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Sometimes in life, we don’t realize how privileged we are until we see that the life we are living could be someone else’s dream. This is the story of Nisha Mandal , a Youth from the batch of 2024 from GV West Bengal, India   a warrior who dared to dream again. The story begins during a mobilization in Bagnan, a small village in West Bengal. It was a toto announcement mobilization  when we first met her, a young woman with a quiet presence but eyes full of untold stories. Nisha was married at just 16 years old , an age when most girls are still in school, learning about the world. In her small village, early marriages were still common, driven by tradition and social pressure. Her life seemed ordinary at first  she became a mother at 19 , caring for her child and family. But one day, her husband left to work abroad… and never returned. Two years later, her parents forced her to remarry. She wasn’t ready, but family pressure left her with no choice. Her second marriage turned violent. She and her child were abused almost every day until one day she made the brave decision to separate from her husband. Not everyone gets the chance to dream freely. But when Nisha Mandal found that chance, she decided to fly. That chance came when she discovered LP4Y  during mobilization. She wasn’t sure what to do with her life, but one thing was clear that she wanted to build her own future. When she joined the training, Nisha was shy, not confident, and uncertain about her goals. Her education was limited, and she had never really thought about what her dreams could look like. But little by little, things began to change. Through the Life Project Plan  sessions, she started imagining her future, how she wanted it to look and who she wanted to become. In the Job Search  sessions, she learned about working culture and different job sectors, opening her eyes to new possibilities. During her Micro-Company  tasks, she began gaining skills and practicing them with focus and joy. Slowly, she started to relive her dreams again. But as they say, life always tests you. She faced pressure from home to return to her old life and was even kept away from her child. It broke her courage for a while. That’s when Face-to-Face  sessions became her safe space. She began to express herself, open up, and rediscover her worth. With the right guidance and professional exposure, she started believing in herself again. Nisha realized she wanted to become a professional beautician . She began her job search, but it wasn’t easy, she didn’t have a place to stay, and time was running out. Most companies asked for prior training or certification, which she didn’t have. Then, she found a training center offering a beautician course for free by herself following her Life Project Plan . That was her turning point. With renewed confidence and clarity, she completed the training in 45 days and soon got her first job as a Junior Beautician . Today, Nisha works as a Senior Beautician  at a professional salon named Emania  in Andhra Pradesh living her dream of being independent and free.She had the power inside her all along quiet, steady, waiting. One day, she chose not to hide it anymore. She decided to glow. Her story is not just about one youth. It’s about a story of chasing dreams, change, empowerment, and the courage to dream . Sometimes, all it takes is a small catalyst, a spark, to help someone realize that they can not only dream but also live their dream.

Hii, my name is Silpia Juliyana Parha, I’m 19 years old, and I’m from Jakarta.  I joined LP4Y  in April 2025  and graduate September 2025 , currently, I am doing an internship at Forvis Mazars as HR learning & development . Before joining LP4Y, I faced many challenges  in developing myself, especially in building confidence and communication skills . I also struggled to find an environment that supported learning and teamwork . At that time, I was still uncertain about my potential  and didn’t have a clear direction for my career or personal goals . During my time at LP4Y , I had many unforgettable moments . I had the opportunity to meet coaches from Indonesia and other countries , people I didn’t know at first, but who later felt like family  to me. They always supported and guided me , which made me feel comfortable and appreciated . I also met many new friends  who shared the same goals and struggles, which made me feel that I was not alone  on this journey. One of the turning points  for me was when I started to become more confident . Through various activities and challenges , I learned to speak up, express my ideas, and take responsibility . That experience completely changed the way I saw myself and my future . During LP4Y, I gained many new skills  such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and time management . I also improved my English language skills  and learned to be more confident  when facing new situations . Overall, LP4Y helped me grow professionally and personally . Currently, I am undergoing an internship  and continue to strive to develop myself professionally . After graduating from the LP4Y programme , I feel more confident about facing the real working environment . LP4Y has greatly helped me prepare for professional life , from improving my communication and teamwork skills  to learning how to manage my time and responsibilities better . The support from my coaches and friends at LP4Y  has also been very meaningful to me. They always encourage me to keep learning, stay motivated, and believe in my potential . Even after graduating, I still feel connected and supported  by my LP4Y friends . When I first entered the professional world, the main challenge  I faced was adapting to the working methods of large companies  and adjusting to a new environment . However, the experience and lessons from LP4Y  helped me overcome these challenges step by step . Now, I can say that LP4Y has played a big role in shaping me into a more confident, responsible, and continuously developing person . An important lesson  I learned from LP4Y, which I still apply in my life today, is about responsibility and discipline . I still remember when I once sent my motivation letter late . Since then, I promised myself not to repeat the same mistake . I also learned to be more careful and organised  in completing each task  so that the results meet expectations  and are finished on time . My advice to youth currently participating in the training programme  is to make the most of your time as a youth . Whenever there is an opportunity that can help you grow , such as becoming an MC, joining an event committee, or participating in other activities , don’t be afraid to take it. Every experience provides valuable lessons , and we can grow in many ways  as long as we truly want to. For the LP4Y organisation , especially the coaches who guide the youth , I feel that the teaching and support  so far have been excellent. However, I believe it would be better if the coaches were a little stricter  so that the youth can become more disciplined  and better prepared for the professional world . In the future, I want to become a career woman , have a lot of money , and work as a customer service professional . Now, as I continue my internship  and prepare for professional life, I can proudly say that I am finding my voice with LP4Y, gaining confidence, responsibility, and the skills needed to succeed in my career.

