Laika Zab|STARS in TDC Howrah, India Laika (at the right) during the Entrepreneur Day in Howrak, Kolkata My name is Laika. I am a young woman who wants to be independent, confident, and to build a better future for myself and my family. I am a hardworking person who believes that learning and improving myself can help me grow. Step by step, LP4Y helped me come out of my comfort zone. Before joining LP4Y, I went through a difficult time in my life. I lost my father, and I did not receive much support from my uncles. During that time, I had very little confidence and was unsure about what I could do with my future. I came to know about LP4Y through mobilization. I decided to take the opportunity because I wanted to learn new skills, become independent, and gain confidence. When I joined LP4Y, I was nervous and found it difficult to speak confidently and face new situations. Laika speaking during an event Step by step, LP4Y helped me come out of my comfort zone. I learned how to communicate by taking part in event organization and going for mobilization. I also learned how to work in a team, face challenges, and most importantly, believe in myself. One of my biggest challenges was preparing to be the Master of Ceremony for a big event with people from different organizations. I was nervous, but I did not give up. I practiced with the Coaches and Catalysts, and my team also supported me. With their support and my own effort, I became more confident and improved myself. Through this experience, I realized something important and that is I was always confident. I just needed a mirror to see it. My biggest motivation was to become independent and create a better future for myself. After losing my father, I understood that I had to become strong and take responsibility for my own life. Instead of letting my difficulties stop me, I decided to use them as a reason to keep moving forward. Today, I am working as a teacher in an English-medium school. Teaching has made me more confident, responsible, and comfortable communicating with others. I enjoy working with children and sharing my knowledge with them. I am proud of how far I have come. My journey has taught me that difficult situations do not have to define our future. With courage, learning, and the willingness to keep trying, we can create a better future for ourselves. Laika at work

Dian Safitri|STARS, Indonesia My name is Dian Safitri, I’m 24 years old and I finished the program at TDC Jakarta in December 2021. I currently work in the creative industry as a Graphic Designer, focusing on new product development projects for a perfume company in Indonesia. I’ve been working at PT Sant Group Indonesia for more than two years, mainly creating visual concepts for new products, packaging, and branding. When I was given the opportunity to work on this nutrition animation project with LP4Y, I was honestly very excited. For me, it was not just another design project, but also a new challenge. Animation and storytelling are not actually the main focus of my daily job, so I saw this as an opportunity to step outside my usual creative routine and explore something different. Dian working on the animations What I enjoyed the most was turning information into a story that people could actually relate to. Instead of simply explaining what healthy food is, I wanted the audience to see themselves in the characters and their everyday situations. One of the biggest challenges was making the video feel universal while still being relatable to young people. The project involved several different countries, but I noticed that many young people actually face very similar problems when it comes to their daily nutrition. They may be busy with work or university, skip breakfast, choose junk food, or simply forget to pay attention to what they eat throughout the day. That became the starting point for my storytelling approach. I wanted the message to feel less like a lecture and more like a reflection of real life. For the opening, I created a video-call scene between friends because I wanted to capture something that feels familiar to Gen Z. From there, the story follows their everyday routines. Going to work or university, being too busy to eat properly, and eventually feeling tired because they haven't had enough nutritious food.I wanted the message to feel less like a lecture and more like a reflection of real life: “Wait, I do that too.” Interestingly, while I was researching and creating the videos, I also became more aware of my own eating habits. I started paying more attention to what I eat in a day and thinking more carefully about whether my meals actually provide the nutrition I need. That was probably one of the most meaningful things I learned from the project. Sometimes, we already know that eating healthy is important, but we don't necessarily stop and think about what that means in our everyday lives. This is also why I think LP4Y's approach is meaningful. Through a creative and accessible format like animation, nutrition education can reach young people in a way that feels more engaging and easier to understand. I believe many young people experience similar struggles but may not realize how their daily food choices can affect them. While I was creating a story to hekp young people become more aware of their nutrition, I became more aware of my own choices too. Dian with the script and the editing software Even though the characters came from different countries, their struggles could still be connected through one simple story: young people trying to balance their busy lives while making better choices for themselves. After the videos were completed, the feedback from the team also helped me see the project from another perspective. Small details such as the way a character speaks, the food they eat, or how a scene is presented, can make a story feel much more authentic to its audience. Looking back, I learned that creating something for a social or educational purpose is different from simply creating something visually appealing. The design needs to serve the story, and the story needs to serve the people who are watching it. And perhaps the most unexpected part is that while I was creating a story to help young people become more aware of their nutrition, I became more aware of my own choices too.

