar, the USA, Belgium, Indonesia, The Philippines and India, underscored the critical nexus between Youth inclusion, Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The forum's conference keynote speakers, Dini Hariani from Grand Hyatt Jakarta and Andika Pradipta from Servier Indonesia , delivered compelling insights on integrating these imperatives into CSR frameworks. Hariani’s address, "Youth Inclusion or Sustainability: Why Should CSR Policies Have to Choose?" , passionately advocated for creating synergies between Youth empowerment and sustainable practices. She elucidated how initiatives like Hyatt's ambitious RiseHY program aim to empower 10,000 young Indonesians by 2025 , underscoring the transformative potential of such partnerships. Highlighting the strategic imperative of sustainability, Hariani articulated how embracing eco-friendly practices not only bolsters environmental stewardship but also enhances operational efficiency and reputational capital . Her call for holistic development resonated as she advocated for CSR strategies that nurture a resilient workforce and society at large. Pradipta’s presentation, "Creativity as a Driver for Youth Inclusion," echoed Hariani's sentiments by spotlighting the role of creativity in fostering inclusive CSR initiatives. Drawing from Servier Indonesia’s innovative CSR strategy, which integrates education, environmental stewardship, and health initiatives, Pradipta emphasized the transformative impact of skill-based sponsorship and community-driven development . Both speakers underscored the transformative power of collaboration and innovation in shaping CSR agendas that transcend traditional boundaries. They urged businesses to rethink their CSR strategies, advocating for integrated approaches that bridge Youth inclusion with sustainability. Their insights underscored a shared vision: that through collective action and innovative partnerships, businesses can drive meaningful social change while advancing sustainable development goals. The Youth International Inclusion Forum in Jakarta served as a powerful testament to the potential of CSR to catalyze inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. As businesses recalibrate their CSR agendas to embrace Youth inclusion and sustainability, Grand Hyatt Jakarta and Servier Indonesia are not only investing in future generations but also safeguarding the planet for generations to come . The call to action is clear: by harnessing creativity and collaboration, businesses can forge a path towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. In the words of Helen Keller, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Indeed, through unified efforts and innovative thinking, the corporate sector can play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter tomorrow for Youth and the planet alike.

Meet Tania Khalil and Zeinab Hammoud, two amazing women from the Green Village Lebanon’s nineteenth batch who keep going after their dreams. Designing clothes: a passion to follow Hi everybody, I'm Tania Khalil from Batch nineteen. I have a real passion in life: I love designing clothes. Alongside my studies, I spend a lot of time creating cool outfits at home . Looking back on my time at the Green Village, I'm thankful for all the lessons I learned there. Green Village taught me about being independent and trying new things because, becoming more independent also means taking responsibility for your dreams , following your passion and doing everything you can to achieve it. So, it was there that I got to work at a cool fashion place last summer. It was a full-time job in summer where I had the opportunity to manage the fashion atelier. Unfortunately, I had to leave the job to continue my education but this experience made me even more determined to follow my dream to become a fashion designer . Indeed, it even gave me the idea of starting designing clothes at home! Taking old clothes and recycling them into beautiful designs: that is what I like to do now! With hindsight, to other young people like me, I used to say: “Keep going, even when things get tough. Finding the right job can be hard, but don't give up. Be brave, take chances, and remember that learning new things is always worth it.” A non straightforward journey to find a job Hey there, I'm Zeinab Hammoud, also from Batch nineteen. I work at CI College, and I'm studying French literature at the Lebanese University. Looking back on my time at the Green Village, I remember learning all the important things to reach the job market like being professional and managing my time well. Navigating the job market in Lebanon, particularly as a woman, presents its unique challenges. However, my determination to become independant and demonstrate that womens are capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to remains unwavering. My journey to my current position wasn't straightforward. Initially, I explored opportunities through door-to-door inquiries , which led me to participate in a job fair alongside a group of inspiring individuals, often referred to as stars. It was during this fair, and with a renewed application to CI College, that I successfully secured my role in administration . My advice to those who dare to dream big is simple: never give up . Stepping out of your comfort zone, building new connections, and embracing continuous learning are crucial steps towards realizing your ambitions. The path may seem daunting at times, but with collective support and a steadfast belief in our capabilities, success is within our reach.