The classroom was silent , except for anxious whispers . I stood at the front, heart pounding, palms sweating . A simple assignment and presentation felt like climbing Mt Everest , which was nearly impossible for me. In school, I had always been the quiet one . I never participated in extracurricular activities , rarely raised my hands to speak, and avoided attention at all costs. “ Good Morning ,” I whispered, barely audible. And then nothing. The teacher’s voice cut through the silence, sharp and disappointed . My face burned with embarrassment . I could barely look at my classmates, and the shame  followed me till I reached home. That guilt stayed inside me for a long period. This moment could have crushed me but instead, something shifted inside me , a quiet fire  that led to a beautiful journey to youth empowerment . I started seeking opportunities , doing volunteering , taking small initiatives , learning from every failure . Slowly, bit by bit, I discovered my own strength . I learned how to communicate, lead, and stand tall . The shy boy who froze at a simple “Good morning” became capable, confident, and ready to face the world . And with this transformation came a new purpose of life: youth empowerment . I realized that there are countless young people full of potential but lacking guidance, confidence, or opportunity . That fire drew me to various organizations and finally Life Project for Youth (LP4Y) , a place where I could coach young minds, support youth, help them discover themselves , and guide them towards professional and social inclusion . For the past one and a half years , I have walked alongside youth aged 18–25 , witnessing their struggles, perseverance, and victories . Every day, I watch sparks of transformation . A young woman who once doubted herself now speaks with confidence . A trainee who thought no job could meet their needs now holds multiple offers  and chooses the one that will shape their life . One story, in particular, stays close to my heart. A young mother  with a three-year-old , arrived at the Training and Development Center unsure of what she could achieve . Her dream  was simple: to earn some money to support her family . But as she trained, learned, and grew, everything changed . By the end, she had four job offers . She chose a position as a team leader  in a reputed company , leading a team of five , supporting her husband  and caring for her child . She returned to the center to share her journey, inspiring others  with her courage and determination . Working with young people  is more than a job for me. The energy, determination, and dreams  of these young people fuel my growth . From them, I learned patience, calmness, and humanity . From youth I discovered that happiness does not require abundance , sometimes it only requires resilience, courage, and willingness to push forward . My journey is one of transformation , not just my own but of every life I touch . From a boy who could barely speak in front of a classroom to a person supporting youth in shaping the future , my story is proof of courage, dedication, and the power of empathy . Every smile , every success story , every “thank you”  from a young person is a spark  that lights my path forward. My dream  is simple yet deep: to dedicate my life to youth empowerment , to mentor, guide, and ignite the same fire in others  that once ignited within me. I believe that when we invest in youth , we invest in a future full of hope, opportunity, and possibility . And in this mission, I found my purpose, joy, and ultimate fulfillment . Today, Kuldeep Chaudhari’s journey from silence to empowerment serves as a reminder that courage, resilience, and support can ignite confidence and purpose in the lives of young people.

