Which story would you like to read? 

By Norhan Sonny, Coach in TDC Taguig (Philippines) Norhan at the Nakati City Jail I began my mission as a Coach with Life Project 4 Youth on May 13th, 2025. As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Community Development, this opportunity holds profound meaning for me. It allowed me to finally serve within an international organization that actively promotes the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda , principles I once studied in theory and now live out in practice. Working alongside international catalysts and committed professionals has been both humbling and deeply fulfilling. During my first month as a Coach at the TDC Taguig , I found myself both inspired and challenged. I was initially overwhelmed by the organizational culture, particularly the strong emphasis on the learn by doing approach. While this method was not entirely unfamiliar, having practiced learn by doing and teach by showing during my college years, the LP4Y environment required me to unlearn certain habits and embrace a more immersive and action-oriented way of accompanying Youth. This shift pushed me beyond my comfort zone and reshaped my understanding of effective learning and leadership. Serving as a Project Coordinator , LP4Y taught me invaluable lessons in professional connection and collaboration . I learned how to engage with people not only with competence, but with empathy, accountability, and respect. One of the most challenging yet formative roles I undertook was serving as Mobilization Captain. Mobilization in Taguig presented unique difficulties due to its distinct context and realities. The experience tested my resilience, adaptability, and leadership, but it also strengthened my commitment to the mission of reaching the most vulnerable Youth. One of the most meaningful aspects of my journey as a Coach has been facilitating training sessions at the Makati City Jail. Listening to the stories of Persons Deprived of Liberty, their lives, struggles, and circumstances prior to incarceration deeply moved me . Their narratives reshaped my perspective, teaching me to be more compassionate, open minded, and grounded in humanity rather than judgment. These encounters reminded me that behind every statistic is a human story worthy of dignity and understanding. Recently, we organized a Christmas celebration inside the jail after months of pausing the training sessions due to conflicting schedules. When I returned on December 13, 2025, I was met with warm embraces from the PDLs. According to the wardens, they had been waiting every Saturday, hoping that the sessions would resume. That moment reaffirmed the impact of our presence and the importance of consistency in accompaniment . We now look forward with hope to resuming the sessions by February next year. Norhan at a Concentrix Event Working with Youth as a Coach requires immense emotional strength and courage . Each young person carries a story, often marked by hardship, neglect, and injustice, yet each story deserves to be heard. I often reflect that if these voices were truly listened to by government institutions, there would be a deeper understanding of the realities faced by many young people in the Philippines today. As a Youth myself, and as someone who once came from an underprivileged background, I see my own story reflected in theirs. This shared experience fuels my dedication and strengthens my belief in the transformative power of accompaniment, opportunity, and hope. Through Life Project 4 Youth, I am not only serving others but also continually being shaped into a more compassionate , resilient, and purpose-driven individual.

By Ei Pwin Phyu (STAR, TDC Yangon Myanmar) End of the Year Breakfast Event, TDC Yangon My name is Ei Pwint Phyu, and my region name is Soniya Jakalin. I'm 21 years old. My family are my father, my mother and my little brother: my family is important for me. I passed my Grade 10 exam in 2019, full of dreams and hope for the future. But in that same year, the world was hit by a terrible disease called COVID-19 . Suddenly, everything changed. The university I had dreamed of since childhood felt farther and farther away. Because of many difficult circumstances, even when the situation improved and I had the chance to continue my studies, I chose not to go. That decision marked the moment when I felt my life lose its direction. I was lost. I didn’t know what to do next. I couldn’t continue my education, and I couldn’t find stable work. Even after the pandemic ended, I remained at home, feeling stuck and unsure about my future. I worked for about a year, but when things didn’t work out, I returned home again, carrying disappointment and confusion in my heart. One day, while talking with my friends, I heard about Life Project 4 Youth. One of my friends was already a STAR (LP4Y Alumni), and he patiently explained the program to me. In that moment, a small light of hope appeared in my dark and uncertain life . 18th of August 2025 became a turning point in my life. On that day, I joined LP4Y. From the very beginning, everything started to change. I made new friends who supported and understood me. I learned many things I had never known before. I was able to clearly define my Life Project Plan for the first time in my life. With the guidance of the coaches, I received many training sessions that helped me grow, not only professionally but also personally. My communication skills improved , and I learned how to behave, dress, and carry myself in a professional way. I used to be someone who preferred to stay alone, but at LP4Y, I learned the true meaning of teamwork. Step by step, I began to find my path. LP4Y gave me experiences that shaped who I am today. Ei Pwint Phyu's Life Project Plan Presentation At LP4Y, I discovered who I want to become in life. I learned how to think clearly and plan my future step by step. Now, as I prepare to enter the working world, everything I gained from LP4Y has become a strong foundation for my journey ahead.   18 February 2026  marked another important day in my life. It was the day I said goodbye to LP4Y and prepared to step into the professional world. During these six months, I gained true friends, created joyful and unforgettable memories, and shared countless moments of learning and growth. I received a lot of training, and I was also proud to give training to others, realizing how much I had grown. Today, I have found the path I want to walk on. I have prepared myself for the journey, and I am ready to move forward with confidence. Although my journey at LP4Y as a YOUTH has come to an end, my connection to LP4Y will never end. As a STAR, LP4Y will always be a part of my life and my heart. When I first joined LP4Y, I saw the STARs and I admired them. I wanted to be like them. Now, I am a STAR too.