By Thandar Aung|Youth, Myanmar My name is Thandar Aung and I am currently registered at the Training and Development Center at Yangon, Myanmar. I am 20 years old and I am an only child. Thandar Aung during the Graduation I only completed middle school due to COVID-19 pandemic and various problems in my country. Since the pandemic hit, I started to feel lost and this lasted for almost 4 years. I had no idea what to do with my life and I was wasting all my time on social media. Since I am an only child, the financial and family responsibilities fall on my head. So, I tried to apply for jobs without enough experience. I got interviewed by a company but they said “you have no experience about the position” so they couldn't give me a chance. Then I was depressed a lot. I couldn’t help my parents by working. One day, my friend who is a STARS from LP4Y recommended me to join the program. She said "it is a good training center for Youth who feel lost in their paths" and want experience in office tasks. Also she said that she got a decent job at Wall Street English after she finished the program. This pushed me to decide and register in the program at LP4Y. My first day at TDC Yangon was Impressive Youth who are seniors were working like professionals. I felt very inspired. LP4Y warmly welcomed me. Now I am in the program for nearly 4 months. During these months, I found my hidden talents and skills that I thought I didn't have such as public speaking, event organization, team leadership, task and time management. I became more independent and confident after joining the program. Thandar Aung working at TDC Yangon In the Micro Company, there are 4 departments such as HR & Finance, Communication & Marketing, Partnership, and Learning & Development. I have experience working in 3 departments except for the Learning & Development department. I thought the HR & Finance department would be a challenge for me but I realized I enjoy the tasks a lot. At first, I didn't know what kind of job position I would like to apply for. But now after joining the program at LP4Y, I have one job position in my mind and it is administrative. For the Communication & Marketing department, there were no challenges for me because I do have experience in editing videos. I had a fan account for movies, series and idols. In this department, I improved my editing and content creation skills. For the Partnership department, firstly communication and building networks was a challenge for me. But I overcame those challenges and participated in managing mobilization and writing scripts for online mobilization. There is a huge difference between the person I was before the LP4Y program and the person I am now. In conclusion, there is a huge difference between the person I was before the LP4Y program and the person I am now during the LP4Y program. There is a growth in my mindset and my behavior and an improvement in my skills and confidence. I want to thank LP4Y's Catalysts for always guiding me. LP4Y is a second home to me. I am very happy also because I made a lot of friends here. Thandar Aung

Muhammad Fakih - Youth from Jakarta Muhammad Fakih, Hotel Guest Service Staff at Citi M Hotel "I went to the city with nothing but hope, and my first days were filled with fear, confusion, and homesickness." I was only 16 years old when I decided to leave my hometown. I was just a junior high school graduate, with no higher diploma and no special skills. All I had was the courage to find better work so I could help my parents and change the fate of my simple family. I went to the city with nothing but hope, and my first days were filled with fear, confusion, and homesickness. Life in Jakarta was heavy and painful, but I kept going because I wanted to support the people waiting for me at home. Three years later, just when life was starting to feel a little more stable, tragedy came. My father passed away. The world felt like it collapsed, because the person who was my biggest reason to keep fighting was suddenly gone. Even though my heart was broken, I kept walking, carrying prayer and memories as my strength. After my father’s death, I quit my previous job. I couldn’t stay there while my heart was still grieving. I followed my brother to Sumatra and worked as a construction laborer, digging soil every day under the burning sun. My hands were bruised, wounded, and full of calluses, but I survived. The pay was small and the work was hard, but that’s where I learned about endurance. In Sumatra, another bad news came, my mother fell sick. I went back home immediately. I abandoned work, plans, and dreams, because nothing was more important than being by my mother’s side. I took care of her for nine months: feeding her, bathing her, cleaning her, talking to her, and trying to bring back the memories she slowly lost to sickness. I sold the only thing I had was my motorcycle just to survive and to buy her needs. She grew thinner, weaker, and finally, she left. With both my parents gone, I felt like I no longer had a home, no longer had a voice calling my name, and no longer had direction. I lived with