USAID Holds Summit to Empower Out-of-School Youth in the Philippines
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) recently organized its second “Opportunity 2.0 Private Sector Summit” in Makati City, Philippines. The summit aimed to promote and pursue a program that empowers out-of-school youth to become the backbone of the Philippine economy. Approximately 200 top business leaders and representatives from governmental and civil society sectors attended the event.
The theme of the summit was “Forging the Future: Collaborating Beyond Impact with the Gen Z at Work.” Panel discussions were held during the summit, where industry partners, national and local government officials, and upskilled Opportunity 2.0 youth shared their strategies for developing interpersonal skills and work ethics.
Key policy ideas emerged from the breakout sessions, including industry mapping, multi-sectoral capacity building, and potential contracts and incentives with the private sector. These ideas aim to encourage the private sector to increase job opportunities for out-of-school youth in their respective local communities.
Isabela 5th District Representative Mike Dy spoke about the importance of Opportunity 2.0 as a tool for shaping the development of the youth. He emphasized the need to provide national coverage and protection for all out-of-school youth (OSY) in the country, with Congress playing a pivotal role in institutionalizing these programs.
The summit highlighted the significance of promoting upskilling among out-of-school youth through national policies like the Magna Carta of the Out of School Youth, which is being actively promoted in both Houses of Congress. Senator Sonny Angara, Chairperson of the Committee on Youth, expressed support for greater cooperation between various government agencies to pursue programs that benefit the youth.
Dr. Thomas LeBlanc, director of USAID’s Office of Education, commended Opportunity 2.0’s academic, government, and business sector partners for their contribution to strengthening education, training, and career opportunities for the youth. He stressed the need to institutionalize these initiatives for a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable future for the younger generation.
Since its launch in 2020, Opportunity 2.0 has engaged at least 1,346 private sector partners across the country, including business groups, big companies, and micro-small and medium-sized enterprises. The program has reached 37,504 young people, providing them with opportunities for lucrative jobs and business ventures.
Implemented in 15 locations across the Philippines, Opportunity 2.0 aims to persuade local companies to hire job-ready individuals who are not enrolled in school. The program is carried out by the Education Development Center in the United States, Philippine Business for Education, Accenture, Catholic Relief Services, Voluntary Services Overseas, and SEAMEO INNOTECH. Through partnerships with employers and educational or training institutions, Opportunity 2.0 seeks to improve services for out-of-school youth and connect them to second-chance opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