By Muhammad Alif Ainurrohman, LP4Y STAR from TDC Surabaya, Indonesia (December 2024) I want to begin with my deepest gratitude to the Coaches who have guided us, mentored us, and shaped our character. Without their patience and support, I would never have had the confidence to stand here and share my story today. There is a saying: “If you don’t know someone, you can’t love them.” So let me introduce myself. My name is Muhammad Alif Ainurrohman . I am a graduate of an Islamic boarding school, someone who enjoys content creation, and I am currently pursuing my studies at the State Islamic University Sunan Ampel Surabaya . Before joining Life Project 4 Youth , I actually had many abilities, but I did not know how to manage them well. I had no clear direction in life, no strong goals, and I did not fully understand my own passion. My daily habits were also holding me back. I often stayed up late, ate poorly, neglected my health, and frequently procrastinated. I knew I needed a change, but I did not know where to begin. Then, through a friend of a friend , I learned about a job training opportunity at LP4Y. I saw the potential of this opportunity and decided to join in September 2024. At the beginning, it was not easy. The environment was new, and adapting to a mixed-gender workplace felt uncomfortable for me. However, over time, I learned to adapt, and that became one of my first lessons in personal growth. At LP4Y, I gained much more than technical skills. I developed discipline , self-awareness , and strong character . LP4Y taught me how to communicate effectively, work well in a team, manage my emotions in challenging situations, and adapt to different environments. I also learned the importance of responsibility, healthy routines, and professionalism. These lessons became a strong foundation for my future. In December 2024, I applied for a job without much expectation. Just three days later, I was accepted. Soon after, I traveled to Wonosobo  (12 hours by train from Surabaya) to begin working. That was when I truly realized that everything I learned at LP4Y was meaningful . The skills and character I developed at LP4Y proved to be extremely useful in the workplace . My communication skills, teamwork, emotional control, and adaptability helped me face real work challenges with confidence. LP4Y not only prepared me for a job but also for growth and survival in a professional environment. To all the Youths currently developing their skills at LP4Y, keep your spirits strong. Renew your intentions, goals, and dreams. Make the most of every task given by the Catalysts, because how you carry out these tasks reflects who you will be in the workplace. Use your time wisely, and when you graduate from LP4Y, you will truly see the value of all the effort you invested. And to all the STARS , keep supporting one another. Let us continue working together to make LP4Y our second home, a place where dreams are nurtured and futures are built. This is all I can share. Any shortcomings in my words are entirely my own. Thank you, and see you again.

By Sajal Ashraful Alam (Coach in the Rangpur Green Village, Bangladesh) Youth Usha talking about harassment At Life Project 4 Youth (LP4Y), we believe that empowered Youths create empowered communities. This belief came to life when 10 dedicated Youths from the Micro-Company's Restaurant in the Rangpur Green Village, Bangladesh, stepped forward to organize and conduct a powerful Community Training on 'Awareness Against Harassment' at Dalagram Dimukhi High School. Reaching more than 130 young students, the initiative was born out of a critical realization of how some young students lacked clear knowledge of the subject of harassment. The group of 10 young and motivated Youths understood the severity of the problem and chose to take on the role of "changemakers"  in their own community. Youth Misti doing Community Training Registration Their aim & their goal were clear: to create a safe, informed, and confident generation that knows its rights and respects the rights of others. The following interactive sessions were prepared by the team with role plays and real-life scenarios, group discussions, open Q&A sessions, practical guidance on reporting harassment, building self-confidence, and peer support. More than 130 young students  were actively involved in the training. However, what created the power in the training wasn’t the number, but the transformation. Students learning about how to raise awareness against harrasment Students gained clarity about different forms of harassment (verbal, physical, online), learned the importance of speaking up, understood the concept of consent & respect, felt safe to share their personal concerns with the group, and gained confidence to support one another for the rest of the year. It was the first time for some students to openly discuss these matters. The most inspiring part of the initiative was empowering kids to empower kids. A Voice from the Training: “Now I understand that harassment is not something we should stay silent about. I feel more confident to protect myself and help my friends” . Q&A Session with High School Students This training is not the end — it is the beginning of a safer and more aware community. With 130+ young students empowered, the ripple effect will continue to spread across families, schools, and neighborhoods. At LP4Y, we don’t just train Youths. We build leaders, protectors, and change-makers. Because we believe “We Are The Future”.