numbness, losing motivation, and slowly breaking down inside. "I learned discipline, communication, confidence, and work ethic. I trained seriously because I knew this was my chance." Muhammad Fakih, Hotel Guest Service Staff at Citi M Hotel A year passed. I worked again as a laborer, and every day looked the same tired, dirty, and without purpose. I realized that if I continued like that, my life would go nowhere. So I stopped, not because I gave up, but because I wanted a different path. I started a small business and sold goods around the area for one year. It wasn’t easy, sometimes I earned, sometimes I didn’t but I learned to stand on my own feet. Until one day, I met LP4Y. I was scared at first, afraid to hope again, but I joined. LP4Y became the turning point. I learned discipline, communication, confidence, and work ethic. I trained seriously because I knew this was my chance. Slowly, things began to change. I received three internship opportunities in multinational companies, something I never imagined. And after that, I got a real job offer in a hotel. Today, I’m still working there, earning a better income, building my life, and chasing new dreams. I am also continuing my education because I believe it’s never too late to learn. One of my biggest dreams is to work abroad and pursue higher education. I may be a child who once lost everything, parents, direction, and hope but from that darkness, I rose again. And now, I move forward with the belief that my future is full of possibilities.

Group picture Testimonial from Veolia Services Indoneia "This collaboration with LP4Y also demonstrated genuine commitment to empowering elderly communities and promoting a circular economy with a quick session of our VSI recycling activity." We are amazed by LP4Y for their contribution to our keychain-making activity together to celebrate World Environment Day at the Retirement House last June. This activity not only provided an opportunity for the elderly to have a different daily activity, but also created meaningful moments of togetherness. Not only the elderly residents, but the Youth and Catalysts of LP4Y were also very enthusiastic and engaged throughout the activity. This collaboration with LP4Y also demonstrated genuine commitment to empowering elderly communities and promoting a circular economy with a quick session of our VSI recycling activity. We hope that this collaborative activity with LP4Y will continue with other initiatives in the future. Testimonial from Cindy, Youth in management Step in Surabay Elders during the activity Joining the activity with Veolia at the nursing home was a truly meaningful experience. Beyond being fun and inspiring, it gave me the opportunity to connect with others, share joy, and learn valuable lessons through the power of giving back. It reminded me that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Thank You Veolia. Testimonial from Salsa, Youth in management Step in Surabay We were truly amazed by the meaningful event organized by Veolia at the Retirement House. At first, I felt that the experience was a real lesson in patience, but seeing the enthusiasm and happiness of the elderly made every moment feel worthwhile. The keychain-making session was especially fun and gave us the opportunity to connect, create, and share joyful moments together. Beyond the fun activities, this experience gave me a new perspective, valuable knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of caring for and connecting with the elderly. Thank you, Veolia, for creating such a meaningful experience and reminding us that kindness, patience, and genuine connection can make a difference. ❤️ Salsa, Youth from TDC Surabaya, helping in the upcycling workshop with the elders and Veolia

By Sumaiyah Khan | Catalyst, Bangladesh Coach Al Amin in the Bashantek Floods For the Youth, Life Project 4 Youth is more than a training center. It is a place where they dev elop professional and life skills, take responsibility, work with their peers, build confidence, and prepare themselves for a more independent future. Every day at the center is part of a larger journey toward personal growth and professional development. On July 12th, the Bhashantek area experienced severe flooding, making many roads difficult and sometimes impossible to cross. For the Youth of Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y), this created an unexpected challenge: reaching the training center and continuing their learning journey. The flooding affected not only transportation but also many families. In several areas, water entered homes, making it difficult for families to manage their daily lives and ensure their safety. For the Youth, the situation meant having to make difficult decisions between continuing their regular activities and responding to the urgent needs around them. Despite the difficult conditions, some Youth still made the effort to reach the center. Their journey was not easy, but their determination showed how strongly they value their learning and responsibilities. Their presence demonstrated that difficult circumstances do not always have