In a significant step towards empowering the youth, the Ateneo Learning and Teaching Excellence Center of Ateneo de Zamboanga University, in collaboration with UNICEF Philippines, Accenture, Generation Unlimited, and various government partners, successfully commenced the Enhanced Learning to Earning Pathways (LEaP 2.0) Implementation Workshop held at Astoria Plaza, Pasig City, Metro Manila from January 29-31, 2025.
The three-day workshop marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between the National Youth Commission, the Department of Education, and the Center for the Welfare of Children which aims to establish and strengthen partnerships with national government partners and to build a three-year journey plan for LEaP! Programme. With the vision of extending its effort and impact, the programme has expanded to five sites and will cater to young people in Angeles City, Northern Samar, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte, and Cagayan de Oro City.
The LEaP! Programme is an innovative initiative designed to bridge the gap between education and employment and promote active citezenship for young Filipinos. By leveraging two online digital platforms, Passport to Earning (P2E) and Youth Marketplace Agency (YOMA), the program provides participants with essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the modern workforce.
Mr. Akihiro Fushimi, Ed.D., Education Chief of UNICEF Philippines emphasized the crucial role of the programme with the increasing number of unemployment and underemployment and related the timeliness and relevance of the LEaP! Programme in the current educational landscape of the Philippines . He underscored this flagship initiative that might enhance support in education, one LEaP! at a time.
As the workshop progressed, participants from various government agencies and organizations engaged in meaningful discussions, shared their insights and experiences in addressing the challenges faced by young Filipinos in their transition from education to employment. Moreover, the program seeks to harness the collective expertise of its partners to create a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for youth development by fostering a collaborative environment.
The partners hope to forge stronger bonds between stakeholders, ultimately leading to better outcomes for the youth through the LEaP! Programme 2.0 by the end of 2027. The LEaP Programme 2.0 Implementation Workshop has set the stage for a brighter future for the youth of the Philippines and as they leap and work together, their collective efforts will undoubtedly create a stronger, more supportive community that nurtures the growth and development of young Filipinos.
