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

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

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

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

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

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

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

At LP4Y's Green Village in Calauan, Philippines, Youth took the lead in celebrating Pride Month by organizing a community event dedicated to raising awareness and fostering understanding. Watch their testimonies and discover why they believe inclusion starts with listening, learning, and respecting one another!

LP4Y Bangladesh Company Visit with It's Humanity Foundation (IHF) For marginalized Youth, accessing professional opportunities can often be challenging. Limited networks, lack of professional experience, and fewer opportunities to meet companies can make the transition into the working world more difficult. This is why partnerships between organizations like LP4Y Bangladesh and It's Humanity Foundation (IHF) are so important. By working together, partners can create opportunities that Youth may not otherwise have access to. Company visits, professional exchanges, and training sessions allow Youth to discover new environments, develop practical skills, and better understand the opportunities available to them. IHF's Testimonial Interview Through its collaboration with IHF, LP4Y is building stronger connections between Youth and the professional world. Recent activities, including a company visit and financial literacy session, allowed Youth to interact directly with a partner, discover a professional environment, and gain knowledge to support their personal and professional development. For Youth from marginalized backgrounds, these experiences can have a meaningful impact. Meeting professionals and discovering new opportunities can help them build confidence, expand their networks, and see possibilities for their future that may previously have seemed out of reach. “Working with LP4Y Bangladesh has been a truly rewarding experience. Their commitment to empowering vulnerable Youth through skills development, employability, and sustainable inclusion strongly aligns with the mission of It's Humanity Foundation (IHF). I truly value LP4Y's collaborative approach, professionalism, and dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for young people. Together, we are building pathways that enable Youth to become confident, self-reliant, and active contributors to society. On behalf of IHF, we look forward to strengthening this partnership and creating even greater impact in the years ahead.” — Istiaque Ahmed, Partnership, Development & Stakeholder Engagement, It's Humanity Foundation (IHF) IHF and LP4Y Youths Partnerships are not only about organizing activities. They are about building bridges. By bringing together Youth, organizations, and companies, LP4Y and IHF are working to create a more inclusive pathway towards professional integration and greater opportunities for Youth. 💙🤝

By Thin Zar Htet | Youth, TDC Yangon Myanmar My name is Thin Zar Htet. I am 21 years old, and I live in Yangon, Myanmar. In 2020, I had to leave school because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly afterward, my country experienced a major political crisis, which had a significant impact on many people's lives, including mine. I first heard about this program in November 2025 from STAR (LP4Y alumni) Ma Khaing Lat LP4Y. After learning about it, I became interested and started exploring more about LP4Y and its mission. On November 17, 2025, I officially joined the LP4Y program. Before joining LP4Y, I lacked confidence in my future and was unsure about which career path I should choose. However, after becoming part of LP4Y, my life gradually began to change. At LP4Y, I had the opportunity to develop both professional and life skills. I gained practical experience in communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and customer service. In addition, community training sessions, meetings with partner companies, and mock interviews helped me build greater confidence and prepare for the professional world. Although I faced many challenges, I never gave up. With the guidance and encouragement of my coaches and teammates, I learned to see every challenge as an opportunity to grow and improve. Today, I have a clearer vision of my career goals and am working toward building a professional career in customer service. I am committed to continuously learning, improving my skills, and achieving my goals. LP4Y has given me more than just job-related skills. It has helped me build self-confidence, resilience, and the courage to face the future with determination. I will continue learning and growing, and I hope that my journey can inspire other young people to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with confidence.