Below is the graduation speech of Raphael Logares, a testament to resilience shared at the Concentrix Taguig campus during the latest LP4Y commencement in December 2025. Raphael's Testimony during his Graduation "Good day, everyone. Thank you, Concentrix team, for conducting this event and also allowing me to share my testimony. If someone had told me I’d be writing a testimony one day, I would’ve laughed and said, ‘Who would want to hear that? Yet here I am in front of you, ready to share with you all my experience and how it has shaped who I am today. My name is Raphael Logares - but you can just call me Raph. I’m 19 years old and currently training with Life Project for Youth (LP4Y) in Western Bicutan, Taguig City. And this is my journey in LP4Y. Before entering LP4Y, I graduated from Senior High School in ICT(Information and Communication Technology). After school, I tried to apply for college, but sadly, I didn’t pass, and I decided to find work. I got hired at SM City Bicutan as a sales clerk for 6 months: my experience there was fun and stressful at the same time. I had to check all the stocks in the cold room while also making merienda (snacks) to sell to the customers - “Turon” to be exact. My contract ended so I tried to apply for another job, but I didn’t find any until September 2, 2025 when my friend Kim told me about LP4Y. I got interested because he told me what things they were doing in the training, like computer literacy training. He explained to me the 4 Micro-Company (MC) departments that they had during that time. At first, I was hesitating to continue because I was not confident enough, and I doubted if I could continue it. I still continued because after interacting with the other Youths that time, I got comfortable and I got confident : I gained a lot of friends and learned a lot. The challenges I had in this training were speaking in front of crowds and communicating in English with the Coaches. I didn’t regret joining because I improved a lot while training: I got confident speaking in front of people, my English and my basic computer literacy improved a lot. My dream is to get a degree and to become an IT executive. This has been my dream since I was 16 years old because I’m amazed by how my uncle became the breadwinner of the family as an IT executive. My journey with LP4Y is fun, interactive, and I learn a lot during this training. I like doing company visits , mobilizations near our place to discover and persuade new Youths to join the training, doing community training for kids, teaching basic English, and other things they need to learn. Raphael's Life Project Plan (LPP) Presentation After this training , I will try to apply for college again and graduate so that I can get the degree I want: a BSIT (Bachelor of Science in Information Technology). And if I don’t get lucky, I will apply for a call center/ Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the Concentrix team that conducted the training to Youths from different branches of LP4Y. All the knowledge that they shared, such as 'How to cultivate creativity' , 'Cultivating a resilient spirit' , 'Cultivating meaningful work' , and many more. Before ending this testimony, I want to give you a simple quote: 'If others can do it, let them do it.'"

I am Hamida Akter Jeba , a proud Star of LP4Y, where I gained the foundation and confidence to pursue my aspirations. I now serve as a  Teacher at the Australian International School  in Dhaka, Bangladesh, dedicating myself to fostering young minds and creating an inspiring learning environment. Beyond the classroom, I am a dedicated Long-Distance Athlete  and Marathon   Runner . The discipline and endurance required for long-distance running mirror my approach to life, driving me to push past perceived limits. I channel this energy into my commitment as a Youth Mentor, where I aim to guide , motivate , and empower  the next   generation , proving that dedication and hard work can overcome any challenge. I want to start by saying how truly grateful I am to LP4Y. It’s a place where I not only learned, but also grew as a human being . The way LP4Y supports underprivileged young women in Bangladesh—with skill training, discipline, and confidence-building is very rare. Very few organizations take such bold steps and create such a real impact. With the belief “ Together We Can ,” LP4Y set up the first international NGO-based Training and Development Center (TDC) and Green Village (GV) centers in rural Bangladesh. These spaces became a home and a learning platform for young women to work, live, lead, and dream. Honestly, many people cannot even imagine such a setup in our society. Yet today, I see girls who once had no direction now working, taking responsibilities, starting small businesses, getting jobs, and standing on their own feet. I will forever be thankful to all the coaches and partners of LP4Y who stood by us through moments that once felt impossible. How My LP4Y Journey Started After completing my BBA and MBA, COVID-19 hit. The world shut down, and I felt stuck . In that confusing time, I came across LP4Y—their TDC centers, the coaches, and the young women learning there. I kept wondering: ‘Who are they? How are they motivating these girls? What is their mission?’ Slowly, that curiosity turned into the desire to join. And finally, I did. From the first day, I was  supported and encouraged by Coaches like Gasper, Toscane, Peter, Neome, and others. I found amazing fellow Youths with whom I shared everything—learning, struggles, achievements, celebrations. After completing the program, I joined the LP4Y Star Club , where Youths, Stars, and Coaches stay connected to support each other. I truly value volunteerism and social work, so whenever LP4Y needs me, I am always ready to support—happily and wholeheartedly.  