to stop young people from pursuing their goals. However, not every Youth was able to make the journey. For some, the roads around their homes were heavily flooded, while others had to stay with their families because water had entered their homes. Their absence was not a sign of a lack of motivation. It reflected the responsibilities and challenges they faced in their everyday lives. The Road in Front of the TDC Understanding these circumstances, the Coaches and Catalysts of Life Project 4 Youth decided to visit the Youth at their homes. These home visits were an important part of supporting the young people during the difficult situation. The Coaches and Catalysts checked on their safety, listened to their experiences, and tried to understand what each family was going through. The home visits were more than simple follow-ups. They showed the Youth that they were not forgotten just because they could not attend the training center. The visits strengthened the connection between the Youth and the LP4Y team and created a sense of care and belonging during a challenging time. For the Coaches and Catalysts, seeing the situation directly also provided a better understanding of the realities faced by the Youth outside the training center. It reminded the team that every young person has a different story, different responsibilities, and different challenges that can affect their learning journey. Coach Al Amin during Kolpona's Home Visit The experience highlighted an important part of Youth development: support means understanding people in the context of their real lives. The flood also created an opportunity for the Youth to demonstrate resilience in different ways. Those who came to the center showed determination to continue learning, while those who stayed home demonstrated responsibility toward their families. Both responses reflected strength and maturity. As the flood situation gradually improved, the roads became accessible again and the Youth started returning to the center. Their return was a reminder that temporary difficulties do not have to define the direction of their future. For many young people, the journey toward independence is already filled with challenges. They may face family responsibilities, financial difficulties, transportation problems, or other unexpected situations. Experiences like the flood can make that journey even more difficult, but they can also teach valuable lessons about patience, flexibility, problem-solving, and resilience. A Flooded Youth's House The experience also showed the importance of having a supportive community around young people. At Life Project 4 Youth, learning happens not only through training sessions but also through relationships, teamwork, shared responsibilities, and real-life experiences. The Youth support one another as peers, while Coaches and Catalysts guide and encourage them. When difficulties arise, the strength of that connection becomes even more important. The home visits during the flood were a clear example of how the LP4Y community can come together when young people need support. The events of July 12th also reminded us that Youth development does not happen in a perfect environment. Young people learn and grow while facing real-life situations. They learn how to make decisions, adapt to unexpected circumstances, take responsibility, and continue working toward their goals. The flood became one of those real-life lessons. The experience also connected strongly with the idea that different contexts can lead to similar aspirations. The circumstances of young people may be different, but their dreams are often similar. They want to learn, become independent, support their families, develop meaningful careers, and create better opportunities for their future. The flood may have changed their daily routine for a while, but it did not change those aspirations. As the water eventually went down and life slowly returned to normal, the Youth continued their journey at Life Project 4 Youth. The difficult day became another chapter in their learning experience: one that demonstrated courage, responsibility, community support, and hope. The story of July 12th is therefore not simply a story about flooding. It is about determination in difficult circumstances, about caring for others, and about understanding that every journey looks different. Marzia's Home It is also a reminder that sometimes progress is not about moving forward quickly. Sometimes progress means waiting until it is safe, supporting your family, accepting help, and then continuing when the opportunity comes. As the Youth returned to the center, they brought with them more than their usual energy and enthusiasm. But with determination, support, and resilience, the journey can continue. The floodwater eventually disappeared from the roads. The Youth returned to their training. Their goals remained ahead of them, waiting to be pursued. The roads were flooded, but their aspirations remained strong. The journey became difficult, but they continued moving forward. The water covered the roads, but it could never cover their dreams.