Does an organization achieve its goals by acting alone? The answer would be a big 'No'. Over 4 years of experience, LP4Y Nepal has grown a lot, mostly thanks to the collaboration and coordination with external partners . Coalitions and strong partnerships start with a strong strategic framework with funding agencies and donors. For example, LP4Y Nepal signed a 3-year action plan with the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs to address Women Empowerment through professional integration and the strengthening of the local Youth Inclusion network. In 2022, 73 million young people were unemployed globally. A progress compared to 2021, when 75 million Youth were deprived of decent job market accessibility. Seeing the global picture, Youth unemployment is one of the major problems in any developing or underdeveloped country (ILO, 2022). In the context of Nepal, the statistics show that over the past years, the unemployment rate has been declining (20.6% in 2022). To this date, however, the student population (aged 18–24) has not been counted as unemployed or economically inactive, even though they are actively searching for decent jobs (Neill, 2023). Now, let's think about inclusion. What image comes to mind when you think of an inclusive and sustainable society? An inclusive and harmonious society is one where there is equal and equitable access to job opportunities, regardless of someone’s background. Addressing this, LP4Y is taking action each and every day to integrate excluded Youth, and so far it has been successful. Its partners and the overall ecosystem are equally supporting LP4Y: local bodies, companies, institutions, organizations, and individual partners are all in the loop to address exclusion issues . LP4Y Nepal counts 100+ active partners . On a semester basis, each partner runs about 9 to 10 activities such as mock interviews, company visits, and training to uplift LP4Y Youth. Some partners have become integral parts of the Youth's program such as KPMG Luxembourg . Every month employees volunteer to conduct mock-interviews with the Youth. A great example of how engaged stakeholders can be motors of Youth inclusion. But questions still arise: are two projects (the Green Village and the Training and Development Center) enough to build an inclusive society? Is only LP4Y Team benefiting from LP4Y success? Of course, the answer is 'No'. While government bodies might agree that Nepalese society would benefit from a better-trained young workforce, the lack of resources, research, planning, and policies makes it challenging to create an environment in favour of the inclusion of marginalized Youth. In this context, LP4Y Nepal firmly believes in a strong Youth Inclusion Coalition to tip the scales and tackle these challenges . This is the reason why LP4Y Nepal started collaborating with local bodies such as Terai region municipalities for mobilization purposes and another on the mobilization pillar to launch a hybrid project in Lalitpur Metropolitan City . The impact of this coalition has already started to ripple as we can see various entities throughout the entire country coming together to build an inclusive society. LP4Y Nepal is expanding its horizons, changing the scale, challenging the status quo, and impacting the city and rurally excluded Youth. Many thirsty, excluded women from the Eastern, Central, and Western regions with traumatic or difficult backgrounds arrive in LP4Y’s centers. There, they unleash their potential to the utmost level during the training and eventually integrate the decent job market. To enable the sustainable integration of young people living in extreme poverty and victims of exclusion, each stakeholder has a role to play: Civil Society Organizations can refer Youth to LP4Y training centers , enabling them to receive job market knowledge and skill development training. Thanks to its professional training, LP4Y supports the Youth to hone their skills, facilitating interactions with corporate and individual professionals who can share their expertise with them. Companies who believe in the Youth potential can then recruit them for jobs and benefit from a very resilient workforce . And there are many! From the hospitality sector, we can name Hyatt Group (Hyatt regency and place), integrating Youth through its Global Rise-hy Program. From the corporate sector, OSB VEGETABLES & FRUITS SUPPLIERS, Easy FRUITS PVT LTD , and ORCHIDS Group are actively collaborating with LP4Y Nepal as well. It is only through this collective effort that many more Youth will integrate the job market. Alongside the integration partners, other organizations like PROJECT UDDESHYA , BATAS FOUNDATION , PAHAN CHHEN , VERITACORE NEPAL PVT LTD, CAREER COACH NEPAL , UTPALA CRAFT, BHUVANESHWORI SATYAL FOUNDATION and SRIJANSHIL ORPHANAGE HOME are always keen to organize professional exposure activities and Micro-company trainings. Their involvement is essential to broaden Youth’s exposure to as many professional situations as possible and make them ready to integrate the job market. This coalescent tale depicts how a meaningful coalition can succeed in integrating excluded Youth to the decent job market, but it is just a glimpse of all the activities and practices that can be implemented for a better Youth Inclusion. For instance, hosting Youth Inclusion Network (YIN) and Youth 4 Change Network (Y4CN) events enable the country to address Youth challenges, warn partners about the related issues, and find solutions together. World Clean Up Day, Women’s Day, and Youth International Day are as many opportunities to host awareness events, inviting marginalized young people to sit at the table, and to offer their solutions to national problems. And what about sponsoring a national-level Youth conference ? Here is your invitation to collaborate with LP4Y . The Youth and Catalysts are ready to build a more inclusive world. What about you? Manisha Chapagain - Ecosystem Developer, Training and Development Center Kathmandu, Nepal

