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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."

Cyclone Remal's Devastation in Bangladesh At the end of May 2024, a powerful Cyclone named Remal ravaged parts of India and Bangladesh. It was “one of the longest ever experienced by the country” observed Azizur Rahman, Director of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. This brutal natural disaster battered the region for more than 36 hours, leaving a trail of destruction. According to the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) of Bangladesh, Tropical Cyclone Remal affected around 4.59 million people in the country. Over 800,000 people had to be evacuated from their homes, and 16 people lost their lives across seven districts. Impact on Dhaka's Excluded Areas In Bhashantek, an excluded area of Dhaka where our Training and Development Center is located, the streets were flooded for several days. The cyclone caused widespread electricity and water cuts throughout the capital city. Youth and their families in these areas, who are particularly vulnerable to such events, faced severe impacts as most of their homes were completely flooded. Personal Stories of Resilience Moriom, a Youth currently enrolled in the LP4Y training program, shared how her family faced these difficulties. Despite the severe weather and damage to her home, Moriom was present at the Center every morning during the cyclone. Along with other Youth we accompany in Dhaka, she adapted to the conditions and helped her family repairing and dealing with the storm's aftermath. "It was challenging, but we had to stay strong and support each other," Moriom said. Like 27 million people in the country, Bhashantek slum residents faced hours-long electricity cuts due to cyclone. Damaged sanitation facilities further contaminated water sources, posing health risks. Broader Implications: Climate Change and Vulnerability The aftermath of the storm reveals the resilience of communities as they come together to rebuild their homes, restore power, and heal their wounds. However, the impact of Cyclone Remal extends beyond physical damage, highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation to combat climate change. Azizur Rahman attributes this phenomenon to "the impact of climate change." The increasing frequency of natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, storm surges, droughts, and deadly heatwaves has made Bangladesh one of the most vulnerable countries regarding climate change. According to government estimates, by 2050, one in every seven Bangladeshis will be displaced due to climate change — around 13.3 million people. TESTIMONY OF MORIOM Hello everyone, my name is Moriom, I am 20 years old and I joined LPY4 two months ago. I live in Bhashantek, an excluded area of Dhaka. When Cyclone Remal hit, it was terrifying. Our house flooded super quickly and we had to leave everything behind. For a few days, my family and I had to move to my uncle’s place to be safe. When we returned, our house was a mess. Our beds and other furniture have been strongly damaged and all of our clothes have been wet. We lost a lot, and it was hard to find clean water or electricity. Still, some friends came to help us to remove the water from our house and to save what we could save out of it. That kind of situation happened last year in October already. We had to face the same difficulties. And I think it will happen again. During the time period of the cyclone, my mom supported me a lot by telling me to still go every day to follow the LP4Y training, despite the difficulties we had to face. Thanks to organizations like LP4Y, I am learning skills to help me find a job. Even though the cyclone was tough, I am hopeful for the future. We are strong, and we will rebuild together. For more information about the cyclone: https://www.thedailystar.net/environment/climate-crisis/natural-disaster/news/remal-leaves-trail-havoc-its-wake-3620481

The dynamic partnership between LP4Y Training and Development Center in Chennai and Dance Extreme, created by Natraj, started in 2020, when the shared vision of empowering Youth through dance first brought them together. It started off with Natraj's simple philosophy that everyone can dance. Since then, this partnership has flourished, driven by a collective commitment to community development. Through a diverse array of activities, from regular workshops to special events, Natraj and his studio, Dance Extreme have woven themselves into the fabric of Kannagi Nagar, leaving a lasting impact on its residents. Natraj and Dance Extreme International standard dancer known for his choreography, teaching prowess, and creative direction, Natraj is the driving force of Dance Extreme Studio in Chennai. With a passion for using dance as a tool for social change, Natraj has been instrumental in forging partnerships and creating opportunities for Youth empowerment. Dance Extreme has become a beacon of creativity and inclusivity in the local dance scene, inspiring both aspiring dancers and seasoned professionals alike. Best dance academy in India Natraj and Dance Extreme recently garnered acclaim as Natraj was honored with the prestigious Pride India Awards. This recognition, partly attributed to their collaboration with LP4Y Chennai, celebrates their dedication to Dance Extreme's social