Out-of-school youth (OSY) from Datu Paglas in Maguindanao completed workforce skills training offered under USAID’s Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) project through implementing partner Synergeia Foundation.  

USAID-Philippines Office of Education Chief Tom Crehan participated in the completion ceremonies of the 50 OSY who finished an intensive Building Wiring Installation training conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The completers were awarded certificates by TESDA last March 3, 2009.

The training, which provided them with skills to install and maintain lighting and power circuits of residential and medium-scale commercial structures, also offered the OSY completers opportunities for employment. 

…while 25 more OSY in Paglat finish their training

Synergeia has partnered with TESDA ARMM, the local government and the Datu Ibrahim Paglas Foundation in implementing a 4-year workforce development program under the EQuALLS2.  More short courses, including carpentry, sewing and entrepreneurship, will be offered to OSY, not only Datu Paglas, but in other parts of ARMM.

In Paglat, 25 out-of-school youth graduates of the Small Engine Repair Training of TESDA also under the EQuALLS2 project were thrilled to have US Ambasssador Kristie Kenney at their commencement ceremony on March 3, 2009.  Ambassador Kenney congratulated the OSY graduates for having successfully completed the course that equipped them with skills in motorcycle and small engine servicing and maintenance.