For two years now, LP4Y in Lebanon has been welcoming excluded Youth from different backgrounds and communities: witnessing their journey of growth has always been inspiring. It forces admiration, from the beginning of the program until the day they graduate. In a world where challenges often seem insurmountable, it's the moments of triumph that shine brightest. Randa's journey with LP4Y has been nothing but transformative. She shares her story, with gratitude and resilience — a testament to the power of community and support: I am Randa, I am 25 years old and I live in Beirut, Lebanon. My journey with LP4Y has been life changing. From feeling stuck in an ordinary life to now becoming one of the STARS (LP4Y alumni), these past six months have been some of the most beautiful days of my life. Before I participated in LP4Y, I used to ask myself, “Why am I in this life if I cannot achieve my dreams and leave my mark in life?" And I thought that this thing had become impossible, because I could not complete my education after I ran away from my home in Syria during the war. I excelled in my studies back home but because of the war, the migration from our homes, and the circumstances that my country went through, I had to get married at a young age and have now two beautiful children. After I grew up and became conscious, I knew that I had made a mistake, but it was too late. After all of this, I am only a stay-at-home mother. It's great to be a good mother but this was not only my dream, this was not the life I had planned. I heard about LP4Y during Youth mobilization and I decided to join them. I did not expect that this step would change my life to this extent. It left a huge mark on my life! I remember the first time I entered the center, I was hesitant and unsure about what to expect. But from the moment I was greeted with warmth and acceptance, I knew I was in the right place. My self-confidence increased and I started to dream again after I had lost hope. I started to plan for a new future. I learned many valuable assets: life skills, computers, English language. I now improved my English, and learnt how to be professional and communicate with others, all this and more at LP4Y. Also, I became aware of what I want, what I love, what suits me, what I am able to achieve, I even got to discover more about my personality. I advise every young woman who dreams about changing her life and achieving her dreams, to join LP4Y. In the beginning, you will feel that everything is difficult and different. You will think that you will not be able to complete the program, but with time you will get used to it and learn a lot. On the contrary, you will always say: "This is the best thing I did in my life!" I will not stop here. I am just getting started. I will continue on my way until I achieve my dream. I may stumble or stop for a while, but I'll keep going because I deserve to be happy and to do what makes me happy. I would like to thank the Coaches, especially for all the support they have given me, as well as all the Catalysts. I will miss you all. Thank you! After graduating as an "Entrepreneur", Randa worked as a teacher for a while, before agreeing to replace a Coach at the Beirut center for a few weeks. With her calm personality and motivation, she has been able to handle the Coach tasks very well, spreading knowledge and enthusiasm among the new Youths! Today she is training with a partner organization to  become an administrative assistant. She will not lose any second to achieve her dream of being successful with the skills she acquired and will continue to gain! It is always inspiring to see and witness the personal and professional development of the Youth. Truly an experience not to be forgotten, for both Youth and Catalysts!

A few words from Ophélie Quilbeuf, Coach, TDC Chennai A center visit from a partner or any external person to LP4Y is always a good opportunity for the Youth to be confronted with the professional world . The Youth will meet professionals expecting professional interactions. It is an interesting challenge for them to apply concretely what they have learned during LP4Y’s program. It is also a good practice for the Youth to explain by themselves in professional terms what they are doing on a daily basis in the center because it will be the same speech for their resume and during job interviews. A center visit have several objectives: For the Youth, to develop different skills such as:  Communication: Talking with partners requires clear, understandable and professional communication Organization: Getting ready for the visit means planning things like identifying and dividing the tasks between the team members and making sure everything needed is ready Research: Before the center visit, it is important for the youth to know what to say about the center, what they do, and the community they help by finding and splitting the information between professional and personal information Adaptability and resilience: If things do not go as planned during the visit, the Youth have to be able to quickly find solutions and make changes to keep things running smoothly  For the visitor, to discover and understand the impact of LP4Y's programs on the lives of young women and mothers in Kannagi Nagar, including their personal and professional development. It is also a good way to assess the specific needs and challenges faced by the Youth, the center and the community in Kannagi Nagar, with a focus on areas such as decent employment, healthcare and physical activities. For the TDC team, to identify potential areas for collaboration or support between LP4Y and the visitor, whether through funding, training, or professional exposure, to further enhance the center's effectiveness and impact. Receiving feedback and recommendations from an external point of view based on observations and discussions during the visit also supports the continuous improvement and innovation of the Training and Development Center in Chennai. 