initiatives, empowering Youth through dance. Dance Extreme was hailed as the best dance academy in India for its commitment to initiatives such as regular workshops with LP4Y, engagements with Government Observation Homes in Tamil Nadu, guest lectures about dance as a powerful changing tool in the society, and his choreographies that carry social messages. This accolade not only highlights his excellence in dance education but also underscores their significant contribution to Social change. Empowering LP4Y's Young Women One of the most profound impacts of the collaboration between LP4Y and Dance Extreme is evident in the transformation of the young women participating in LP4Y's programs. Through dance workshops and engagements facilitated by Natraj, these young women have found a platform for self-expression, confidence-building, and personal growth. From initially shy and hesitant individuals, they have blossomed into empowered dancers, showcasing their talents with pride and joy. Ophélie, Coach at the TDC Chennai “I have seen poignant moments of empowerment, such as a shy participant flourishing into a confident dancer and a group of reserved young women finding their voice through dance.” Natraj, founder of Dance Extreme "This empowerment not only enriches the lives of these individuals but also resonates throughout the Kannagi Nagar community, inspiring others to embrace their potential and pursue their dreams." The Future of Collaboration Looking ahead, the collaboration between LP4Y and Dance Extreme holds immense potential for further impact and growth. Both organizations envision an evolution marked by deeper engagement, expanded outreach, and innovative programming. Ophélie “As a coach at LP4Y, working closely with the young women in our program, I see immense potential in our collaboration with Dance Extreme. Through this partnership, I expect our participants to not only refine their dance skills but also to experience profound personal growth. I anticipate that they will gain confidence, develop a sense of empowerment, and discover new avenues for self-expression. Moreover, I believe that this collaboration will provide our participants with valuable opportunities for community engagement and leadership development. Ultimately, I envision our young women emerging from this collaboration as empowered individuals, equipped with the skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges and pursue their aspirations with determination and resilience.” Natraj "As the Youth continue to harness the transformative power of dance, their collective efforts are poised to create lasting change and empower generations to come."

LP4Y is built on well-defined principles of non-profit, non-religious, and non-political engagement. However, some countries, such as Bangladesh, embrace religion as a shared lifestyle, having an impact on the whole ecosystem for one month during Ramadan. As in many other Muslim countries, Bangladesh adapts its working hours in the public and private sectors to match them to the needs and demands during the Holi month of Ramadan. In most places, the office time has been reduced  to 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Ramadan started on March 11th, 2024 in Bangladesh and ended on April 10th, 2024. In the Training and Development Center (TDC) of Dhaka, all the Youth were very much concerned and dedicated to do Ramadan. For Rani, Youth in the TDC, it is a way to devote themselves towards good virtues. In the TDC Dhaka we also took the decision to adapt the schedule to match with the capacity of the Youth to fully concentrate and feel that they always evolve in the best conditions to come everyday to the center to continue to get new skills. The Youth had to come from 9 am to 4 pm (instead of 8:30 am to 5:30 pm) with only 30-minute break time in the middle of the day (instead of 1 hour). Even if the working hours have been reduced, the training remains demanding. No activities had been removed from the schedule. The length of each of them was just shorter. Jannatul says that the Ramadan schedule applied in LP4Y makes it easier for her to “fully focus on her tasks to get the maximum from the training”. Aside from the training, the month of Ramadan required a lot of energy and dedication for the Youth. Indeed, they had to manage many things in their homes before and after training day. When they came back to their houses, most of them were in charge of preparing and cooking for Iftar. Their sleeping cycle was also rythmed by Sehri, the moment when they had to wake during the night to eat before the sunrise. Still, even though that month was super demanding for the Youth, the attendance in the TDC was breaking records and was better than before the beginning of Ramadan for the last two weeks (more than 80% of attendance on average compared to the 64% on average in February 2024 for example). The resiliency of the Youth in such context shows the great motivation that animates them. That adapted schedule had been built together with the Youth. Being flexible, listening and understanding the needs of the Youth was the key for them to feel comfortable, to come everyday and to keep their motivation high in any context. Ramadan represents also the opportunity to share informal moments together, Youth and Catalysts, with the celebration of Iftar time that happened on April 4th, 2024.

