Project Title: EQUIP -YP ( Economic Equality Initiatives for Productivity of Marginalized Young People)

The project is about piloting and enhancing a design that will prepare and provide access to vulnerable/marginalized young people ages 15-24 years old for economic inclusion. It will also attempt to implement, come up with a model design for the Tulong TrabahoAct (RA 11230) targeting the former beneficiaries of Bidlisiw who underwent the healing and recovery program as well as those who are residing in the same communities who are also marginalized because of their socio-economic conditions. RA 11230 is very new and based on consultation with TESDA Region 7 and CebuProvincial Office, this is not yet fully implemented in the area. There are many designs circulating around towards economic empowerment however the inclusion of the recovered drug addict, survivors of trafficking, those with low educational qualifications are not able to cope with the opportunities provided due to various circumstances such as discrimination, lack of life skills, and other job readiness issues. Bidlisiw’s clienteles are children-youth in need of special protection such as drug users/surrenderees, commercially sexually exploited children etc. who mostly are non-high school completers, some are overage for her/his current educational attainment thus going back to formal school is no longer their priority. In our own data, among those highly vulnerable, 87%of young people would want to proceed to wage employment while only 13% would want to become entrepreneurs. However actual family profile of enrolled beneficiaries showed only 38% are wage-employed which is a big discrepancy of their own aspiration and interest. Among those who are self-employed, 90% belongs to the informal economy. The main program of Bidlisiw which is the child and family healing recovery and reintegration (CFHRR) is focused on trauma recovery and strengthening of the personal resources. However, sustaining the behavioral changes is a challenge because once they become young adults, access to economic productivity is difficult because of their background. Relapse may happen if they are not supported in this area. Many of the opportunities around are given to young people who are privileged, qualified, job-ready leaving behind this type of young people. Also, it was noted in our experience, even those who are senior high completers are unable to pursue college. They have limited access to information on job vacancies and skills training available. It was also notable that some beneficiaries are showing low self -esteems as they got to compare themselves to others who have achieved a lot. Some companies in the past have created biases on individuals living in those types of communities where Bidlisiw beneficiaries reside. They are judged as liabilities of the society and trust is at times absent. This oftentimes leads to young people settling for informal/laborious type of jobs inside their communities where social security, the minimum wage are not secured where the risks for labor exploitation and the dangers of relapse become big as they face the economic pressures. This prompted Bidlisiw to create phase 2 of the CFHRRwhich will develop their life skills for employability and facilitate economic inclusion of vulnerable young people and convince the private sector to open doors for marginalized youth. The above concept will provide changes at the youth level making them equipped with life skills for employability, the organization is able to establish a program for economic inclusion of the marginalized sector, and at the level of the private sector making them more sensitive, non-judgmental, and inclusive.

The organization had continued its efforts to reach marginalized youth in the areas where it operated, guided by principles of empowerment and inclusivity. The EQUIP-YP Program has been replicated in 4 projects inside the foundation and can also be replicated by other organizations that aim for economic empowerment.  

Over the last few years, the VOICE project has been focusing on piloting and enhancing a design that aligns with social development values such as empowerment, social justice, and inclusivity. The project aimed to prepare and provide access to vulnerable and marginalized young people, ages 18-24, for economic inclusion through participatory interventions. By prioritizing bottom-up approaches, collaboration, and partnership, the project has strived to foster holistic development and sustainable change within these marginalized communities. 

The journey began with identifying and enrolling rights holders, offering them a platform to actualize their aspirations and pursue their life goals. Simultaneously, partnerships were forged with private sector entities and training centers, enabling rights holders to access training and employment opportunities. Challenges arose in engaging certain private sectors initially, hindering the initiative’s progress. Consequently, the project intensified efforts to establish connections with aligned private sector partners. Now, there is a notable shift, as some actively seek out rights holders from the organization for training or employment, reflecting the successful alignment of missions and the project’s dedication to facilitating opportunities for marginalized individuals. 

One challenge faced by the project was the difficulty rights holders faced in securing job placements after graduating from Technical Vocational Institutions, necessitating applications to various companies. Despite the difficult process, the enterprise-based program showed promising success in job placement. Investing in seeking partners in the private sector for employment opportunities for rights holders proved worthwhile. 

While some rights holders decided to undertake a different path in life, most of them were able to be employed by prestigious companies, and others created their own businesses. A dream made into reality for the rights holders as they are now part of the formal economy. Hearts full of gratitude as they are able to provide for their families as well as their own needs and wants, which they only used to wish for. Even though they are busy with their work, the rights holders look forward to any participation they can take in the other activities of the foundation.  Some of the stories of hope among the rights holders include from only eating one meal a day to becoming the main provider of the family. 

As the VOICE project concludes, its impact resonates deeply. The replication of the EQUIP-YP Program underscores its effectiveness. Challenges in job placement were met with success through the enterprise-based model, emphasizing the value of private sector partnerships. Stories of transformation speak volumes, highlighting the power of opportunity. From humble beginnings to flourishing careers, rights holders now thrive, providing for themselves and their families. To business owners, the message is clear: embrace the potential of marginalized individuals. Let us carry these lessons forward, fostering inclusivity and opportunity for all, and continue to make dreams a reality.