How It All Began It was during my third year in the MIS department at the University of Dhaka . I was walking past Curzon Hall when I saw a huge crowd at the gymnasium field. People were running, shouting names, cheering loudly. I asked someone what was happening. It was a 5 km run—25 laps around the field. I was shocked. How do people run that long? How do they not collapse? I was told that girls only compete in short-distance events, usually 400 meters or less. When I showed interest in long-distance running, I heard comments like:  “You can’t run that far.” “Girls don’t do marathons.” “You’ll faint.” Those words stuck with me. And I decided to try anyway. I started joining races outside campus. That small curiosity soon grew into a passion then a dream, and finally, a part of who I am today. Today I am proud to be the  2nd Overall in the Kathmandu Marathon  2025 (42.195 km), and 1st among SAARC countries , competing with runners from around 130 countries. Where My Marathon Journey Really Started My first 5 km was in 2018 at a university event organized by Ironman Arafat and that event changed everything. My second 5 km got me 2nd place. Soon, I completed my first 10 km in Narsingdi. Then I discovered hills. I fell in love with them. Some of my memorable  achievements: Champion – 21 km Bandrathon (Bandarban) Champion – Shamshernagar Marathon, 2019 – 45 km Makrovat Trail Ultra, Meghalaya 2019 – 50 km Ultra, Gazipur  2021 – Champion, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Dhaka Marathon (Prize: 5 lakh taka) 2022 – 5th, Ladakh Marathon, India* 2025 – 2nd Overall, Kathmandu Marathon Dhaka half marathon 2020 2nd, This journey is only the beginning. Many more podiums are waiting. Family Acceptance & Struggles Coming from a conservative family, I kept my sports life hidden at first. I didn’t bring medals home—I kept them in my hall room. But my achievements started appearing on TV  and in newspapers. Relatives told my parents. Whenever my father was watching the news, my heart would race. Sometimes, when he left, I quietly turned off the TV. Slowly, slowly, they came to know. And after almost two years, they accepted it. Today, my family supports me fully. My Purpose Ahead My goal is to support the physical and mental well-being of underprivileged girls and women, helping them build confidence and courage. I want to bring more honor to my country and inspire more girls to stay active, healthy, and strong and mentally fit. Today, I proudly work at the Australian International School, Dhaka, and continue my journey as a marathon runner representing Bangladesh. My dream is to take my efforts—and my victories —even further for a better world.

Isa Nebres, department manager, testimony: What is your background at decathlon (how long have you been leader/whether you have taken on other missions or roles before…)? I began my journey with Decathlon as a working student, starting part-time while preparing for college. What was initially meant to be a two-month job for me evolved into a seven-year journey of growth and now 3 years in leadership. I was 19 when I was first entrusted to become one of the Layout Referents for Decathlon Alabang store. I’ve worked 4 years as a part-time working student, then as soon as I graduated, I applied full time as an Omni Sports Leader, 2 months into that role, I was offered to become part of Decathlon Fairview’s Leading Team as Team Sport Leader then later joined Decathlon Santa Rosa as Department Manager. In 2024, I was also entrusted to work alongside our Country Sport Leader as the Commercial Dynamism Referent for our Department’s ecosystem. What is the main thing you’d like Lowla and Reynan to remember their experience in your team and from the knowledge you are sharing with them ?  I want them to remember how Decathlon - people are always the heart of every project. No matter their background or experience, they carry potential waiting to be cultivated. Everybody can make difference, no mater where they start. Everyone begins somewhere, and there is always a « first time » for everything. What matters most is having the courage to believe in themselves  and to see a vision of where they want to go. Dare to make mistakes and learn. Being as you truly are: growth becomes not only possible but inevitable. I want Lowell and Reynan to remember that leadership begins with trust, trust in themselves, in others, and in the vision they carry forward. From 2, 5, 10 or even 20 years from today. I hope they leave knowing that their growth matters as much as the results they bring. If they ever become the leader they wish to become someday, (as they’ve written when I asked them « how do you want to be remembered? » or « visions of themselves ») I hope they pay forward the same trust and really invest in the people they’ll be entrusted to journey with. What did they teach you in return? They did remind me that when I was 18, like both of them, I was young, inexperienced, a working student, but given a chance. My leaders at Decathlon believed in me before I fully believed in myself. They entrusted me with opportunities that taught me vision, resilience, and the importance of people-centered leadership. That experience shaped the way I lead today. I believe people are always at the heart of every project. Skills can