3 Youths were in charge of the center visit of Marie-Laure, Corporate Foundation Manager: Meenakshi Prabhu, Responsability Step, in lead to make sure everyone speaks and that the presentation is dynamic Karthika Prakash, Management Step Nilofer M., Autonomy Step Preparation of the center visit, by Karthika, Meenakshi and Nilofer In an ideal world, all center visits would be planned and the Youth would have time to prepare and rehearse in advance. In reality, center visits are sometimes organized at the last minute and the Youth have to adapt. This center visit was one of them. Karthika and Nilofer replaced two other team members who were not able to be there for personal reasons. “But because we know our center and our program, and we also explain to newcomers when they visit the center for the first time, we know how to explain,” Karthika says. “We had to adapt because we had never spoken to someone like Marie-Laure before, and we do not share the same information with a newcomer and a professional who is external to LP4Y. We decided to split the tasks to let each member of our team explain.” It was the first time Meenakshi, Nilofer and Karthika organized a center visit in English, yet they did not fear speaking in a different language, and even found it very easy while reflecting back on it. “Marie-Laure understands our English, so it makes us feel confident. We don’t need perfect English to be understood,” Nilofer explains. The Youths explain that this new experience helped them to develop new skills:  Communication skills : To explain the center’s organization and program in a clear way and in English. Karthika shares: “We had to remember everything because we want the visitor to really understand what we are doing.” Self-confidence: At first, the Youth feared the center visit because they had no previous experience with this kind of responsibilities, but they overcame it quickly and felt very proud afterwards. Professional behavior : Smiling, eye contact, how to behave professionally. Nilofer explains that she will feel strong and confident for the next partner’s visit, and whenever new people enter her life. “LP4Y program made us ready for this kind of opportunity. Our Coaches and other Catalysts support our teams and our improvements every day, so we feel confident and ready to overcome every challenge.” The team was overall very happy about this experience. Receiving an external visit breaks the routine and is a great exercise to test their professional skills. When the visitors show great interest, it makes the Youth feel listened to and respected . “At the end during the handshake, Marie-Laure gave feedback to us and encouraged us with English and professionalism and thanked us for the visit. It made us feel very excited and proud!” Meenakshi shares with a bright light in her eyes. Meenakshi explains that the preparation was easy because she knows her center and feels comfortable there: “I feel safe to try everything.” Leader of the center visit team, her role was to share the tasks between the team members and to take the lead to have a dynamic presentation. “When someone struggles, I continue. At the beginning, I had fear but at the end, I felt super proud of myself. Speaking to partners and external visitors is different from speaking to newcomers as you have to deeply explain all parts of the program.” When the team changed at the last minute, just before the center visit. I told myself: "Ok I manage, I am confident” - Meenakshi, Center Visit Leader Home visit: the best way to better understand challenges faced by the Youth and their family, by Margaret Mariyadass (Management Step) We usually organize home visits to see if the family is ok with the Youth coming to the center . During this time, we ask questions, try to understand their opinions about young women going to work to support the family, if the Youth is living in a supportive environment, in which conditions, and if she is facing any violence. It is important for LP4Y to get to know more about the Youth and their family because it helps in case of issues . During Marie-Laure's visit, I opened the doors of my home to help her understand the conditions in which the Youth attending LP4Y’s programs are living . My mother and brother were at home on this day. It was good to have her in my home. Now she knows more about the living conditions and understands the violence that the young women face in Kannagi Nagar. She could see it through her own eyes. My Family liked receiving this visit. It reminded my mother of her childhood living in Pondicherry. It made me happy that my mother could communicate with my Coach Ophélie and Marie-Laure. It was a good opportunity for her to meet people and speak English. It was the first time I had a stranger at my house, and it was really nice to talk. It also reassured my mother about what I am doing at the center, how I am doing in the center, reminding her what is the purpose of following the training. Now I feel relieved. She is clear about what I do and about my safety. I believe it is important for people to know about the situation in Kannagi Nagar, to have their own perspectives and vision about it . Marie-Laure asked a lot of questions about the environment and I was careful about what I was saying. She was not judging. It was really nice to meet her. Feedback from Marie-Laure, Corporate Foundation Manager "On-site visits not only allow us to take the pulse of the organization but also represent a fantastic opportunity to understand the LP4Y approach, the spirit and the work culture behind the work of the volunteers. Meeting the teams and the young participants in the programs are also very inspiring and useful moments to grasp the extent of the project. I was very impressed by the exchange with Vignesh Murugan, a former beneficiary of the center, who now spends half of his work time as a Dance Teacher and the other half as a Receptionist in a hotel. He agreed to share his story, allowing us to understand how the Move 4 Change program was decisive in his personal and professional journey."