Good day to all of you, I am Cristina M. Baldera, 21 years old, living in Dayap, Calauan, Laguna. I grew up without a mother . I lived with my father and grandmother . My mother left me when I was only two months old . She told my father and grandmother she would come back when my brother was seven years old, but she never came . Then she called again and said she would come home when I was one year old, but still, no one came. When I was seven years old, we learned that my mother was pregnant . I told my father that I wanted a new mother, but he said he didn’t want to because he still loved my mom . Then my mom called again and said she wanted to take me, but my father didn’t agree. I told him I wanted to see her, but he didn’t let me, so I ran away . I went to my grandfather, my mother’s father, hoping I could go to her. But my grandfather was not kind to me , so I called my mother to send me money for transportation to go back to Laguna. When I finally stayed in my mother’s house, I was there for three months . At first, we got along, but later my mother started hurting me  and said it was because I looked like my father. One time, my mom went home to Mindoro to visit my brother in the hospital. She left me in the house with my sister and her husband. While I was sleeping, something terrible happened, I was harmed by my stepfather.  I told my mother what happened, but she struggled to believe me. So I ran away again and looked for a job. I worked for one month, but at that job my male boss also took advantage of me.  I reported it to his wife, but she didn’t believe me. When he found out that I had told her, he told me to go with him to one of his houses to get some things. I trusted him and went with him, but when we were inside the van, I lost consciousness. When I woke up, I was in a remote house. I saw another woman there, and she was chained.  I tried to run, but he caught me and restrained me too. There were six of us women locked in that house. We were held there for five years. On February 25, 2015 , my boss was not there. We heard someone passing by and asked for help. The man said he would return, and after two hours people came, broke the door, and freed us.  We were brought to the barangay, where we told the truth. After that, they called our parents. My mother came and helped me file a case.  But about a month later, she said she was going somewhere. When she returned, she had groceries and money. When I asked where it came from, she said nothing. A few days later, my boss’s wife came and told me that my mother had withdrawn the case.  It hurt me deeply, but I refused to accept it. I told my mother I wanted to go to DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) but she didn’t agree. So I ran away again and went to my grandmother in Bicol . I told her I wanted to go to DSWD so I could think about what to do. I stayed there for two and a half years  until someone called to tell me that the man had finally been caught. I told the head of DSWD that I wanted to return to Laguna to continue my case. After one and a half years in DSWD Lamot 2, Calauan, Laguna , I continued the case until I won. Many people told me I couldn’t win, but I didn’t listen. I just kept going because I knew I was doing the right thing. After one month, another child with a case like mine came to DSWD. He didn’t want to fight, but the head asked me to talk to him so he would have courage. I encouraged him to continue, and he did, but two months later, he died of a heart attack.  His story made me even stronger. On August 30, 2023 , I was released from DSWD. I went home to my mom again. I was still angry, but I tried to get along with her. Then my sister got sick, and I took care of her until she died.  My mother blamed me even though I did nothing wrong. Even when I didn’t eat, I made sure my sister could eat. After that, I ran away again and worked at a bakery. I didn’t know about LP4Y (Life Project 4 Youth) , but when I met my live-in partner and his sister, I learned about LP4Y because she recommended it to me. At first, I didn’t like it  because it was very difficult for me, but I tried to learn everything. When I first started attending LP4Y, I didn’t know what to do, but after a month, I started liking it because I learned a lot, especially teamwork, communication, and computer skills.  I’m happy to go to LP4Y every day because the other youth motivate me, and sometimes we visit different companies, which inspires me even more. Now I am in the Management Step.  I’ve learned to manage my time, lead a team, and teach my teammates our tasks.  For the coming Job Search phase, I want to be a production operator , and I also want to return to school to fulfill my dream of becoming a policewoman. LP4Y has changed me a lot.  Before, I didn’t know what to do, I just slept and used my cellphone all day. But now, I know how to be a leader, use a computer, speak in English, and work with the barangay and schools.  I’m learning to become a professional person. Now I am stronger. I have learned to smile again. I don’t want to leave LP4Y because here I found my family, the youth who understand me and accept me. In everything that has happened in my life, I have learned a lot, especially to be strong , even when people tell me that I can’t fight or finish what I started. I don’t listen to them because I know in myself that I can, and I also know that what I’m doing is right. I want to tell others: fight back. No matter how much they threaten you, don’t give up. We deserve justice and peace.  Let’s be careful in trusting people and always think before making decisions, so we can protect ourselves and others. I hope for those who didn’t fight, this is the time when you can share your experiences. Don’t be afraid. Many will listen to you, but even if they don’t, listen to yourself. Make a way like I did. No one listened to me at first, but when I went to DSWD, people finally heard me and helped me. As long as you don’t lose hope, always believe that you can fight for yourself, and that by standing strong, you also help others see that they can fight too. Today, Cristina stands as a living example of moving from fear to confidence, inspiring other youth to fight for themselves and believe in a brighter future.

