Like many young people, Michell Batiancila, 26, from General Santos City was worried about landing a job. In 2018, Michell had to leave school in the middle of seventh grade because her father got sick and she needed to earn money to pay for his hospital bills.
Without a high school diploma, she was anxious about fending for herself and her family. Neither of her parents had stable work. So Michell tried her hand at different jobs – from selling “isaw” or grilled chicken intestines on the street to operating food stalls, market stalls, and a bakery – but struggled to find her footing. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she was sometimes bullied and called a “tomboy.”
Then in 2023, Michell learned about a USAID-supported customer service training opportunity. USAID and local partner Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) connected Michell to a two-week life skills training course where she learned about workplace ethics, teamwork, and customer management. She received another two weeks of practical on-the-job training at KCC Mall, a major mall in General Santos City, where she applied what she learned in a professional setting.
After the training, Michell was formally offered a full-time job at KCC as a scaler, weighing produce and overseeing the pricing of items at the supermarket. With her new skills, Michell had the confidence to tackle logistical challenges, manage inventories, and address customers’ needs.
Since 2018, through the YouthWorks PH program, USAID and PBEd have provided training to more than 6,500 out-of-school youth across the country. The partnership has also opened up 16,650 work-based training positions with various partners such as McDonald’s, DATEM Inc., and Jollibee, so that out-of-school youth like Michell can learn the skills they need to succeed.
At her new workplace, Michell has found acceptance and appreciation for her grit and hard work.
“I feel great whenever I see myself in the mirror and wearing my uniform. I have a good job,” Michell says. “I’m also earning and able to help my family. I am able to buy things for myself, and slowly, I am able to establish myself because of Youthworks–and for that I am very grateful.”
Michell's father passed away in 2023. She wishes he could have witnessed her growth on her journey, but she knows he would be proud of her for persevering and supporting their family.
Ten months into her job, Michell uses her salary to both support her family and live independently. She is saving up to establish a small grocery store she can manage in the future.
