Project HOPE continues to champion sustainable economic opportunities through entrepreneurial and employable skills training with the out-of-school and vulnerable youth in Tabogon, Cebu, last 11 January.
About 2500 youth will undergo capacity-building workshops, as well as immersion in community issues and training in entrepreneurial development facilitated by World Vision. Topics on saving and financial literacy will be discussed.
Citi Foundation, the corporate responsibility arm of Citi Bank, funded and jointly developed Project HOPE with World Vision and the municipality of Tabogon.
“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 underscores the importance of the youth being role models to their peers, helping them be educated, empowered, and engaged in programs that breed innovation.
Project HOPE will also extend agricultural and livelihood assistance to another 30 youth beneficiaries who will participate in rabbit farming training in Laurel, Batangas. In addition, people living in rural areas will be introduced to Community-Managed Savings and Credit Association groups to manage their own savings and credit system.
Among those who attended the ceremonial launch of Project HOPE in Cebu are 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 some beneficiaries.
Project HOPE is also a collaboration with the Department of Agriculture.