These students make jewelry to help themselves and their families become more financially independent. Even when the students receive sponsored education, there is still the risk that they will stop going to school or college because they have work instead, needing to support the family income. Besides the education - which is paid for by Young Focus - there are many other costs, which can sometimes become too much for the family.
The objective of Stepping Up is to generate extra income for the students and their families via a small business, in so doing enabling the students to continue their education. In a relatively short time (spare time which they have next to their study), they can come to the Young Focus Student Center and earn some much needed extra income.
The Stepping Up project gives the students the opportunity to learn skills such jewelry making, T-shirt design, etc. These products will be sold not only in the Philippines, but also abroad.
The students also learn about the basics of setting up and running a small business, including management, financial administration, production, sales and marketing.
The Young Focus Student Center has a special Stepping Up workroom and shop where the students can work and the products are sold.
The project is sponsored by the Dutch company Intracare.
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