CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA) -- By displaying perseverance and commitment, former out-of-school youth in Cagayan de Oro City are transforming their lives and becoming productive members of society. 

In the recent Talakayan sa PIA,  the program beneficiaries came together to share their motivational stories, revealing the obstacles they overcame and the chances that helped them succeed. The USAID Opportunity 2.0 initiative aims to enable out-of-school youth to create better futures by offering them education, career training, and employment opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries, Desiree Rose Valmoria, shared that, at first, it was not her intention to join the program until her teacher told her to join a seminar on USAID. Desiree thought that the program’s seminar would give her a big possibility of forgetting its purpose, but it turned out that it was not. 

She expressed gratitude for the program, saying, "Kami jud diay mga out-of-school youth kay ilahang mga gatabangan, opportunity 2.0 jud diay siya para sa mga kabatan-onan diri sa Cagayan de Oro City nga abi nila og wala na silay pag-asa tungod out-of-school youth ra sila [They really help us, the out-of-school youth. It is really opportunity 2.0 for the youth here in Cagayan de Oro City who think they have no hope because they are out-of-school youth].” 

These young people have been effectively accepted into society through the program, which has allowed them to make meaningful contributions to the community. As one of the pioneering batch of the program and the former president of “Kaya Na," Desiree found volunteerism in her journey. 

Another beneficiary, Ryan Nicole Corod,  is also a former out-of-school youth and is now the owner of DAKS CAFE. Corod expressed his appreciation for the program's vocational training and guidance, which gave him the skills and confidence he needed to take on the world of entrepreneurship.

Corod said that his purpose in joining USAID 2.0  is not to start a business but only to acquire skills for his employment. Corod said,  “Nadugayan ko sa  6 months na training, nag-expect ko nga 2 months lang siya, pero naa nako diri, so what if padayunon na lang [It took me 6 months of training; I expected it to be only 2 months, but I have it here, so what if I just continue]?”

As his training journey continued, Corod found entrepreneurial skills along the way. With the support of his program and friends, he then tried to start his own business.

He said,  “While galisod ko sa kadugay sa training, dili ko makakuha og trabaho, pero nakita nako dadto ang opportunity na pwede diay ko magnegosyo, samot na sa among YOB module namo, naka-learn ko nga sa akong skills pwede diay ko maka-manage og business [While I was struggling for a long time in the training, I could not get a job, but I saw the opportunity there that I could do business, even worse with our YOB module, I learned that with my skills I can manage a business].”   

The beneficiaries of the program much appreciated the guidance and support that helped them overcome challenges. With the help of multiple mentorship programs and vocational training, they have gained the necessary skills to look for employment across a variety of fields.

As they go on to become thriving individuals, their stories provide hope to others facing similar challenges. The USAID Opportunity 2.0 initiative, which highlights the transformational impact of education and mentorship in breaking the cycle of poverty, is a light of hope for the out-of-school youth in the city.  (PACR/PIA-10)