By Ei Phyo Thaw | STAR in TDC Yangon, Myanmar My name is Ei Phyo Thaw, but people also call me Ban. I am 18 years old. My family consists of my mother and father, and I currently live with them. They have always supported me in everything I do, and to me, they are the best family I could ever ask for. I only completed middle school because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the political situation in Myanmar. During that difficult period, I had to stop my education. At that time, I first heard about LP4Y from a Youth named Su Yadanar, who is now a STARS. Later, I learned more about LP4Y through another friend, and we decided to visit the center together. At first, we were both very nervous. However, when we arrived at the center, the seniors warmly welcomed us and introduced themselves. I immediately felt that this place was special. It was even better than I had imagined. At that moment, I made a decision: I would join LP4Y and work hard to achieve my goals. When I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a successful specialist doctor. Unfortunately, because of the circumstances in my country, that dream became difficult to pursue. During a time when I felt lost and uncertain about my future, I discovered LP4Y. This organization helped change my life. Through LP4Y, I learned more about myself: what I want to become, what my strengths are, and what I am passionate about. I gained valuable experiences, developed leadership skills, improved my teamwork abilities, and most importantly, learned effective time management. I had not completed six months at LP4Y or reached the Management Step, but I was able to join a company visit at Mintha Care Co., Ltd. During the visit, I learned that they were looking for interns in the Finance Department, which was an area I was interested in. I immediately submitted my CV. About a week later, I was contacted and offered the internship position. I was incredibly happy when I received the news. At the same time, I felt a little sad because it meant leaving my friends and Coaches at LP4Y. LP4Y had become my comfort zone, a place where I felt supported, motivated, and valued. Today, I am working as a Finance Intern at Mintha Care Co., Ltd., and it has been almost six months. This workplace reminds me a lot of LP4Y because everyone is kind and supportive. My seniors patiently teach me whenever I do not understand something, and they always encourage me to learn. I have gained many valuable experiences and practical skills. Since finance is a field that genuinely interests me, everything I learn feels exciting and meaningful. I now have a much better understanding of financial processes, and I enjoy my work every day. I would like to end by sharing one of my most memorable experiences at LP4Y. When I first joined LP4Y, I was assigned to the HR & Finance Team. At that time, some seniors had already found jobs, while others were on leave for personal reasons. As a result, I often had to manage many responsibilities on my own, which was quite challenging. However, seniors from other teams always took the time to explain things to me and guide me whenever I needed help. One day, while working on the cashbook, we discovered a significant discrepancy in the financial records. The numbers did not match, and a large amount of money seemed to be missing. I was extremely worried and even wondered if I would have to take responsibility for the loss. During that stressful moment, all the seniors, Coach Pannu, and I worked together to investigate and solve the issue. After carefully reviewing the records, we finally found the mistake and balanced the accounts. That experience taught me the true meaning of teamwork. It showed me how people can achieve great results when they support one another and work together toward a common goal. It was one of the happiest and most meaningful moments of my journey, and it is a memory I will never forget. I am truly grateful to LP4Y for everything it has given me. The organization has played an important role in shaping who I am today, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

By Sana Khan | STAR in TDC Mumbai, India Sana Khan My name is Sana Khan, and I am from Azmi Nagar, Malwani, Mumbai. I studied up to the 10th standard, and like many young girls, I had dreams that felt bigger than the world around me. I always dreamed of becoming financially independent and one day starting my own business. But there was one thing that held me back: I was incredibly shy. Even speaking in front of a few people made me nervous, and I never believed I was capable of achieving something meaningful. A mother's dream begins with giving her child a better tomorrow Life took an unexpected turn after I got married. I was blessed with a beautiful daughter, but my married life did not work out as I had hoped. With no other option, I returned to my parent’s home with my little girl. Those were some of the darkest days of my life. I carried fear, uncertainty, and countless questions about the future. How would I raise my daughter? How would I support her? Would I ever be able to stand on my own feet? In those difficult moments, I realized that I could not let my circumstances define my future. I needed to become financially independent-not just for myself, but for my daughter, who looked at me with hope every single day. That was when I heard about LP4Y (Life Project 4 Youth). I didn't know then that one decision to join the program would completely change my life. Walking into LP4Y for the first time, I was still the same quiet, hesitant girl who doubted herself. Speaking in front of others felt impossible. I was afraid of making mistakes and worried about what people would think of me. My journey began in the Learning & Development department, where I learned to create presentations and speak in front of groups. At first, every presentation felt like climbing a mountain. My hands would shake, my voice would tremble, and I wanted to give up. But the coaches and Catalysts at LP4Y never gave up on me. They encouraged me every single day, reminding me that confidence is built one step at a time. Slowly, something inside me began to change. Turning the struggles into strength, and her voice into a tool for change. Presenting to community members and school children helped me discover a voice I never knew I had. Every presentation made me stronger. Every challenge made me more confident. Later, I joined the Human Resources department, where I learned communication, mobilization, attendance management, budgeting, teamwork, and other professional skills. I also improved my English, computer knowledge, interview skills, and workplace readiness through internships and company visits. These experiences did more than prepare me for employment-they prepared me for life. After completing the program, I proudly secured my first job at Talent Enterprise Organization, where I managed appointment scheduling over the phone. For someone who was once afraid to speak, this was a moment I never imagined possible. A milestone she'll always cherish—Sana's first step into the professional world Today, I work with Doctor For You as a Community Volunteer under UNICEF's Routine Immunization Program. Every day, I visit families, counsel parents who are hesitant to vaccinate their children, explain the importance of immunization, and encourage them to attend Routine Immunization (RI) camps. Every conversation I have reminds me of how far I have come. The girl who was once too shy to speak now confidently talks to families, builds trust within communities, and helps protect children's health. The communication and mobilization skills I learned at LP4Y have become an important part of my daily work. But my journey is about more than finding a job. Everything I do today is for my daughter. When I look back, I hardly recognize the person I used to be. LP4Y didn't just teach me professional skills. It helped me believe in myself when I couldn't. It gave me confidence, discipline, resilience, and the courage to face life's challenges with hope instead of fear. To every Coach and Catalyst who stood beside me, believed in me, and encouraged me even when I doubted myself: thank you from the bottom of my heart. You didn't just help me find employment; you helped me rebuild my confidence and rediscover my purpose. Today, I know that courage is not about never being afraid. It is about taking one step forward despite the fear. This smile carries the story of resilience, hope, and a future And that one step changed my life forever.