“YMCA Manila Gives Hope to 100 Mothers” - Youth-Led Solutions Initiatives for Future of Work

Last Updated (Tuesday, 30 May 2023 11:44)

During the pandemic, society became more demanding in all aspects and dependent on technology.

With the combined efforts of the YMCA of Manila, Inc., Accenture and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the threat of the society due to the pandemic was converted into an opportunity to work and get along with the demand of the economy through a project called “Nanay’s in IT”.

The Nanay’s in IT is an upskilling program with the purpose of helping members in the indigent communities to acquire Information Technology (IT) - focused skills and prepare them for jobs in IT companies. Its overall goal is for the learners to have sufficient knowledge and experience regarding IT skills, pass certification exams, be employed in IT companies, gain higher earnings, provide better support to learners’ families and inspire their communities to improve their lives. The project was composed of online learning, practical application/On-The-Job-Training (OJT), certifications and further education. The participant is called “Learners”.

A learner is identified as “Nanay”, a Filipino word that means MOTHER in English. They are chosen because they have a responsibility to themselves and their families. The participants are adults ages 18 to 35 years old who are not necessarily female or mothers in particular but by nature. They can be the breadwinners of the family. Another qualification must be an undergraduate who struggles to return to school because of the continuous unavoidable responsibility to the family. The learner must not have previous employment in high-paying companies with positions as a call centre agent, sales agent, insurance agent, etc. The learner’s employment experience is preferably from a blue-collar job, online seller or the like.

Currently, 45 learners are taking their OJTs in some of the large companies in the Philippines, such as Accenture, 2go, SM, PLDT, Meralco and the like. At the end of the program, YMCA, PBSP and Accenture are working hand in hand so that the learners will get employed or absorbed by their OJT site or to any other companies. Through the program, they have gained the confidence and certain competency to work and land in a regular job. The program runs from October 2022 – 2023.

Meanwhile, the Nanay’s in IT is one of the continuous plans of the Success Academy project developed by the Youth Leadership & Development Committee of the YMCA of Manila funded by the World Alliance of YMCAs through the seed grant of Youth Led Solutions Initiatives Summit for Future of Work. The Success Academy is the anchoring model of the Nanay’s in IT towards working on initiatives pertaining to Future of Work.

The Success Academy developed a module called “A Guide to Get Hired” which aims to help the youth define their own meaning of success by providing them with situations, realistic expectations, training for upskilling, mentoring, and coaching. The Success Academy has produced 62 beneficiaries. The content of the modules are Success Definition, Personal Branding, Job Application & Interview, Rest & Mindfulness, Financial Management, Continuous Learning Session and Elective Module on Free review of Civil Service Eligibility Examination with Mock Test. The mode of learning were combinations of Online & Face-Face Mentoring, Simulations and Immersion. The program was held from May 2022 – February 2023.

During these times when the economy is unstable, we intend to lend a helping hand and equip the new generation of professionals with focus and courage. The totality of the program is for every individual to dream and define for their own success with the help of different doors that will shine in front of them. Everyone must be presented with various opportunities to ultimately realize it. The YMCA of Manila will still inculcate the value of dedication for it is not a guaranteed sprint but a marathon journey for them. Through various efforts, there will always be a hope that it is not yet the end of the line for them.

By: Ivory C. Manio
Related Secretary for Community Development & Special Projects
YMCA of Manila, Inc. - Philippines