In the Philippines, the path to higher education is often paved with obstacles.
Across the nation, 11 million out-of-school youth find their aspirations for a better future eclipsed by the harsh realities they face daily – poverty, early parenthood, and family hardships. Yet, as out-of-school individuals in a nation where most jobs require at least a high school diploma or college degree, they often find themselves locked in a battle against limited opportunities and unfulfilled potential.
Meet Jelly Gutierrez, an 18-year-old from San Quintin who knows the struggle all too well. With her father’s passing and her mother working as a house help, Jelly had to step up to care for her siblings and contribute to the family’s daily expenses. “My mom’s getting older – she’s a senior now. My siblings have their own families to care for. There’s no one to support me for college,” she shares. Jelly’s story is not unique. Many out-of-school youth in the Philippines face similar challenges, their dreams of education seemingly out of reach. But amidst these obstacles, hope emerges in the form of the printing shop project.
Pure Bayanihan collaborated with the local government and police force of San Quintin to develop the Souvenir and Tarpaulin Printing Shop project. This livelihood initiative aims to provide out-of-school youth like Jelly with skills training, employment opportunities, and resources to support their educational goals. By establishing a printing business run by the youth themselves, the project offers a sustainable solution to the twin challenges of unemployment and limited access to education.
Roma Madrigal, the PESO manager of San Quintin and a community leader, explains the project’s innovative approach: “40% of their income from this venture will be earmarked exclusively for their school fees. The beneficiaries must first be enrolled in school and stay in school before they could tap into the income.”
The choice of a printing business was strategic. “This type of business is perfect for our youth. Since they’re young, they can quickly learn and adapt to technology. They can easily pick up computer skills like layout design, Photoshop, and more,” Roma adds. With the upcoming elections creating a high demand for printed materials, the shop is poised for success, benefiting both the youth and the community at large.
“It wasn’t just about employment – it was a lifeline to their dreams. It opened doors to a future they thought was lost,” Roma reflects.
For Shander Casimina, the president of the San Quintin Hope for Education Youth Association, the project is more than just a means to an end. “To me, it’s a light guiding us back to our dreams,” he says with a smile. “Participating allowed me to practice leadership. As president, I’m learning patience while empowering my peers. Together, we’re growing and learning new skills.”
The training sessions covered a wide range of topics, from bookkeeping and financial management to printing techniques and design software. The youth were eager to learn, recognizing the value of these skills not only for the success of the printing shop but also for their personal growth and future employability.
The Souvenir and Tarpaulin Printing Shop project is a testament to the transformative power of community, resilience, and unshakable hope. “This is a huge step for us to get back on track and reach our dreams,” Shander shares. “Thank you so much.”
With the unwavering support of Pure Bayanihan and the local community, these resilient youth are proving that no challenge is insurmountable when met with determination, skills, and the power of opportunity.
Jelly reflects on what it means for her to have the chance to return to school, “Education is extremely important to me because it’s the only inheritance our parents can give us. It’s the instrument that can help us improve our lives.”
With your support, we can extend this same lifeline to more out-of-school youth. Donate to Pure Bayanihan today and help young people like Jelly and Shander unlock the bright future they deserve.
