BACKGROUND

Over the last decade, Southeast Asia has experienced the worst change in youth employment in Asia. According to the International Labour Organization, youth unemployment has more than doubled from 5 million in 1994 to 10.5 million in 2004. Youth in the Philippines, for example face unemployment rates of 26 percent. This challenge is exacerbated in Mindanao by the conflict which has threatened livelihoods and peace for decades.

By combining the resources of government, businesses and NGOs, Enterprise Asia wants to make a difference in the lives of youth in the rural parts of Mindanao, Philippines. A combination of face-to-face training, computer modules and on the job training give participants a set of skills demanded highly by local industries. In partnership with other local NGOs, Enterprise Asia offers an alternative learning system which trains participants to better work habits, manage conflict and begin basic enterprise development to build intangible skills that is crucial for survival.

SKILLS EMPOWERMENT AND ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM

Hundreds of disadvantaged youth are learning marketable livelihood skills that will allow them to access loans to start small enterprises in conflict zones in rural Mindanao. The project combines entrepreneurship skills with links to business for practical on-the-job training and enterprise development.

The participants have been selected from the remote provinces of Cotabato City in Mindanao. Over the past 9 months, participants have benefited from the alternative learning system established by Provincial Government in partnership with Enterprise Asia.

Results - At the end of the project; we have achieved 100 percent completion for the technical and entrepreneurial skills training. 90 percent have successfully graduated from the program. Of those who graduated, 60 percent are expected to have the skills to plan, initiate and implement micro-enterprises in the target sites. Partners will be encouraged to share financial and non-financial resources to meet project objectives.

Partners - Local government units, Department of Education Bureau, Cotabato Province Investment Promotion Center, Metro Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and AIESEC in the Philippines.