Succeeding in the Philippines

Giving By Emily Larson Feb 24, 2021

Tessa and her family live together in a small village in the Philippines. With elderly parents, she strives to be able to one day give back to her parents and four siblings, so her family can have a chance at a better life. Tessa knew her education would be key to her success. She graduated from a Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) vocational school. One of her teachers encouraged her to join Save the Children’s Skills to Succeed (S2S) program to help her develop even further.

Like Save the Children, the Western Union Foundation believes providing opportunities to gain meaningful employment leads to better lives. That is why we support Save the Children’s youth employment programming, to help Tessa and other young people like her, in successfully transitioning from school to work.

Thanks to the S2S program, Tessa found a job as a call center agent, shortly after graduating. Tessa says the Employability Skills training, and particularly the sessions on resume writing and job interviewing were crucial in her job search. In Tessa’s interview, the supervisor asked questions that the S2S training had helped her prepare for. Now Tessa is helping provide for the basic needs of her family. She also continues to engage with S2S alumni.

Tessa says “I have many ambitions in life. I wish to succeed more in my current job. The other day, my supervisor spoke to me when I was about to home. He said that I would be given more training. I am happy because slowly, I’m getting there. I dream of buying a house for my parents.”

The Western Union Foundation has been partnering with Save the Children in Asia since 2016. More than 4,500 youth have been reached, with 80% gaining improved employability skills. Almost 70% of these youth have been placed in jobs or are pursuing higher education.

Learn more about the Western Union Foundation’s mission to provide Opportunity Beyond Borders here, and follow us on Twitter for the latest news.