My name is Hafsa, I am 24 years old, and I graduated from the Faculty of Social Sciences.  I live in a simple neighborhood  and am the eldest among my siblings . My family faces several challenges, as my mother does not work , and my father has undergone a health crisis  that prevented him from applying for a job. As the eldest in the family, I always felt a heavy sense of responsibility . I was searching for ways to help my family while pursuing my own dreams . I have always wished to do something that would contribute to improving our situation . At the beginning of my journey, I was studying at the Faculty of Social Sciences , and I had big dreams of achieving something special for myself . However, I encountered many challenges, the most significant of which was my lack of language skills and the necessary competencies  to advance in my field. I decided to seek out training opportunities  to acquire skills and experience . I realized that mastering the language was the first step toward success , and learning computer skills  had become essential. During this period, I volunteered with organizations working in human resources committees , which greatly impacted my involvement in this field. However, despite my efforts, I struggled to find specialized training  that met my needs. Then I discovered an organization called LP4Y , of which I initially knew nothing. I decided to go there, hoping it would be the opportunity I was looking for . The organization helped us a lot in improving our language skills , and we made visits to companies , which motivated me even more. The trainers were always by my side , never leaving me, and whenever I needed something, I found them there to guide me . The organization also provided us with a monthly stipend , which I made sure to save . While my colleagues would buy what they wanted and go out to restaurants, I focused on saving money , telling myself, “ This is for you, girl, and for your dreams. ” Thanks to these savings , I was able to enroll in a course to improve my English pronunciation , which also helped me achieve my goals. Now, when I look at myself, I see the fruits of my hard work and effort . I faced an additional challenge while searching for a job , as being a hijab-wearing woman posed obstacles , with many hesitant to hire someone like me. Nevertheless, I did not lose hope . After a period of attempts, I applied for a job , and I was aware in my mind that rejection would likely be my fate  due to my hijab. However, the surprise was that they accepted me after many attempts . They embraced me as I am , and that feeling was indescribable . I learned that success does not come easily , and perseverance and determination  are key to achieving goals. If you do not have the will, you will not achieve what you aspire to. Today, I can proudly say that I have managed to overcome obstacles , and I believe that everyone has the ability to achieve their dreams if they have determination and resilience . We live in a generation full of opportunities , so we must seize them to accomplish what we desire . My journey from challenges to success proves that with hard work, focus, and the right support, we can achieve our goals.

My name is Chan Goe Goe Zaw , and I’m 18 years old . When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor , but I knew I couldn’t, not with my family situation. My father passed away in 2019 , and soon after, my mother left to work abroad in Qatar  as a cashier to support us. Since then, my younger sister and I have lived with our grandmother . None of our relatives helped us. My mother had to take risks to feed us. At night, I often cried myself to sleep , feeling humble and heartbroken. I had to be strong for my younger sister , because she only had me. Even though my mother supported us financially, I often felt depressed and guilty , thinking I was a burden to her. When I reached Grade 12 , I studied very hard, but on the day of my Biology exam , I became so anxious that I forgot everything. When it was over, I felt my future was lost . I spent weeks doing nothing: eating, sleeping, and feeling like a useless person . The lowest point in my life came when I learned that my mother had a boyfriend . I felt betrayed, but then I realized she was alone in a foreign country, trying her best to survive. Slowly, I began to understand her. That’s when I decided to take control of my own life . I searched for ways to improve myself, looked for courses to learn English and other skills , and tried to rebuild my confidence. After some family conflict, I discovered LP4Y  through my aunt’s pupil , who told me it was a place full of learning and opportunities: English, computer skills, and real work experiences. I was so excited that I counted down the days until class began. On June 16 , my first day at LP4Y, I woke up early, full of nervousness and joy . From the beginning, everyone was friendly and welcoming . I felt like I finally belonged somewhere . Before LP4Y, I didn’t even know what HR (Human Resources)  meant. But through company visits, external trainings, and team projects , I discovered a whole new world. I learned about communication, psychology, and understanding people . As I progressed, I reached the Manager step  and even attended a real interview , something I never imagined doing. Although I didn’t take the job, the experience gave me confidence and clarity  about my goals. LP4Y has changed so many things in my daily life. I used to be too shy to speak in public , but now I confidently talk to people during mobilizations and explain our program. I even learned to navigate Yangon by bus , something I was once too scared to do. I’ve also joined partner meetings , training sessions , and worked as a trainer and volunteer  in the L&D team , where I learned teamwork, leadership, and responsibility . Over time, I realized that my dreams keep evolving . At first, I wanted to work in HR. Then, I discovered my passion for the hotel industry , especially in the F&B department . Later, my dream grew even bigger, I want to become an event organizer , planning beautiful and meaningful experiences for people. And one day, I dream of traveling the world , especially visiting the Amazon jungle  to see the wild beauty of nature. After joining LP4Y, I started to see myself clearly , my strengths, my weaknesses, and the person I truly want to become. I learned to believe in myself , to stand on my own feet , and to face challenges with courage . LP4Y helped me with more than skills it helped me in finding myself again . Now, I’m focused on completing my Life Project Plan  step by step, determined to build a brighter future. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, it means so much to me.