Ashqrat | Youth, TDC Cairo, Egypt My name is Ashaqrat, I am currently in the Responsibility Step at LP4Y and entering my second month in training. I work in the Partnership department of my Micro-Company, and I have learned a lot of new things. I would like to work with NGOs in the future and be a social worker. I had the opportunity to participate in a Mock Interview with PartnerRe to improve my skills in presenting myself in a professional context. I really enjoyed this interview. The interviewer was honest and open with me, and she shared her own experience with a similar challenge, which made me feel understood. She also gave me helpful advice. I really appreciated how she recognized my strengths and focused on them when she noticed that I couldn’t see them myself. This helped me become more confident throughout the interview. She created a good balance between professionalism and making the conversation feel natural and human. She knew when to share her own experience and when to guide me. I also liked that she gave me enough space to talk and express myself, and she stayed open to answering all my questions until the end of the interview. Her feedback helped me understand my strengths better because she explained what they were and how she noticed them.

Youths in GV Chattisgarh, India Three times a year, LP4Y centers pa use their regular program for a day dedicated entirely to safety. It's a simple idea with a serious purpose: give Youths and Catalysts the knowledge and reflexes to protect themselves, each other, and the spaces they share every day. On July 28, that mission took on a new dimension: centers across eight countries came together online for a session focused on preparing for natural disasters, coordinated in partnership with Veolia Foundation. One Session, Eight Countries Youths & Catalysts in Nepal From Egypt to the Philippines, by way of Lebanon, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Indonesia, Youths and Catalysts logged on together for an interactive global safety session. It was the second edition of this partnership between LP4Y and Fondation Veolia, and it built directly on the lessons of the first: this time, the session was more dynamic, more focused, and more collaborative, with country-specific guidance tailored to the real conditions each center faces. Leading the session for Fondation Veolia, alongside colleagues Luc Zeller and Sebastien Viallet, one team member described the experience as a genuine exchange rather than a one-way lesson: "Exchanging real-world experiences with young emerging generation from these diverse communities was inspiring. Empowering youth through practical knowledge and risk awareness remains an essential priority for us." That exchange, they noted, is exactly the point: building resilience isn't something you can teach from a script. It has to be practical, interactive, and rooted in the specific risks each community actually faces: "The highly interactive dialogue allowed us to share field-tested expertise with young delegates across multiple regions. Fostering open communication and practical skill-building with youth is vital for building resilient communities." The Veolia Foundation team closed their reflection with thanks to everyone who made the day possible: "A sincere thank you to LP4Y and all the dedicated participants for their enthusiastic engagement!" What It Looked Like on the Ground For the Youths and Catalysts actually in the room, Safety Day is less about the format and more about what sticks afterward. At TDC Howrah, Md Bilal, a Youth in the Management Step, walked away with concrete tools he plans to use immediately: "I learned about different safety rules, how to prevent accidents, and what to do in an emergency. I also learned the importance of staying alert and helping others stay safe. My favourite moment was the practical demonstration and group activities because they helped me understand safety in a fun and easy way." What made the difference, he said, wasn't the theory: it was the hands-on practice. And the lessons don't stop with him: "This session will help me stay safe in my daily life and make better decisions during emergencies. I will share what I learned with my family and encourage them to follow safety rules to keep everyone safe." At TDC Cairo, Coach Nermeen saw the day's impact from a different angle: not just as new knowledge, but as a shift in confidence, especially for the young women she works with: "For me, Safety Day is really about empowering the Youth. Many of these girls haven't thought about safety or emergencies before, so giving them this knowledge builds their confidence and teaches them how to protect themselves and others. It's an essential life skill that every young person needs, and seeing them learn and grow from it is super rewarding." Why It Matters Safety Day in TDC Howrah, India Safety Day isn't a one-off training is day to learn and practice, and a day to master the safety of the environment each Youth and Catalyst calls home. As climate change makes natural disasters more frequent and more severe across the World, and as the communities LP4Y works with are often those most vulnerable to their impact, this edition's focus on preparedness felt more relevant than ever. With Veolia Foundation's continued partnership bringing field-tested expertise into the conversation, and Youths and Catalysts bringing their own lived context from eight different countries, the July session was a reminder that safety is a skill. A sincere thank you to Fondation Veolia for their continued partnership and dedication to youth empowerment. See you at the next Safety Day.