be learned, but trust and belief ignite real growth. This is what I wanted Lowela and Reynan to experience in our time together-that feeling of being seen, believed in, and guided with care. In return, they taught me to slow down, to value the process of growth, and to put others forward just as I was once lifted by someone else's belief. Their strengths-resilience, humility, teachability, are the same qualities that once helped me grow. It is inspiring to see these values carried forward by the next generation of leaders. In fact, when Lowela and Reynan onboarded. | journeyed with my two teammates' development by letting them lead with me for the journey of Lowela and Reynan. Statement shared by Reeve Noriega: Both of them have shown heart and determination during the months I’ve worked with them. The main thing I want them to remember is to always give your all, your potential is limitless, get out of your comfort zone, explore things, ask questions and always remember don’t lose the attitude of being a student of the game. They reminded me how important perseverance is. Despite having a hard time at the start, they never stopped learning what they needed to know even when things got challenging. With that lesson I’ve learned from them, I will not back down even if the progress is slow, try and try until you succeed.  Statement shared by Karen Arguelles: In the past three months with Lowela and Reynan, I’ve learned to be more patient with myself and intentional as a leader. Guiding them on the foundations, like layout and customer service, not only made our work lighter but also helped us create more and share best practices as a collective. For me, it was like being an ate, a bigger sister, making sure they stayed focused while also growing myself as a mentor together with our Department Manager, Denise and Reeve. This experience shower me that mentorship is both a responsibility and a gift, and together we exceed our commitments, with the ambition we carried in our hearts.  According to you, what are the strengths of Lowela and Reynan / the Youth that have been followed the LP4Y program?  Their biggest strengths are resilience, humility, and a willingness to learn. They are people-oriented and collaborative , with a natural ability to adapt to challenges. Like many Youth from the LP4Y program, they show a determination to grow, and not only in skills but also in character, and an inspiring capacity to embrace feedback and move forward. I love their genuine eagerness to grow, not just as individuals, but as contributors to a shared purpose.  Are Lowela and Reynan the first LP4Y graduates that you are working with? And would you like to recruit other Youths who followed LP4Y training ? Why ?  No, they weren’t the first, I’ve had many teammates like MJ, Neverlie, JC, Cecil, Lendy, Cielo and many more. But, they weren’t my first LP4Y graduates I have worked with since I became a Department Manager, and the experience has been both inspiring and fulfilling. I would absolutely like to recruit more Youth from the program because they bring unique strengths, resilience, openness and a deep sense of purpose, that enrich any team they join. Their growth mindset and eagerness to contribute make them strong assets in a people-centered, vision-driven culture like Decathlon’s. Lowelas’s testimonial “ My name is Lowela Moreal, and my story is one of growth, resilience, and a firm belief in my own potential. At 19 years old, as a young mother originally from Calauan, Laguna, I've already learned that success isn't defined by a straight, predictable path, but by the courage to face challenges head-on. My journey truly began when I decided to move to Santa Rosa to be closer to new opportunities, a decision that led me to two experiences that have shaped me profoundly: my time at LP4Y and my current role at Decathlon. ​My path of self-discovery started on September 12, 2024, when I joined LP4Y. It was there, particularly in the Learning and Development (LD) team, that I discovered my inner strength and began to understand what it means to be a professional. I still vividly remember my first week. As the only person from my department, I felt challenged by an upcoming event. I could have waited for someone to guide me, but instead, I took the initiative. I created a group chat and led the conversation with my teammates, coordinating our tasks and planning the event. It was a simple event, but the sense of accomplishment and shared joy we felt was unforgettable. This experience taught me a powerful lesson: to always remain positive and confident, no matter how difficult a situation may seem. It was a turning point that taught me to trust in myself and believe that I could handle any challenge. ​That lesson became invaluable as I took the next big step in my career. On May 5, 2025, I started my first day as an Omni Sales Assistant (OSA) at Decathlon. Initially, I knew nothing about the company, but as I researched it, I became captivated by its international scope and the opportunity it represented. I saw it as a chance to prove my capabilities and challenge the preconceived notions that often follow a young, unmarried mother who hasn't graduated from college. I was nervous on my first day, but that quickly faded as I was welcomed into a friendly, energetic, and dynamic environment. Everyone was so welcoming that I soon felt motivated and eager to learn everything I could. My role is to assist customers, and I strive to make every single one, especially first-time visitors, feel satisfied with our service. It's