Bangladesh is a very homogeneous country, with 99% of its population identifying as ethnic Bengalis and over 90% as Muslim. However, the northern region stands out for its diversity, home to the country’s second-largest Hindu population as well as small Buddhist and Christian communities. Among these Christian communities, we find the Urao Tribe. The Green Village Bangladesh is lucky to be located in the Rangpur Division, the most diverse region of the country . In 2023, the mobilization team of the center established a strong connection with the community leaders of Lohani Para, a small village belonging to an Urao community. Many young women from Lohani Para have attended Green Village’s training programs. Despite facing the challenges of belonging to a marginalized population , many secured a job and all of them found ways to use their newly acquired skills to positively impact both themselves and their community. Since connecting with the LP4Y team, the Urao community has invited us to their annual Christmas celebrations. This year, we decided to bring you with us! Before even arriving, we are immediately struck by the isolation of Lohani Para . After reaching the nearest village by bus, we must take a rickshaw van, the only available transportation, to travel another 25 minutes through fields and forests. This journey highlights the village’s remoteness, which is especially remarkable compared to the density and proximity of other villages in the area. However, the long trip is undoubtedly worth it. Upon arrival, we feel as if we have stepped into a completely different world. A different architecture with houses made of clay instead of the bricks and tin used in the other villages, and beautifully decorated for the celebrations. Even if ingredients were the same, we could discover new ways of preparing dishes with them. By seeing the people dance and celebrate, we discovered new traditions, and even the environment feels distinct: not a single piece of waste litters the ground or the forest . Solar panels are widely used, reflecting the community leader’s strict management of their land. "Although our village is big, we manage to keep it clean and tidy. We have a community center donated by the church who offers mediation, health service and most of the social development activities. Thanks to it, all the people of the village are educated, but mostly depend on agriculture to be employed and support our families." says Nidra Ekka, a STAR (LP4Y alumni) living in Lohani Para. Visiting Lohani Para is always an intense and enriching experience for the Catalysts , both international and nationa l. "It was the first time I saw this type of village. They live like a colony of ants, supporting each other, taking care of their environment, making beautiful houses.. and it was so clean and the air was so fresh... I didn't know I could find places like this around here!” says Chadni, Community Life Coach in the Green Village Bangladesh, who grew up in the region. Yet, while the village is heartwarming and fascinating to explore, stepping back reveals the challenges it faces. Opportunities are really lacking, beyond farming or working in nearby factories, there are few options for the residents, especially for women. The local market is tiny, with limited goods, as the village is disconnected from the broader supply networks . The roads reflect this isolation; during our journey, we saw almost no vehicles or travelers. There are no official infrastructures, no schools, hospitals, or government offices, and religious discrimination , while not immediately visible, adds another layer of difficulty. Despite these challenges, some progress is noticeable. Those who have visited before note improvements, such as the presence of policemen, meaning that authorities are beginning to focus on the area’s safety. Additionally, construction projects at the village’s entrance, accompanied by signage detailing housing and education initiatives by the new government, offer a glimmer of hope . However, much work remains and the path still seems long for Lohani Para and its community…

I was born in a beautiful holy village at the foot of green hills, beautiful mountains. It has been almost 2 years since I lived in the city. Today, I am writing this, my story, myself, I am writing to find memories of my past. I am Yog Maya Sunuwar from Ramechhap district, Nepal and nowadays I'm in Kathmandu city. I am 21 years old and I'm a bachelor-pursuing student. I came to the city for my studies and I'm searching a decent job for my financial freedom and to complete my degree . I searched many places but I didn't find a job. In this time, I met many fraud companies where I also lost some of my money and time to search for a job. I was fully tired. If I found a job, they asked me to give money first. I also found some decent jobs but they asked for experience and I am fresher. One day, my friend posted on Facebook about LP4Y , that provides different types of training for the Youth who are only ladies. After seeing this, I decide to go there and understand what's happening there, what types of training they provide. There, I see many ladies and all of them speak English. And I see all are very educated and also talented. I'm third in the waiting list. I think to myself: "Oh my God! I came from a government school and I'm not good at English." But sometimes later, one lady comes and tells me that in fact, when they came there, they also didn't know about English. After learning there, they are able to speak English and understand English. After listening to their inspiring and motivational stories, I decided to join this organization. And also I see there are many foreigners working in this organization. And I think, if there are foreigners, my English will also improve. Because