Selly | STARS in TDC Surabaya, Indonesia Selly @ an Impact Meeting in 2023 Hello everyone. My name is Selly. Before joining LP4Y, I spent my days helping my parents. Everything changed when my family encouraged me to join LP4Y's job training program. I started my journey with LP4Y in 2022, and it became a turning point in my life. At LP4Y, I learned far more than technical skills. I developed computer literacy, practiced English every day, improved my financial management, and built confidence through public speaking. Just as importantly, I met inspiring people who motivated me to keep growing. Selly @ a Company Visit at Mercure, Grand Mirama Hotel, Surabaya Indonesia Even before graduating from LP4Y, I secured a position at Burger King. Balancing full-day training with evening and overnight work was challenging, but LP4Y had prepared me with the discipline, resilience, and determination to succeed. After one year and five months at Burger King, I continued building my career at PT Veolia Services Indonesia for four months. At first, I hesitated to apply because I already had a stable job at Burger King. However, after discussing the opportunity with one of the LP4Y Catalysts, I decided to take the chance. I believed that working at Veolia would give me valuable new experiences and better career prospects, including a higher salary. Although I only stayed there for a short time, I gained valuable knowledge and learned a lot from the experience. Selly & TDC Surabaya Team in 2022 After that, I worked at PT Massyndo Gemilang for six months. Wanting to challenge myself and gain experience outside Surabaya, I decided to move to Bandung. Today, I am proud to be working at Dikichi Bandung, around 9–10 hours away from Surabaya by train. Taking this step required courage and confidence, and I am grateful to LP4Y for helping me develop both. Those qualities continue to support me as I pursue new opportunities and grow in my career. Looking back, joining LP4Y was one of the best decisions of my life. The knowledge, skills, confidence, and mindset I gained continue to help me every day in my career and personal growth. I am deeply grateful to LP4Y for giving me the opportunity to transform my future. Thank you.

Green Village Bangladesh Md. Iftekhar explaining what work is done in the Refraction Room. On Thursday, July 16, 2026, 14 Youth from GV-Bangladesh Batch 49 stepped out of their regular center activities and into a live professional environment. As part of a collaborative partnership activity, the group visited the RDRS Eye Care Center in Harivanga, Lalmonirhat, gaining firsthand insight into how a structured healthcare organization operates. The visit was designed to bridge the gap between skill-building at the center and the practical dynamics of the professional world. The day began with a warm welcome from Center Manager Md. Iftekhar Hossain, whose friendly smile immediately put the youth participants at ease. Rather than simply explaining how the eye hospital operated, he invited them to experience the journey firsthand, walking alongside them through each department and revealing how every step contributes to quality patient care. The tour started at the Reception & Registration area, where patients arrived, registered their information, received service tokens, and patiently waited for their turn. Here, the participants saw how organization and efficiency create a positive first impression for every visitor. Suborna getting her eyes checked From there, the group moved into the Vision Room, where basic eye screenings were conducted. They observed how simple assessments help identify potential vision problems and lay the foundation for further examination. The next stop was the Refraction Room, where specialized eye tests were performed to determine patients' precise vision needs. Watching the careful attention given to each individual helped the Youth understand the importance of accuracy and technical expertise in healthcare. The journey continued into the Doctor’s Consultation Room, where patients met directly with the eye specialist. Here, diagnoses were explained, questions were answered, and treatment options were discussed with compassion and professionalism. Md. Iftekhar Explaining Test Room Activities Finally, the participants visited the Specialized Testing Room, where additional diagnostic procedures, such as eye pressure tests, were completed before the final prescription was prepared. By the end of the tour, the youth had witnessed how every department, every staff member, and every process worked together seamlessly to provide patient-centered care. The experience was more than just a tour: it was a lesson in teamwork, coordination, and service excellence. They discovered that behind every successful organization is a team of individuals, each performing a vital role to achieve a shared goal. Following the operational visit, Md. Iftekhar shifted the focus from observing the workplace to preparing the youth for their own professional journeys. During an interactive career orientation session, he demystified the recruitment process, explaining what happens after a job application