46 Tagbilaran City Youths have successfully completed technical and soft skills training through the Youth Access to TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Online Program under USAID (United States Agency for International Development) Opportunity 2.0. The beneficiaries completed trainings on Bread & Pastry NC II, Electrical Installation & Maintenance NC II, Front Office Services NC II, Food & Beverage Services NC II, and Cookery NC II.
The U.S. government spearheaded USAID Opportunity 2.0 geared to support the education, employment, and livelihood needs of out-of-school youths in Tagbilaran City.
The five-year, Php1.9 billion ($35.7 million) Opportunity 2.0: Second-Chance Opportunities for Out-of-School Youth program are working with the Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA, and local governments to support its programs to provide relevant education, employability skills, and work experience to 180,000 out-of-school youth across the Philippines.
“A key element in this journey of youth transformation is partnership. Alliances that consist of committed and capable individuals and institutions who selflessly put in their time, effort, and resources to advance our shared goal has to be a central feature in improving the lives of youth in communities in Angeles City and across the country,” stated Thomas LeBlanc, Director of Education of USAID/Philippines about this model that has already benefited thousands of youths.
USAID works with local governments in 12 cities across the country to set up Youth Development Alliances that mobilize resources to help their out-of-school youth. The program worked with over 2,200 employers and at least 50 education or training institutions, including major hubs like Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao. Former Mayor Baba Yap expressed strong commitment for the program: “We warmly embrace, commit to the success of this project.” Mayor Yap called on all stakeholders to collaborate for the youth: “Out-of-school youth are in the fringes. They need our help to get back to education or join the workforce. There is no better time than today to put focus on our OSY.”
Opportunity 2.0 is implemented by U.S.-based Education Development Center, with partners Accenture, Philippine Business for Education, Catholic Relief Services, Voluntary Services Overseas, and SEAMEO INNOTECH. (Jeanette Busano)