I need to speak in English there. So that's why I decided to join. Also, the young woman said that there are many foreign Catalysts who help us to develop ourselves. That there are two Coaches who teach them about professionalism, English, and other topics. So, I am very inspired and quickly I join this. The second day, finally, I join this organization and on this day, I see all the Youth are very helpful and they all teach us about their organization. There I did not only take training. This platform is for every woman who wants to become independent in their life . There are lots of women like me who want to become independent. There, I also worked  at different types of departments because there is a company that provides computer training for community people. So, here I needed to work during 6 months of my training in different types of departments like HR, Communication and Marketing, Ecosystem, and Learning and Development. So, firstly, I started in the Communication and Marketing department. I see the Coaches (Albrina Singh and Shreya Baral) are very friendly and helpful because they help me a lot. They tell us: "if you have any questions, curiosity, if you have any problem, please share with us." And also during my training, if I got a problem and confusion, I went to them for help and they helped me anytime. During my training time, there are many events are happened, many foreigners are come there, and I also attend many events as a host, and I am also working in team, as a team leader. That time, we did many tasks and projects.   I developed myself a lot in this organization. I developed my education, my mindset, my personality . And during this training time, mainly, I found myself . So thank you so much Life Project 4 Youth training program. I am always thankful for you. And also, I got a chance to visit our national and international tourist places, like Bouddha, Patan temples, Pashupatinath Mandir, with many foreigners and I got the chance to interact with so many different countries people. I loved to work with different personalities and persons! So I can also develop my English speaking skills, and I developed my computer skills in speed, management, decision making, and problem solving . I developed a lot in this organization. There I am able to think about my short term and long term goals. Before that, I thought that I will first complete my studies and thought about that only but after this, I made plans about how to reach my short term goal to long term goal . The Catalysts and Coaches always inspired us to follow our own dream. They are my heroes, I want to become independent and helpful like them. Finally, I completed my 6-month professional training at the organization. That was my special memory for me. After finishing this training, I also found a decent job . So I'm very excited for my new job but I'm sad to  leave the organization. Because during training we are all like family there. But I talk myself that, "Hey, be happy with changes in what's happening in your life because everything gives you lessons. You need to accept that and move forward. Success is waiting for you. Let's move!" Lastly, I want to say thank you so much Life Project 4 Youth for your all support and help. Without your support and help, I am not able to become what I am today. Today, I am clear about my goal, vision, and also my interesting field. So, thank you so much Coaches, Catalysts, all the Youth and  Life Project 4 Youth for giving me the opportunity to live this wonderful journey and developing myself! Thank you so much.

My name is Rahaf Mahmoud , I’m 22 years old, and I come from Syria . Since 2013, I have been living in Bourj Hamoud, Lebanon, where I have faced challenges , embraced opportunities , and grown through every experience . Before LP4Y, I was a very shy person . Most of the time I stayed at home, because I didn’t have the chance to continue my education. I felt like opportunities were far away from me , and I didn’t know how to move forward. In 2021, something unexpected happened. My mom was searching for a new house to live in, and during this time she discovered that our old house in Bourj Hamoud had been transformed into a new TDC Beirut ( Training and Development Center ) of LP4Y. She spoke with one of the coaches there, and soon after, I decided to join the program. Because I was doing nothing and I know a bit English so I didn't want to forget and the most important thing for me was the computer as I never worked on it . In the beginning, I was very shy , stressed , and nervous . I had never used a computer before, so everything felt completely new and overwhelming . My very first challenge at LP4Y was to take the lead in our Micro-Company presentation (Connect4Change). Standing in front of people , speaking out loud , and organizing the work felt so difficult for me at first . But thanks to the encouragement and accompanying of my coaches, I started to push myself little by little . Each step helped me gain more courage and confidence . Through this experience, I discovered qualities I never thought I had, leadership , organization , and the ability to learn fast . That moment was the beginning of a real transformation , where I realized that I was capable of much more than I had believed. Graduating from LP4Y was a great achievement, but my journey didn’t end there. After graduation, I became a Star , and during the very first election I was eager to take part. I wanted to challenge myself and see how far I could go. To my surprise, my peers placed their trust in me and chose me as President . I still remember how proud and grateful I felt in that moment , it wasn’t just about the title, it was about the confidence others had in me. As President, I had the opportunity to organize many activities with