is submitted and how employers identify the right candidates. He encouraged the participants to develop not only technical knowledge but also the soft skills that employers value most: reliability, effective communication, adaptability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. These qualities, he explained, often make the difference between a good candidate and a great one. Md. Iftekhar giving feedback to the Youths The highlight of the session came when theory turned into practice. Several participants volunteered to take part in live mock interviews, stepping into the role of real job applicants. Some entered the room with visible nervousness, but with each question and every piece of constructive feedback from Md. Iftekhar, their confidence steadily grew. The exercise provided a safe space to practice interview techniques, improve communication skills, and gain firsthand insight into employer expectations. As the day came to an end, the participants left with much more than an understanding of workplace operations. They carried home new confidence, practical career skills, and a clearer vision of the professional world they aspire to join. What began as a simple facility tour became an inspiring learning journey, one that connected healthcare operations with career readiness and motivated the Youth to take their next steps toward meaningful employment. This exposure visit left a lasting mark on the Youths. They didn't just learn about professional environments: they experienced the pace, the expectations, and the energy of an active workplace. Armed with insider recruitment advice, practical interview experience, and a deeper understanding of what makes a team work, the 14 Youths returned to their center highly motivated. They stepped out of the RDRS Eye Care Center not just with new knowledge, but with a clear, focused vision for their own professional futures.

By Ashraful Alam Sajal | Catalyst in GV Bangladesh My name is Ashraful Alam Sajal served as a Catalyst at Green Village Bangladesh, part of Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y) from 1 August 2025. My mission was to support Young Adults in developing the skills they need to build an autonomous and meaningful life. When I first joined, I thought my role was simply to teach. Now I realize that I learned just as much from the Young Adults as they learned from me. Every day brought new opportunities to witness transformation. Sometimes the changes were significant, like a Young Adult speaking confidently in front of a group for the first time. Other times they were quieter, such as someone beginning to believe in themselves. Both kinds of progress were equally meaningful. GV Bangladesh' Catalysts One experience I will always remember was preparing the Young Adults for Entrepreneurs Day. They were nervous about presenting their ideas. Many doubted themselves and wondered if anyone would listen. So, we practiced together again and again. With every rehearsal, they became more confident. We celebrated every improvement and reminded each other that making mistakes is part of learning. The day of the event remains one of my proudest moments. The Young Adults stood before an audience with confidence. They presented their projects, answered questions, and expressed their ideas with pride. Their confidence was not built overnight: it was the result of courage, persistence, and continuous practice. I also had the opportunity to participate in the LP4Y Bangladesh Country Forum. Meeting colleagues from across the LP4Y network, sharing experiences, and discussing challenges reminded me that our work is part of something much bigger than one center. We are part of a global movement that believes in the potential of every Young Adult. Throughout my journey, I organized community activities and workshops that connected Young Adults with new opportunities, partners, and experiences. These initiatives showed me that lasting change is only possible when communities, partners, and teams work together with trust and shared purpose. Sajal Giving a Graduation Certificate to Bipasha I witnessed countless victories that may never appear in reports but were deeply meaningful. Young Adults supported one another, stepped into leadership roles, learned to communicate effectively, and built strong teamwork skills. These everyday victories were the true measure of transformation. One of my greatest lessons was understanding that success is not simply about finding a job. Success is about confidence, hope, autonomy, and believing that you have the power to shape your own future. Before joining LP4Y, I believed coaching meant teaching people. Today, I know that coaching is first about listening. The Young Adults taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of believing in someone's potential even before they believe in themselves. This experience completely changed the way I see social impact. It is not about giving people opportunities alone: it is about supporting them to feel respected, trusted, and empowered to create their own path. Every interaction with the Young Adults became a lesson for me. One of the greatest strengths of LP4Y is its collaborative spirit. We never work alone. I witnessed Young Adults supporting each other, colleagues working as one team, and partners generously sharing their expertise and time. Transformation happens when everyone contributes together. Receiving feedback from both the Young Adults and my colleagues support me growing every day. However, the greatest reward was seeing Young Adults become more confident, hopeful, and independent. Their progress became our shared success. