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RISE For Youth Wins Award for Tackling Unemployment Among Filipino Youth

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When the pandemic hit, the world felt like it was suddenly put on pause. For millions of young Filipinos, the future seemed especially uncertain. Unemployment rates skyrocketed, and for those already facing significant challenges—whether they were aging out of orphanages, living in poverty, or navigating the complexities of early parenthood—the obstacles felt almost impossible to overcome.

That’s when we decided to take action. In 2023, with the support of the Citi Foundation, we launched the RISE For Youth program, a bold initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment head-on.

Fast forward to November 2024, and we’re thrilled to share that RISE For Youth won the 2024 Le Trophee Bleu Business Sustainability Award! This award, given by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Philippines (CCI France Philippines), honors organizations that are making a real difference in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

RISE For Youth, a program addressing youth unemployment in the Philippines, wins the 2024 Le Trophee Bleu Business Sustainability Award.

Bridging the Gap and Breaking Barriers

At its heart, RISE For Youth—short for Reducing Inequalities and Skills Employment—is all about helping underserved youth break down the barriers standing between them and meaningful work. The program isn’t just about job placement; it’s about creating a path for young people to build fulfilling careers. 

With a combination of training, job fairs, and ongoing support, we’re helping them thrive, not just survive.

Take Maria, for example. When she graduated, she was eager to start her career but struggled to land her first job. “I can get a thousand no’s, but I just need one yes to get a job,” she reminded herself during the long months of job searching. 

One day, she discovered an opportunity through our RISE For Youth Career Support Group on Facebook—our lively community of job seekers, mentors, and experts. Through the group, Maria found career advice, attended workshops, and got tips on everything from resume writing to acing interviews.

Empowered by this support, Maria applied for a position at IKEA, and after an interview, she landed a role in their Customer Relations Department. Looking back, her story is one of many that highlight the true impact of RISE For Youth.

Maria in an IKEA uniform

Maria from RISE For Youth

2023: A Year of Growth and Inspiration

In just one year, the RISE For Youth program has reached impressive milestones:

  • Over 1.7 million youth inspired through educational campaigns.
  • 12,100 job seekers supported in our R4Y Career Support Group on Facebook.
  • 100 young people equipped with leadership and employability skills through specialized training.
  • More than 1,800 participants engaged in job fairs and digital employment initiatives.

RISE For Youth participants at a job fair.

A Bigger Mission

Winning the Sustainable Excellence in SME award isn’t just about the recognition—it’s a testament to the bigger mission behind RISE For Youth. By aligning our work with the SDGs, we’re confident that businesses and social impact can work hand-in-hand to drive real change.

For us, this award is a celebration of the power of investing in young people. It proves that with the right tools, guidance, and opportunities, anyone can create meaningful change—not just for themselves, but for their communities, too.

Want to learn more about RISE For Youth and how it’s making an impact? Visit the RISE For Youth website for more info!