Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) in the Philippines have started their entrepreneurial journey at the Dreamers’ Pop-Up Bazaar, a culmination of the JA It’s My Dream program, a joint initiative by FWD Life Insurance and Junior Achievement of the Philippines. The program aims to equip OSYs with financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills, fostering them to become business owners. FWD Philippines believes that a better Philippines begins with empowered young individuals who create positive impacts for themselves and their communities, promoting nation-building and celebrating living.
Hector Angeles, Chief Advocacy Officer of JA Philippines, underlined how OSYs and their potential should not be defined by circumstance. “With the right tools, support, and encouragement, they can break barriers and build the future they deserve. We want to champion their aspirations and commit to creating more inclusive opportunities for youth to thrive,” said Angeles.
The program’s inclusive approach was highlighted by the participation of nine young women with disabilities from JA Philippines’ program, which explicitly empowers this community. Mommy Lala, a parent of an OSY student on the autism spectrum, expressed profound gratitude for the program. “This program taught her invaluable financial skills and gave her a sense of contribution to her team. We need to find inclusive programs like this that allow us to participate and learn life lessons to help her in the future.”
The program’s growing reach was further emphasized by including new OSY learners from Pasay and Mandaluyong in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). Dr. Quinn Norman Arreza, Public Schools District Supervisor and Officer-in-Charge at DepEd Schools Division Office of Pasay, highlighted the crucial need for such youth support. “Learning is not just about formal education. We are thankful for this collaboration because we are empowering OSYs to carve a better future for themselves through alternative learning,” shared Arreza.
Dr. Arreza also acknowledged the program’s alignment with Republic Act 11510, or the Alternative Learning System Act, which provides OSYs with opportunities to enhance their capabilities for further education, work, or self-employment.
With the theme “Powered by Passion, Driven by Youth,” he hosted an event with over a dozen OSY-led micro-business booths at the Glorietta 1 Activity Center. Participants engaged in live pitches and demos showcasing a diverse range of products, from reusable bags and local food staples like peanut butter, chili garlic, and chicken pasties to personal care and home cleaning products.OSY participants attested to the impact of the JA It’s My Dream program during the event. Ejhay Caldito from team Candle Crush shared, “Nagpapasalamat po kami sa FWD at JA Philippines. Dahil po sa program na ito, mas nakita namin yung potential at kahalagahan para matuto at i-apply lahat ng natutunan namin para sa bagong negosyo.” (We are thankful to FWD and JA Philippines. Because of this program, we saw the potential and importance to learn and apply everything we’ve learned for our new business.)
JA It’s My Dream is under FWD and JA Asia Pacific’s groupwide JA SparktheDream financial literacy program. Learn more about the program by visiting ph.jasparkthedream.org