a job I truly love. ​At Decathlon, I am continuously developing my communication skills, which are crucial for ensuring customer satisfaction and building strong relationships with my teammates. But beyond the practical skills, the most important lesson I’ve learned from my mentors and colleagues is to be honest with myself. They’ve taught me that true success comes from authenticity, not from pretending to be someone you're not. This is a lesson that resonates deeply with me. My journey, from an LP4Y Youth to a Decathlon employee, has shown me that my past does not define me. I am determined to improve my skills and show everyone who I truly am, a person who is confident, resilient, and ready to achieve her goals. I am convinced that by staying true to myself and embracing every challenge, I will succeed." Reynan’s testimony: “ Hello! My name is Reynan Catarroja, and I’m 20 years old. I’m originally from Quezon Province but currently live alone in Santa Rosa, Laguna, where I work at Decathlon. I’m the second youngest among my siblings. In my free time, I enjoy attending church, swimming, and playing volleyball. After graduating from senior high school, I decided to move to Laguna to find work. That’s when I discovered LP4Y, a professional training program for excluded Youth, and I joined it in September 2024. I spent six months as part of the event organizing team, handling responsibilities across three departments. From this experience, I gained valuable skills, such as computer literacy and event management. Following my time at LP4Y, I was hired by Decathlon as an OSA on May 5, 2025. While completing my last month at LP4Y, I actively searched for jobs and was invited to an interview at Decathlon Santa Rosa. Although I received several job offers from different companies, I chose Decathlon because it was my dream job. I wanted to take on new challenges, learn more, and grow in an environment where I knew I would be a great fit. On my first day at Decathlon, I felt a mix of gratitude, excitement, and nervousness. Now, I’m focused on improving my layout skills and delivering world-class customer service. As an OSA, I always remember the most valuable advice my leader gave me: “Put yourself in the customer’s shoes. Be excellent at customer service, and remember, whatever you’re doing, the user is always your priority.” ““ LP4Y word: Every Youth who succeeds is proof that inclusion works. Through the LP4Y training and the support of partners like Décathlon, who believe in their potential, more young lives can be transformed. Let’s continue working together to create opportunities, break barriers, and build a future where every Youth has a place in the professional world.

My name is Atta, 19 years old . I am still young, but my life journey has made me grow up faster than my age suggests . I am a graduate of LP4Y, a place that not only teaches skills, but also supports my personal change , shaping the way I see the world and myself . Since childhood, I have been accustomed to living in silence . My mother rarely came home because she worked far away to support our family . I grew up alone, learning to cook by myself  and learning to calm myself  when the nights felt long. Even so, I never resented her. I knew that her absence was the quietest form of love  she had. After graduating with a degree in Computer and Network Engineering , I carried that diploma like a fragile hope . I applied to many places, but most rejected me or didn’t respond . My savings were dwindling , and I began to question how long I could hold on . That’s when I found LP4Y , a new hope  for a life that was beginning to fade. I came with hesitant steps , but with a strong desire to change my fate . My days at LP4Y gradually transformed my life . I learned to wake up early, be disciplined, value time, and work without fear of failure . There, mistakes weren’t a shame, but a learning process . My Catalyst became the most influential person in my life . Her gentle and understanding way of speaking  gave me the courage to try again  every time I stumbled. From her simple words, “Take your time, Atta,”  I learned that it’s okay to fail, it’s okay to be slow, as long as you keep moving forward . English, which used to make me nervous, now flows more smoothly . My confidence has grown . I’ve started to take initiative, work before being asked , and learn to see problems from different angles . When I joined the team, I brought ideas that made us work more productively . My friend said, “Your ideas always get the team moving.”  That made me feel more alive than my former self . Change breeds dreams.  In the near future, I want to become a WiFi technician , something close to my expertise . I want to buy a laptop  as a sign that my life is moving forward . I also want to become a futsal coach . I already have a license , and the field always makes me feel valuable . In the long term, I want to build a warm family  different from the quiet home  where I grew up. I want to have a comfortable house, a simple car, and a life full of love . Above all, I want to be proof that change is possible . That life can move forward  as long as we don’t stop . I chose the title “Melody and Intonation”  because these two words describe my relationship with this journey of life . Melody is the story of every beautiful moment, every ups and downs, and every meaningful memory. Intonation is how I understand the ups and downs of emotions, changes, and how I learn to express myself honestly. The two come together to form the music of my journey .