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to John Delaporte and Laure Delaporte, the founders of Life Project 4 Youth, for their inspiring vision of empowering Young Adults around the world. Thank you for believing that every young person deserves an opportunity to build a better future. Bangladesh Catalysts I am truly grateful to have been part of this mission. I also want to thank my colleagues and the entire team at Green Village Bangladesh. You were more than teammates: you became my support system, my friends, and my family throughout this journey. We faced challenges together, celebrated achievements together, and learned from every experience together. Most importantly, I want to thank the Young Adults. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to be part of your journey. You taught me far more than I could ever teach you. Your courage, determination, and resilience inspired me every single day. To those who will continue this mission after me, I have one message: Believe in the process. Believe in the Youths. Transformation takes time. It requires patience, trust, and consistency. As coaches, we guide the journey, but the Young Adults are the ones who create the transformation. I joined Life Project 4 Youth hoping to make a difference in the lives of Young Adults. In the end, they made the greatest difference in mine. I came to support them and discover their purpose, but through them, I discovered my own. Thank you, LP4Y. Thank you, Green Village Bangladesh. This is not goodbye. Singing Off, see you again.

By Shafaque Ali, Founder & Designer, SHAFAQUE Designs Pvt. Ltd. | Mentorship Partner, LP4Y Malvani Interactive Mentorship Exchange at TDC Mumbai, India, by Shafaque Ali I am Shafaque Ali, a fashion designer and founder from Mumbai, trained at Polimoda in Florence, Italy, and recognised as a CCIFI France-India Young Talent 2026. My introduction to LP4Y came through the French Embassy in India, as part of a broader initiative connecting French-backed youth development programmes with young Indian entrepreneurs. When I was first approached to visit LP4Y's Training and Development Centre in Malvani, I said yes without fully knowing what I was walking into. I walked out changed. The session was an interactive mentorship exchange with a group of young women enrolled in LP4Y's programme. I was invited to speak about my entrepreneurship journey: about leaving Mumbai for Italy to study fashion, about working in New York at Hugo Boss, about coming home post pandemic and starting SHAFAQUE with very little capital and a great deal of optimism. What struck me, within the first few minutes, was the quality of their attention. These were young women from Malvani. One of Mumbai's most underestimated communities, who were leaning forward, not just listening, but thinking. One of them asked me a question: "When you were afraid, how did you decide to keep going?" I paused. Because the honest answer was complicated. And she knew it. She had asked the question because she already knew something about fear and continuation. That exchange redefined what mentorship means to me. I had arrived as someone with experience to share. I left with a question I am still answering. At SHAFAQUE, giving back is embedded in our DNA. As a Youth Delegate at UNCTAD 16, co-author of the UN Youth Declaration, and spokesperson at WIPO, I advocate for youth-led craft clusters, especially women in rural India. Their hands shape the future. What LP4Y does in Malvani is the same work in a different form: making visible the intelligence, the ambition, and the capacity of young people who have been systematically overlooked. The bridge they build from margin to mainstream is not a charitable gesture. It is a correction. As a France-India Young Talent, I am part of a bilateral conversation about what young leadership looks like between two cultures. LP4Y, with its global and deep presence in communities like Malvani, is one of the most honest expressions of that conversation I have encountered. I would say to any founder, designer, or business leader reading this: Not to give a talk. Go to listen. The young women in that room are not waiting to be saved. They are waiting for the room to acknowledge what they already carry. That acknowledgement costs nothing. And it changes everything. Shafaque Ali is the founder of SHAFAQUE Designs Pvt. Ltd.," is a contemporary design house for humans who lead, built from Indian craft, cut for the world." She is a UN/WIPO Youth Spokesperson, CCIFI France-India Young Talent 2026, and a graduate of Polimoda Institute, Florence. She can be reached at info@shafaque.com and at shafaque.com.