the Stars, such as team-building sessions, yoga days, and group meetings where we came together to support the coaches whenever they needed . Each responsibility pushed me to grow, step by step, in confidence and leadership. I realized that true leadership is not about leading from the front, but about accompanying others , listening , and helping everyone move forward together. After that, a new opportunity opened for me: to volunteer with LP4Y as HR & Finance . I first heard about it from a Catalyst in the Finance team, and even though this role was something completely new and unfamiliar, I decided to take the challenge . I wasn’t alone in applying, other Stars were also interested, so I went through an interview process. I even had a test to check my Excel skills and my ability to understand finance processes. At the beginning it felt difficult, but little by little I started to learn and grow. This experience became a turning point for me. I began to develop new knowledge and skills in finance , while also discovering how to manage responsibilities, stay organized, and work in a professional environment. It wasn’t just about numbers; it was also about teamwork, communication, and building confidence in myself. Over time, I felt proud to see how much I had improved. I stayed in this position for 6 months, and it helped me grow not only professionally but also personally. Then, I made the decision to travel to Syria for one year to continue my education , carrying with me all the valuable lessons, experiences, and confidence I had gained from this beautiful journey with LP4Y. When I returned to Lebanon, I stayed in touch with the Finance team at LP4Y. They connected me with the Coun try Coordinator, and soon after I was given another opportunity, this time as a Coach . Stepping into this role was truly transformative. For the first time, I wasn’t the one being guided and supported ; I was the one standing beside others , accompanying , encouraging them and walking with them on their journey. As a Coach, I had the privilege of working closely with the Youth , listening to their stories , witnessing their struggles , and celebrating their success . Every step they took forward reminded me of my own journey with LP4Y, and it made me realize how much I had grown since the day I first entered the program. Their courage and determination inspired me every day, and in helping them discover their potential, I found myself becoming stronger , more confident , and more committed to making a difference. Looking back today, I can say that LP4Y had a huge impact  on my life. It helped me overcome shyness, gain confidence, build skills, and take important decisions for my future. Most of all, it gave me the belief that I can achieve my dreams. My dream for the future is that all Youth set goals for themselves and never stop dreaming. Everything can become true if you keep working on yourself and refuse to give up. Remember: we are the change of the future, because we are the future.

My name is Rosalinda Lalaguna, I’m 23 years old and I live in Sto. Tomas, Calauan, Laguna. Before joining LP4Y, every day of my life felt the same. I stayed at home, helping my mother take care of my youngest sibling and also looking after my own children. I didn’t have a job, no income, and no clear plan for my future. I wanted to work, but I didn’t have the skills or the confidence to start . When I learned about LP4Y, I saw it as a chance for new beginnings, a chance to change my life . At first, my parents were unsure. They worried about me being far from home and thought it might be a waste of time. I explained that it was a professional training program that could help me build a real career. I promised to call or chat with them regularly, and little by little, they agreed to let me join. Since joining, so much has changed in my life . I’ve learned computer skills , communication skills , and how to work as part of a team . I’ve also learned to wake up early, manage my time, and stay organized. Most importantly, I’ve grown more confident . Now I can speak in front of a group without feeling afraid. My Life Project Plan is to become a professional cook and open a small eatery in my hometown. I dream of hiring other young people like me so they can also have opportunities. LP4Y helped me map out the steps I need to take, from getting my first kitchen job to saving enough to open my own place. During my internship at a local restaurant, I learned how to handle customers, manage a busy kitchen, and work under pressure. My manager even told me that I had leadership potential , which gave me more confidence in my plan. In our Green Village the day usually starts with a warm welcome, where everyone gathers to share updates, greet one another, and set intentions for the day. In the morning, we have skill-building workshops, coaching sessions, or hands-on projects that empower us to grow. The atmosphere is full of encouragement , where every small progress is celebrated . Afternoons bring more teamwork, preparing events, working on group projects, or activities that spark creativity. Breaks are filled with laughter and friendly conversations, making the center feel like a second home. By the end of the day, we leave not only with new knowledge and skills but also with stronger friendships and a renewed sense of purpose. Of course, daily challenges are real . Some Youths travel for hours because transportation isn’t reliable. Others, like me, need to keep explaining to our families why attending every day is important. I tell my parents about the skills I learn and the progress I make so they understand that this isn’t just school , it’s preparation for real life . LP4Y gave me more than just skills. It gave me direction, hope, and the belief that I can achieve my dreams.