My name is Krishala Rai , and I am from Panchthar Rabi, Nepal . Before joining LP4Y, my life was very uncertain. I was jobless, shy, and had very little confidence in myself. I didn’t know what my dream was or what I wanted to do in life.  Every day felt the same, and even though I wanted to move forward, I didn’t know how. When I first heard about LP4Y , I shared it with my family. At first, they didn’t really understand what it was, but after I explained, they allowed me to join and supported me . That moment became the first small step  that slowly changed my life . When I entered LP4Y , everything began to change and I started my transformation . I was nervous and quiet in the beginning, but little by little, I started feeling comfortable . Our Catalyst treated us like their own children , always guiding us with patience, kindness, and support . Through the activities and training, I learned so many things that I never imagined I would learn. I discovered how to speak confidently , face interviews , prepare my CV , and understand my strengths . Before LP4Y, I didn’t even know what a CV was or how to present myself professionally.  LP4Y didn’t just teach me management and communication , it helped me see a new version of myself , someone who could dream and work hard for that dream . One of the most memorable parts of my journey was doing yoga with Puja, the Ecosystem Developer Catalyst . Those yoga sessions made me feel calm and peaceful , both mentally and physically. Whenever I joined, I felt lighter, happier, and more connected with myself . That simple moment became something very special  in my LP4Y experience because it gave me strength and positivity . Today, I am proudly working at Veritacore Nepal as a Photo Editor . Before LP4Y, I had no idea how a company worked or how to behave professionally.  But now, I can communicate confidently, manage my tasks, and work properly in a company environment . This job has helped me in many ways: financially, emotionally, and personally . I feel independent now , capable of supporting myself, and more prepared for my future . I have always loved nature, peace, and creativity , and through my editing work, I get to express that love every day . LP4Y truly changed my life.  It gave me direction, purpose, and hope . It helped me discover who I am , a young woman who believes in herself, works hard, and keeps growing every day . If I could say something to other young people, I would tell them not to be afraid of taking the first step . LP4Y is not just a program; it is like a family that supports you, believes in you, and helps you rise.  Before LP4Y, I was full of doubts , but now I can speak confidently, work professionally, and follow my dreams . I am proud of how far I’ve come, from a girl with no clear dream to an independent woman who believes in her own power . Change truly begins the moment you believe in yourself, and LP4Y helped me believe in myself.

My name is Ravi Yadav . I am 19 years old  and I come from Sakti District, Chhattisgarh . I completed my 12th grade in Science . My hobbies are playing sports and learning new things, and my dream is to become a teacher . Before joining LP4Y, I was at home doing nothing. My routine was only sleeping, waking up, and eating. Sometimes I helped my father with farming, housework, and receiving people at home, but most of the time I felt lost . I had forgotten who I was. I felt lazy, useless, and like a burden to my family . I had completely lost faith in studies because everyone around me kept telling me that studying had no value. Still, deep down, I wanted to do something meaningful , but I didn’t have a platform. My family always motivated me, telling me that I was a good student. I stopped studying for almost two years  because I wanted to support my middle-class family , even though my parents wanted me to continue my education. I tried to find work, but I didn’t get any. Then I asked myself, “Is this routine okay for me?”  And I realized it wasn’t. When I asked educated people (teachers, doctors) whether studying was important, all of them said yes . That was the moment I understood that I needed to return to studies . My father told my cousin, who is a government employee and also connected with LP4Y, about me. My cousin called me and told me about the Training & Development Center . My family encouraged me to go, saying, “This is a good chance for you to restart your life.” Now, I am doing training at the LP4Y Green Village in Chhattisgarh . When I first arrived at the center, a dog was barking and I was confused. Then Vasu (a senior Youth)  welcomed me. Everyone was having snacks, and at first I thought it was a boys’ hostel. When I saw girls too, I was shocked and surprised. Later, I joined everyone in a Garba dance . On my first day, I joined the morning briefing . Everyone was standing in a circle using sign language, and I didn’t understand anything. I thought, “What is this? How will I manage? Everyone knows English except me.”  But I found “Knowledge of the Day”  and “Thought of the Day”  during briefing time very interesting. After two or three days, I started feeling comfortable, and I started to change . I began enjoying everything. I learned so many new things; about business, interviews, jobs, and life in general . I also asked a lot of questions. People would say, “You always ask too many questions,”  but I didn’t listen because I wanted to learn and improve . Since day one, I have enjoyed every moment. I learned how to impress people through communication , how to face challenges , manage pressure , behave professionally , organize events , and lead a team . As a member of the Event company , we organize many programs. Sometimes we receive negative feedback (being late, poor time management) but I take the positive things from every comment because anyone can teach me something, whether a Coach  or another Youth . Sometimes people got upset when I spoke too directly, but my coach taught me how to speak more politely . I made many mistakes. But every day, I learned something new . One of the most important things I learned is that everyone is equal , no matter where you come from or who you are. Everyone deserves a chance to shine  and be included. Another precious lesson I learned is that everything depends on your mindset . That is a golden truth  for me. The Green Village is a golden place  and this time here is precious. I have no words to express how I feel. The coaches always motivate and teach me , and I am truly inspired by them . I am proud that our micro-company is making a profit . It is the result of teamwork and hard work . We are the top-performing company , and every event is an opportunity to learn and help others learn . We always give our 100% and improve from our mistakes. My main goal is to become a teacher  because children are the foundation and the future of our nation . I want to inspire them  to do something meaningful for themselves, their families, and their country. Teachers have a strong influence, I experienced that myself. Indeed, I have always been inspired by my teachers , that’s why they made me want to do this job. I want to end with two messages: The past is gone and will never come back. The present is our best gift. We don’t know the future, so live and enjoy the present and always focus on the process, not the result. If your process is good, the result will also be good.”

