From Dreamers to Doers: New batch of Out-of-School Youths turned into Young Entrepreneurs in Pop-up Bazaar

A new batch of Out-of-School Youths (OSYs) have started their entrepreneurial journey and showcased their micro-businesses at the Dreamers’ Pop-Up Bazaar, a culminating event for the JA It’s My Dream, a joint initiative by FWD Life Insurance (FWD Philippines) and Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines).

Now in its second year, the JA It’s My Dream program aims to equip OSYs with crucial financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills that foster them to become business owners.

FWD Philippines, as the insurer of the next generation, believes that a better Philippines begins with empowered young individuals who create positive impact for themselves and their communities. We remain committed to nation-building by enabling every Filipino to shape their best future and celebrate living.

Hector Angeles, Chief Advocacy Officer of JA Philippines, underlined how OSYs and their potential should not be defined by circumstance. “With the right tools, support, and encouragement, they can break barriers and build a future they deserve. We want to champion their aspirations and commit to creating more inclusive opportunities for youth to thrive,” said Angeles.

The program’s inclusive approach was highlighted by the participation of nine young women with disabilities from JA Philippines' program that specifically empowers this community. Mommy Lala, a parent of an OSY student on the autism spectrum expressed profound gratitude for the program, “This program taught her invaluable financial skills and a sense of contribution to her team. It’s important for us to find inclusive programs like this that provide us opportunities to participate and learn life lessons that will help her in the future.”

The program’s growing reach was further emphasized with the inclusion of new OSY learners from Pasay and Mandaluyong, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd). Dr. Quinn Norman Arreza, Public Schools District Supervisor and Officer-in-Charge at DepEd Schools Division Office of Pasay, highlighted the crucial need for such youth support. “Learning is not just about formal education. We are thankful for this collaboration because we are empowering OSYs to carve a better future for themselves through alternative learning,” shared Arreza.

Dr. Arreza also acknowledged the program’s alignment with Republic Act 11510, or the Alternative Learning System Act, which provides OSYs with opportunities to enhance their capabilities for further education, work, or self-employment.

With the theme “Powered by Passion, Driven by Youth”, the event hosted over a dozen OSY-led micro-business booths at the Glorietta 1 Activity Center. Participants engaged in live pitches and demos where they showcased a diverse range of products from reusable bags and local food staples like peanut butter, chili garlic, and chicken pastil, to personal care and home cleaning products.

The impact of the JA It’s My Dream program is attested by OSY participants during the event. Ejhay Caldito from team Candle Crush shared, “Nagpapasalamat po kami sa FWD at JA Philippines. Dahil po sa program na ito, mas nakita namin yung potential at kahalagahan para matuto at i-apply lahat ng natutunan namin para sa bagong negosyo.” (We are thankful to FWD and JA Philippines. Because of this program, we saw the potential and importance to learn and apply everything we’ve learned for our new business.)

JA It’s My Dream is under FWD and JA Asia Pacific’s groupwide JA SparktheDream financial literacy program. Learn more about the program by visiting ph.jasparkthedream.org