Making a difference by empowering the Youth and marginalized through education and human formation.

Asia boasts of the largest youth population globally, yet, there is a lack of educational facilities and access to opportunities. Uneducated youth have limited choices and are unable to reach their full potential due to economic and social reasons.

This is where YLDC plans to play a role to assist these youth, including migrants and refugees.

Youth Livelihood and Development Center (YLDC) is an education project created through the network of Fondacio Asia, its alumni, and different local partners. It was born from a need to equip the youth in the peripheries with knowledge, skills and values. Ultimately, the program aims to help its students find a meaningful direction in life; gainful job or livelihood; & be able to contribute to their community and society.

There are currently 5 YLDC’s in 4 South East Asian Countries:

YLDC Fairview, Philippines aims to empower out of school youth and unemployed due to financial difficulties or have become disinterested with school or work, to develop positive attitudes towards education and work; to equip them with knowledge, skills and values necessary to make them self-reliant and seek opportunities for a better life.

YLDC Yangon, and YLDC Myitkyina, Myanmar aims to open up opportunities for young people, particularly the disadvantaged, and get them ready for work; equip them with skills, deepen their faith so that they could be at the service of their families and communities.

YLDC Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia aims to provide the local poor, migrants and refugees conversational English & Computer literacy to help them find jobs and cultivate positive attitude and concern for others for the betterment of their lives, family and community.

YLDC Vientiane, Laos, offers Life Skills program to marginalised youth from rural and indigenous villages to develop literacy in Computer Skills and English and Values Formation to enhance their capacity to access further opportunities for livelihood, education and development for their communities.

The Program

Each YLDC adapts the program according to the country situation and context. Generally, the program is comprised of 2 parts: Life-skills program and Continuing program.

In the Life-skills program the students learn about English, computer, professional development and work ethics and social responsibility (or any other skills and topics depending on their context) by attending classes, going for exposures, or implementing projects. The program runs for 3-5 months depending on the local context.

After completing the Life-skills program, the students proceed to the continuing program where they are mentored and guided in taking concrete steps to their career/ life plans for at least 6 months.

YLDC supports the young adults with their on-going development as they pursue their chosen path.

Fondacio believes that partnerships with same minded organizations is key for a successful mission. Each YLDC collaborates with different entities who believe in its mission such as dioceses/ parishes, religious congregations, government offices, NGO’s, Civil organizations, private sectors/ corporate companies, etc.