The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has successfully supported 263 Filipino out-of-school youth (OSY) gain much-needed tech-voc training through the TESDA Online Program or eTESDA.
In a series of online ceremonies beginning today until September 16, 143 out-of-school youth are graduating after successfully completing TESDA Online Program (TOP) courses in the last three months through the support of the USAID’s Opportunity 2.0 program, which seeks to help Filipino OSYs transition to higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship.
USAID was quick to collaborate with TESDA on restoring access to tech-voc training in safe and inclusive ways when the pandemic hit. Modules were enhanced for distance learning, TESDA trainers were trained on using new teaching methods, and the OSY were lent tablets to access TOP modules. Community-based facilitators were also engaged to help the youth along the process, following local IATF protocols.
This led to restoring upskilling opportunities for OSYs who have been adversely affected by the restrictions brought about by COVID-19 protocols, giving them and their families an opportunity to also overcome economic difficulties in the New Normal.
Tech-Voc training or TVET is still one of the most viable ways for OSYs to get jobs or start small businesses, especially now with the ongoing pandemic. This is why the USAID is supporting the need to build a stronger, more responsive, and resilient TVET system in the Philippines. Services are restored for out-of-school youth and they have the opportunities to succeed during these unprecedented times.
Among the 143 TOP graduates, 23 are from Quezon City, 24 are from Legazpi City, 23 are from Tagbilaran City, 24 are from Cebu City, 25 are from Cagayan de Oro City, and 24 are from Davao City.
After TOP graduation, through the Opportunity 2.0 program, the OSY can proceed to more work readiness and entrepreneurship training, which will give them an advantage to succeed in work and business post-TOP training. Through Youth Development Alliances, which are led by City Governments, OSY can also be referred to different training, job placement, and entrepreneurship services and programs available in their city, depending on the youth’s goals.
Aside from collaborating on TOP, USAID is also supporting TESDA build a stronger TVET system in the Philippines through professional development of its trainers, enhancing module contents, and research that provides for evidence-based TVET programming in the country.
To date, USAID has reached over 16,000 out-of-school youth across the country and trained over 3000 teachers and trainers through Opportunity 2.0. Opportunity 2.0 is implemented by U.S.-based EDC with DepEd, TESDA, Accenture, Philippine Business for Education, Catholic Relief Services, Voluntary Services Overseas, and SEAMEO INNOTECH. USAID’s assistance will benefit 180,000 youth in more than 12 cities across the Philippines.#