Hi, my name is Jhunclide Laput but you can call me Clide. I’m 26 years old and I live in  Brgy. Inayawan, Cebu City and this is the story of my life before I knew about LP4Y and until I joined it and how I started overcoming poverty. I come from a poor family. We live in the  mountains. My father went to Qatar to work, until my mom and dad separated, and my mom decided to move us to Cebu city. Living there was different from the mountains. The houses were nice, there were a lot of people, our house was close to the school. And there were many schools you could choose from.  Our mother sent us to school. She worked just to support our daily needs and for our  schooling . When I graduated from Elementary School, my mother still sent me to school. I went to High School. Even though I had to repeat grade 6 three times because I kept dropping out since we kept moving houses. And when I was in my 1st year of high school, I made some friends. I would go with  them to cutting classes. We would drink and drink, until I learned to use drugs . To make this long story short, I became a person without dreams : I wanted to keep using drugs and selling drugs until one day, I was caught and detained in the Cebu City Jail .  A few months later, I was released from  prison. I tried to apply for a proper job , but it  was difficult for me to meet the requirements because I had a criminal record . But I needed money to support my son : I had a son who was 3 years old at the time. So, I went back to illegal work . I sold drugs again , but this time in large quantities. And I had a lot of money. I remembered in my past, if we wanted to buy something, my mother wouldn't buy it because we were poor , if we wanted to eat something , we couldn't eat it because we didn't have money to buy it: so  now that I had money , I promised myself I would buy everything we couldn’t before , especially for my son . Expensive things, expensive clothes, delicious food, going to expensive malls,  expensive toys for my son, and I would send my younger brother to the school he wanted.  After a few months of doing illegal things. I  was caught and detained here at the Lapu Lapu City Jail. All my hopes for my siblings and children were crushed . I was sad because I could no longer provide for their needs and wishes . My case was very difficult and complicated . It was not going to be easy. I still had to stay in prison for a long time while my case was being heard. I was not sure if I would win. If I lost my case, it would convict me of a life sentence. Life here in jail is difficult . If you don't act, you will have a hard time. I was not able to cope with all the hardships and loneliness. Until one day, a friend of mine who was  training with LP4Y at T Origin asked me if I had any other activities. He endorsed LP4Y, and said it was an organization that could help me in my future : one that could change my  life.  I tried LP4Y...I joined for 1 week to observe. I was mostly interested because I needed and wanted to speak English . So, I continued until I finished the 6-month training. Now I am an ambassador of LP4Y and I am the Stars president of Lapu-Lapu City Jail . LP4Y helped me a lot , not only in learning English but also in teaching me how to do my job . I have developed many skills , such as  communication skills and leadership skills, which I am now using as a Stars president. I also learned that if you have a dream , you have to work hard to achieve it . Being poor is not an excuse to not achieve your dream .  The time will come when all the hardships you've gone through, all the hard work and suffering, will all be worth it when you achieve your dreams . I now have a dream: my short-term goal is to become a paramedic because I want to help  people , especially the elderly , and my long-term goal is to create an organization like ambulance services because I want to be able to serve people for free , like the poor.  When I get out, I will use everything I learned  here at LP4Y . So that my family and son can see that even though I failed, I still have a chance to change . And I will try to achieve my dreams for my future .   And I will leave you with this saying; POVERTY IS NOT  A HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS!

My name is Nay Myo Aung , and I’m 21 years old . I’m currently one of the youths attending the LP4Y program . I come from a small town called Gangaw , located in the Magway Region  of Myanmar. I didn’t complete high school because the schools were closed during Covid-19 , my education stopped in Grade 10 , when I was just 16. In my hometown, there aren’t many stable job opportunities, so I’ve done different kinds of labor work  to support myself and my family. We are five family members : my father, mother, older brother, younger brother, and me. However, when I turned 21 , things began to change. With the support of my brother, I moved to Yangon  in February 2025 . Even though he works in Kuwait , he continues to support and guide me  about my future. In June , my brother found out about LP4Y on Facebook  and encouraged me to join. Since I wanted to gain real workplace experience , I decided to apply. Before joining LP4Y, I was lost, without confidence and without clear goals. Now, everything is different. I have been attending company visits, events, and Life Project Plan (LPP) trainings  with my coaches. I’ve come to understand more clearly what skills I already have and what I need to improve  to reach my goals. My dream is to become a photographer and video editor.  I’m passionate about showing the beauty of my surroundings, my culture, and the sceneries around Myanmar  through vlogs and photos. I truly believe that by continuing to learn and develop my skills , I will be able to achieve my goals  and build a better future  for myself. That’s how I’m framing my future, one picture, one story, and one dream at a time.