Hello, My name is Nyi Nyi Naing. I am 21 years old . I am proud to be one of the STAR of LP4Y (Life Project 4 Youth). I joined the program on January 2025, 21 and I completed it last July.  My goal is to become an artist . Like A Model, Makeup artist, Designer and Dancer. These things are not easy for me because I was born in a simple, ordinary family-just a poor boy trying to make his way. Also, I am gay. Since childhood, I was always mocked, bullied, and treated with discrimination . I also never had self-confidence . Only when I came to LP4Y and met Coach Pan, who cared for me and gave me support , was I finally able to accept myself and become a stronger person .  Since I was young, I have been treated differently. Even my parents did not accept this part of me . That's why I was raised by my grandparents . My parents are very traditional and strict in their beliefs. They never accepted the idea of being gay at all. Since I was little, I was raised mostly by my grandmother, and I only sew my father maybe once a year. Every time I did, he would always beat me. Because of that, I grew up living in my grandparents' home. My grandmother has always been my supporter , the only person who has protected me all along. Later on, I studied things related to my parents’ interests and ended up working in their line of work to support them . I feel sad . Even though I’m lucky, even though I get everything I want, I’m still not happy. Maybe it’s because I have to hide this huge secret, that I’m gay. I always feel weak , scared , and I’ve never truly been happy or free . I even thought about ending my life, but I couldn’t do it, because I’m afraid of dying. I’m afraid of being a shame to my parents, afraid of failing, afraid of what people might think of me. In the end, the only way to be free is to love myself and accept my existence . Even if nobody else loves me, I must love myself. Because if I can’t love myself, how could anyone else ever love me? I was never truly happy . Because there's no one to support me . I'm wondering if my dreams are slowly fading away . After that, not only did I have to go through the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the military coup. I became completely depressed. On top of that, I lost my grandmother to COVID-19. My life fell into a bleak and hopeless state and eventually, I became someone who no longer wanted to live . At that time, one of my outlets was drawing portraits . My grandmother once told me that I was really good at it. Whenever I draw, I feel a sense of calm and peace . I especially enjoy drawing the unique features of different people’s faces. When I was young, I was often judged by my appearance. I was teased with words like “gay”, “dark-skinned”, and “big-headed”. Because of that, I grew to really appreciate drawing the beauty in differences and uniqueness .    In 2025. I started a new path of my life. That path is through a program called LP4Y (Life Project 4 Youth). I first learned about this program from a friend. At the beginning, I didn't fully understand it, but now, thanks to the program, I’ve been able to live a better life . I have accepted who I am and have gained meaningful opportunities for work .  Besides that, in my free time, I have had the chance to study and work on my dreams . Now, I’m very grateful to the coaches who guide me to organize my life and make the most of my time. The past year. I’ve joined many auditions but l didn't pass any of them. I'm too feminine for guys and too masculine for girls but I believe the weaknesses they see in me are actually what make me unique compared to others . I see them as my greatest strengths

My name is Puja Chaudhary, and I am from Saptari, Nepal. A few years ago, I was just a young girl with big dreams but no clear path to achieve them. My ambition was bold: I wanted to become a Government Veterinary Technician . After finishing my Animal Science course, I was waiting anxiously for my results, already picturing myself in Kathmandu, preparing for the Loksewa exams. But dreams often collide with reality. Living in Kathmandu turned out to be far more expensive than I had imagined, and my family was already struggling . My mother, the only one earning, was working tirelessly to keep our household running. I felt the weight of our financial situation every day, and I knew I couldn’t ask her for more support. I tried looking for a part-time job to cover my expenses while studying, but I didn’t even know where to start. I felt completely lost , like I was standing at the edge of a road with no sign pointing the way forward . That’s when I found LP4Y. The day I walked into LP4Y, I had no idea how much it would change my life. It wasn’t just a training center; it felt like a safe space, a place where I could breathe, learn, and dream again. It became the turning point in my journey from dreams to determination I joined the 3-month Soft Skills Program , and from the very first day, I felt supported in ways I had never experienced before. LP4Y gave me so much more than lessons: they offered me encouragement, guidance, and the space to grow . I learned computer skills, public speaking, CV writing, and interview preparation. But the most valuable lesson LP4Y gave me was something deeper: the belief that I could achieve my dreams . For the first time in a long while, I felt that my future was possible. During the last month of training, I saw a job vacancy for a dog grooming position at Pet Mama . My heart pounded as I prepared for the interview. I remember the nervous excitement of that morning , so many questions racing through my head, but also the determination in my heart. This time, I wasn’t unprepared. I had the skills , the confidence , and the mindset LP4Y had helped me build . And I got the job . That moment changed everything. It wasn’t just about financial independence, though now I can pay for my Loksewa classes and cover my living expenses in Kathmandu. It was also about proving to myself that I was capable of shaping my own future . My long-term dream of becoming a Veterinary Technician is still ahead, but now I am moving toward it with confidence and hope . Life is still a journey, and there are challenges every day. But thanks to LP4Y, I am no longer stuck. I am moving forward , with purpose , independence , and belief in myself. To me, LP4Y is more than an organization; it is a family . They believed in me when I doubted myself. They gave me the courage to take that first step, the step that changes everything. To anyone who feels lost, I want to say this: never give up. Your dreams are possible. The road may not always be clear, but taking that first step can change your whole life. Thank you. – Puja Chaudhary, Batch 30, Green Village Nepal