Manila, May 12, 2022—The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has helped more than 1,230 out-of-school and unemployed Filipino youth gain much-needed technical and vocational training in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), local government units and private sector partners.
In the city of General Santos, 89 USAID-supported youth completed technical and vocational training last month, nearly half of whom immediately secured full-time employment with private sector partners.
Through its Opportunity 2.0 and YouthWorks PH programs, USAID has helped young people in the city of General Santos take TESDA courses in housekeeping, electrical installation and maintenance, computer maintenance, and cooking.
“It’s always amazing to me what young people can accomplish if they just have the opportunity and the support they need. This program has been a success mainly due to the resilient spirit of the young people. But this wouldn’t have been possible without the partnerships that support these young people,” said Mirshariff Tillah, Senior Education Advisor for USAID in the Philippines. “With the lasting alliance in your city, it is easier to connect qualified young people to local opportunities in universities, business and entrepreneurship.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, USAID collaborated with TESDA to restore access to technical and vocational training in a safe and inclusive manner through TESDA online programs. Partnerships with local industry, including some of General Santos’ largest corporations, such as Alsons Group and KCC Group, provide trained young people with a pathway to employment.
USAID also helped establish the General Santos City Youth Development Alliance, which connects youth with local businesses for employment, and other organizations for continuing education and opportunities. of entrepreneurship.
Over the past 60 years, USAID has partnered with the Philippine government and local organizations to achieve common development goals, investing more than Php247.5 billion ($5.1 billion) to support Philippines.
