Life Project 4 Youth
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
LP4Y is an international movement of local organisations specializing in the development of innovative solutions for the professional and social integration of excluded Youth living in extreme poverty. For 15 years, LP4Y’s
structure has facilitated the sharing of practices among diverse stakeholders, ensuring consistent and meaningful actions. By fostering collaboration and advocating for inclusion, LP4Y creates pathways towards a more
inclusive world.
LP4Y’s mission includes:
1. Accompany the most excluded Youth in Asia and the Middle-East towards their professional and
social integration
2. Campaign with Young adults coming from extreme poverty to offer concrete, grassroots solutions addressing exclusion issues
3. Engage with partners to increase the number of initiatives that support Youth inclusion and multiply the impact
Country Information
The Philippines has one of the highest slum populations globally, with over 40% living in such conditions. As of 2020, 24% of young adults (15-24 years old) were out of school or work, worsened by COVID-19. Young women face greater challenges, with 9% unemployed and 28% out of education or training. Despite nearly 2,000 higher education institutions, enrollment is low, and the OECD ranks the Philippines 78th in reading comprehension for 15-year-olds. UNESCO reports that 28% of youth do not complete lower secondary education, even with the K-12 system.
The country is also highly vulnerable to climate change, ranking third on the World Risk Report in 2017. It faces severe impacts such as GDP losses, altered rainfall, droughts, biodiversity threats, rising sea levels, and increased typhoon exposure. Pollution exacerbates health issues, especially in slums like Tondo and Payatas, with rising temperatures and sea levels posing additional risks to the nation’s 7,100 islands.
The Need
Limited access to higher education in the Philippines restricts skill development and contributes to a shortage of qualified professionals. This issue is exacerbated by the 25.2% of out-of-school youth recorded post-COVID-19, hindering the country from fully harnessing its young population’s potential.
Educational disparities persist between urban and rural areas, worsened by poverty and gender issues. Many young Filipinos face barriers to education, impacting their development and creating a disconnect between job opportunities and a motivated workforce.
The Project We Fund
The project spans various regions in the Philippines, aiming to support excluded youth from urban and rural areas. It focuses on social and professional integration through Training & Development Centers (TDC) and the Green Village (GV).
Key Components:
– Training Programs: Six-month programs with two main aspects:
– WORK: Youth manage Microcompanies based on community needs, enhancing their professional skills.
– GUIDE: Weekly coaching helps youth with personal development and career planning.
– Post-Training Support: After completing the program, Youth receive three months of job support and ongoing coaching.
Environmental Dimension: The Green Village in Calauan integrates climate change awareness into training, promoting resilience and sustainability of the Youth and their community. It is a model of a sustainable training center, developed by skilled professionals and the Youth in an eco-responsible process.
Little Angel Academy (LAA): Provides childcare for young mothers in Tondo, allowing them to focus on their training while ensuring their children receive a safe and supportive environment.
Jail Training: LP4Y offers training in two jails, following the same model as TDC, to support inmates to catch up on their academic delay and work on their personal development.
Overall, LP4Y’s initiatives aim to reduce socio-economic disparities, foster engaged and responsible citizenship, and contribute to national and international discussions on Youth inclusion and development.
The Result
To measure impact, LP4Y uses Key Impact Indicators (KIIs):
– Youth Follow-Up: Tracks integration rate, attendance, and program completion.
– Partnerships: Measures professional exposure and job placements with partner companies.
– Micro-Companies: Assesses the number of beneficiaries, training sessions held, and training quality via surveys.
Additionally, LP4Y’s approach includes weekly coaching for tracking behavior, social skills, and job readiness. Post-program, the Central Youth Database monitors job placements and conditions. Graduates can also join the Star Club, an alumni network that hosts monthly dinners for updates and continued support.