O pened in 2018, the Training & Development Center (TDC) in Chennai initially welcomed young women and men aged 17 to 24. Located at the heart of the Kannagi Nagar neighbourhood, 1 hour south of Chennai, the center is close to the community to better identify its challenges and needs. In 2020, following the COVID pandemic, the center was forced to close due to restrictions. It could only reopen in March 2022, but these 2 years allowed LP4Y and the Catalysts to assess the situation in this neighbourhood and adapt  the program to better fit the needs of the community. In April 2022, LP4Y reopened the center with a program dedicated to women only. In fact, after 4 years of activities in Kannagi Nagar, it appeared that the coeducation of men and women was a major issue within the community, especially within households (jealousy, domestic violence, sexual abuse, forced and early marriages...). By the end of 2019, only men were participating in the programs as women were no longer allowed to participate. An issue not only in terms of gender equality but also when we know that a woman invests over 80% of her salary in children's education and household functioning (compared to less than 40% for men) when she has access to employment ( report "Global Employment Trends for Youth 2022" from ILO ). The conclusion was clear: to have a significant impact on the Kannagi Nagar community, LP4Y would now primarily support women . Today, the center mainly welcomes young mothers averaging 28 years old, but also 20% of young women aged between 17 and 24. The Chennai center has its own Little Angel Academy , a daycare facility that accommodates the children (aged 6 months to 4 years old) of women participating in the LP4Y program. Zooming in: Kannagi Nagar, Chennai, India Kannagi Nagar carries numerous stereotypes. Largest resettlement area built in India , its population comes from various backgrounds, including fishermen who suffered displacement following the 2004 tsunami. Today, nearly 80,000 people live in this neighbourhood, where no businesses are established, suffering from multiple factors of exclusion: Geographical exclusion : Due to its proximity to the coast, Kannagi Nagar is regularly impacted by floods and cyclones. The community frequently finds itself cut off from the rest of the city with no access to main roads and businesses. Medical exclusion : There is no hospital or clinic established in this neighbourhood. It takes a minimum of 45 minutes to access medical care. Basic needs exclusion : Due to the lack of infrastructures and low water pipes, access to drinkable water is complicated and power cuts are common. Economic exclusion : Employment opportunities are mainly limited to local shops (tea and local food vendors, tailors, beauticians). To find decent jobs, one must travel at least 30 minutes (highly dependent on traffic and available means of transportation). A new Micro-Company for the Training & Development Center in Chennai In this context, LP4Y's action in Kannagi Nagar has taken on its full significance in combating the socio-professional exclusion of this community. Following the innovative pedagogy deployed in all LP4Y countries, the Youth at the Kannagi Nagar center used to manage a Micro-Company, called Move 4 Change , that offered sport activities to the Youth of the community. The outdoor area of ​​nearly 100 square meter attached to the center, well equipped by LP4Y's various partners, was particularly suitable to organize activities such as  badminton, football or yoga training, among others. By the end of 2023, the team in Chennai saw an evolution in the profile of Youths interested to join the program and the needs of the community. An intuition confirmed by a survey ran by the Youth over 200 families living near the center. The team decided to change the Micro-Company in Chennai from Move 4 Change to Care 4 Change .   The focus is now on health, nutrition, and child care , as well as support for pregnant women . Well-being and sports remain part of the TDC Chennai DNA as yoga, dance and boxing sessions are still offered at the center outside of the professional training hours to members of the Kannagi Nagar community. The new Micro-Company still enables young women to develop their professional and personal skills such as accounting, partnership, communication in English, and computer skills. THE TDC CHENNAI IN A FEW NUMBERS 181 Youths impacted since the opening of the center, among which 87% are women 81% Youth integrated since opening 1,835 total people impacted on average (the integration of 1 Youth benefits 8 people from its close environment, as per the United Nations) 108 community trainings ran since 2021