World Vision, Citi Foundation launch Project HOPE to support Cebu’s out-of-school youth

 

Tabogon, Cebu - World Vision launched Project HOPE at the Tabogon Sports Complex.

Funded by Citi Foundation, Project HOPE (Helping Out-of-School-Youths Pave Towards Employment and Engaging in Business), aims to provide sustainable economic opportunities to out-of-school and vulnerable youth by providing entrepreneurial and employable skills training.

“True to the vision and name of this project, we want to spark hope among the youth,” said Jun Godornes, resource development director for World Vision.

About 2,500 youth will benefit from the project through capacity building workshops, as well as trainings on community issues and entrepreneurial development laid out by World Vision. They will also be taught how to save, to improve financial literacy.

“We believe that Project HOPE can empower the youth and arm them with competencies, values and confidence, to help them pursue their goals, improve their lives and contribute to their respective communities,” said Dorski Granada, Citi Philippines Head of Corporate Affairs.

World Vision’s operations manager for Visayas Faith Bullecer-Sy highlighted the project’s intent to provide opportunities for youth to also engage in the agribusiness entrepreneurship programs.

“We want our participants to love agriculture. We also want to invite other opportunities for skills development and other employment opportunities,” said Sy.

Sy also recognized the role of the youth in influencing their peers. “This group can act as advocates to help other youth in becoming educated, empowered, and engaged, and to be part of something that is innovative,” said Sy.

This project is supported by the local government of Tabogon, Cebu in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.

At the project launch, Municipal Administrator of Tabogon, Ronnie Hingco, a former World Vision sponsored beneficiary, shared his personal experience, “Just like you, I have sat there in the audience and listened to the speakers. World Vision took care of me and encouraged me to get involved in their various projects, and now I’m here. Now, I am one of the speakers hoping to inspire other young people to create positive change.”

Also present at the ceremonial launch were World Vision Cebu program manager Josephine Solon, Sogod Municipal Agriculture Office representative Paulino Molit, Tabogon Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office representative Zusana Rios, TESDA registrar Pastor Jun Requina, TESDA trainees, SOGOD Inc., 4H Club and the beneficiaries of the project.

Apart from the 2,500 youth in Cebu, Project HOPE will also provide agricultural and livelihood assistance to 30 youth beneficiaries who will undergo training in “rabbitry farming” in Laurel, Batangas. World Vision will also facilitate the formation of COMSCA (Community-Managed Savings and Credit Association) groups which will allow those living in rural areas, to manage their own savings and credit system.

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About World Vision Development Foundation, Inc.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development, and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, their families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by its Christian faith and values, it is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. It serves and collaborates with all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Visit www.worldvision.org.ph for more updates.

About Citi Foundation

The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low- income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundation approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation.