Youth and Hope: PIYAP gives the youth a better tomorrow
With PIYAP President Kim Rivera and
Drei, Adidas celebrity endorser.
The out-of-school youth (OSY) is not entirely a liability to society. There are groups of out-of-school youth who make use of their time wisely. They help their families at home or get into sports during their free time.
There is an organization that makes sure that the youth makes use of their time productively. This is the PIYAP, or the Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines. It was formed in July 1974 under the Pag-asa Youth Movement. It was changed to PIYAP on April 1996 with the aim of helping disadvantaged and needy youth, particularly the OSY.
A cultural pose.
Presently, its president is Kimberly Rivera, who used to be an OSY and who is now working full time at the PIYAP, located at the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office. He is a validator of the 4Ps: Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program.
Working around the platform “Unlad Kabataan,” PIYAP embarks on several worthwhile projects.
Food for Work. The OSY takes part in the “Food for Work” program, the pilot activity of which was in 2008. The youth helped cleaned up the district of La Paz. After that, they were given goods, said Rivera. This project a partnership with the DWSD and Ateneo de Iloilo.
PIYAP, hope for the youth.
Health. The “Para sa Kabataan Lingkod Agad” Program is the conduct of foras in every barangay about health, particularly reproductive health. The program started in 2008.
Tinapay ng Bayan. The OSY were trained by Philippine Foremost Corporation. Now, the PIYAP produces and sells bread at a low price. Those who wish to avail of their products and at the same time help the OSYs, can contact 3363496.
Computer Literacy. Called the Sharing Computer Access Locally and Abroad (SCALA), the OSY is given six months free training on information technology. There are 15 students for each batch and they have already graduated their 21st batch. The training is held every quarter and sponsored by the Engineers Without Borders of Canada.
Life Skills. Every year, the PIYAP holds the Summer Life skills Encampment. This year, it was held in San Jose, Antique.
Thus, with PIYAP around, the OSYs can contribute much to the society.