The Office of the Vice President (OVP), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) on Thursday (Oct. 22) launched a P17-million partnership, to support free technical-vocational skills and employability training for at least 1,000 unemployed and out-of-school youth (OSY) in the country.
Through the TrabaHOPE initiative of its BAYANIHANAPBUHAY program, the OVP co-sponsors the needs of OSYs aged 18 to 30, who will qualify for YouthWorks PH’s tech-voc training program for young people who are currently not studying, training, or employed. The combined P17.15-million commitment from OVP, USAID, and PBEd covers the training costs until the end of the year. Moreover, YouthWorks PH’s private sector partners from the food and beverage service, construction, manufacturing, and IT sectors will provide additional support such as daily training allowance and opportunities for eventual employment to the trainees.
The OVP’s assistance will include the trainees’ daily allowance, welcome kit, hands-on materials, mobile/internet allowance, as well as pre-employment support. This will complement YouthWorks PH’s provision for learning devices, online mentoring, online/blended tech-voc training, in-company training, and TESDA national certification.
“We are grateful for this partnership with USAID and PBEd, which will allow us to open more doors for young people, who may need to support themselves and their families, especially during the COVID-19 crisis,” said VP Leni Robredo. “This collaboration is yet another proof that the spirit of Bayanihan continues to inspire our commitment to uplift the lives of those who are in need.”
“We would like to thank the OVP for partnering with us in promoting broad-based economic development in the Philippines by supporting youth in need of upskilling and employment opportunities. USAID remains committed to work with our partners in government and the private sector to ensure that economic growth remains inclusive and sustainable for all,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II.
PBEd Chair Ramon del Rosario said the partnership will create a meaningful impact on the lives of underprivileged young Filipinos who are in dire need of learning and livelihood opportunities at this time.
“We are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the OVP’s commitment to support our FTW trainees is a massive boost towards empowering young Pinoys who are disproportionately affected by this crisis,” del Rosario said.
To apply, visit this page.