US gov’t launches P1.9B project for out-of-school Filipino youth

The United States government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Wednesday launched a P1.9 billion project that will support the education, employment, and livelihood needs of at least 180,000 out-of-school youth in the Philippines.

In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said through the five-year “Opportunity 2.0: Second-chance Opportunities for Out-of-school Youth project,” the U.S. government will partner with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to augment their ongoing programs and provide relevant education, employability skills, and work experience to the youth.

These include the DepEd’s enhanced alternative learning system and TESDA’s skills training programs, the U.S. Embassy in Manila added.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said the new project will help the vulnerable out-of-school youth who are facing significant challenges in education and employment amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Through this new partnership, we can leverage a range of resources to maximize the potential of the Filipino youth, particularly those who are out-of-school or unemployed. With the right knowledge, attitudes, and skills, they will play a pivotal role in this great country’s growth and success over the long-term,” he said.

Meanwhile, USAID is also partnering with local governments in 12 cities nationwide to set up Youth Development Alliances that mobilize resources to help their out-of-school youth.

The program will also partner with over 2,200 employers and at least 50 education or training institutions, including major hubs such as Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Davao.

The program is implemented by the U.S.-based Education Development Center in partnership with Accenture, Philippines Business for Education, Catholic Relief Services, Voluntary Services Overseas, and SEAMEO-Innotech.—AOL, GMA News