Pathways Program launches in the Philippines to support youth employability and education

Published ·April 17, 2026

Reading time·4 min

Pasig, Philippines – April 17, 2026. Foundever in the Philippines, in partnership with Foundever.org and Caritas Philippines, has officially launched the Pathways Program, a new initiative designed to support out-of-school youth in accessing employment opportunities and further education.

The launch event, held at Foundever Technopoint site in Pasig, brought together representatives from Foundever, Caritas Philippines, community partners, education institutions, and local stakeholders, marking the start of a collaborative effort to address the transition from education to the workforce. The partnership agreement was also formally signed, reinforcing a shared commitment to long-term impact.

The Pathways Program is a 10-month employability and workforce readiness initiative supporting an initial cohort of 50 participants aged 18 to 30, including Grade 12 learners and unemployed graduates from the Alay Kapwa Community Schooling program. It is designed to address key barriers to employment by providing structured training, mentorship, and practical preparation aligned with workplace expectations.

Participants will begin with assessments and orientation sessions, followed by 16 weeks of structured training focused on communication skills, resume development, digital competencies, and the responsible use of AI tools. The program also includes mock interviews, coaching, and mentoring from Foundever employees, as well as continued support as participants transition into employment or further education.

Through Foundever.org, we are committed to expanding access to opportunity and ensuring that talent is not limited by circumstance,” said Olivier Camino. “The Pathways Program reflects our belief that education, mentorship, and practical skills can create real, lasting change, not only for individuals, but for entire communities.”

“Education should never be a privilege, but a pathway to opportunity,” shared Willy Lim, Vice President for Human Resources, Marketing & Communications and Talent Acquisition for Foundever in the Philippines, Malaysia and China. “Through Foundever.org, we are taking that responsibility seriously by going beyond financial support and investing our time, expertise and people to help bridge the gap between education and employment. In partnership with Caritas Philippines, we are combining community reach with industry insight to ensure that these young individuals are not only trained, but truly prepared for the realities of today’s workforce, equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful opportunities across industries.”

The program is delivered through a close collaboration between partners. Caritas Philippines connects with learners and provides training facilities and educational support. Foundever in the Philippines contributes employability expertise and trainers, while Foundever.org provides funding and strategic guidance to ensure sustainability and potential scale.

“The Pathways Program affirms the mission of Caritas Philippines as the national social action arm of the Church, to uphold human dignity and ensure that no one is excluded from opportunities for growth. In partnership with Foundever, we bring together education and industry to equip our learners with the competencies they need for meaningful transition and a better future” said Benjamin Custodio, Growth Lead at Caritas Philippines.

The Pathways Program aims for 80 percent of participants to secure employment or enroll in further education or vocational training, with a strong focus on building practical skills and readiness early in the program.

The launch marks an important step in expanding access to education and employability opportunities for underserved communities in the Philippines, helping young people build skills, confidence, and new pathways toward economic independence.

Learn more about the Pathways Program and other Foundever.org initiatives
https://foundever.org/our-programs/

About Foundever.org

We believe everyone should have access to opportunity. Our work in education, inclusion and employability enables essential workforce readiness for disadvantaged and underserved communities, globally. Through the #CXForGood movement and together with our ecosystem of partners around the world, we are building future-ready skills, expanding access to the digital economy and generating measurable, long-term impact. We are creating shared social and economic progress by connecting a clear purpose with the right capabilities to create opportunity.

About Caritas  Philippines

Caritas Philippines is the official humanitarian, development, and social action arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Established in 1966, it serves as the national coordinating body of the Church’s programs that respond to poverty, inequality, disasters, and social injustice in the Philippines.

Also known as the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA), Caritas Philippines supports a network of 85 diocesan social action centers across the country. Through this network, it implements programs focused on:

  • Poverty alleviation and sustainable development
  • Disaster response and humanitarian aid
  • Social justice and advocacy
  • Ecology and environmental protection
  • Education and human development

A central component of its mission is the Alay Kapwa Program, a Lenten initiative that encourages Filipinos to live out Gospel values by sharing their time, talent, and resources with those in need. This program also serves as a major source of funding and formation for Caritas Philippines’ nationwide efforts.

In the area of education, Caritas Philippines implements transformative programs that support both learners and communities, such as:

Educational Assistance Program (EAP): Provides financial aid, tutorials, values formation, and regular guidance to disadvantaged and academically challenged students.

Alay Kapwa Community Schooling (AKCS): A church-based Alternative Learning System that helps out-of-school youth complete basic education while gaining life skills and employment opportunities through partnerships with institutions and industries.

Nutrition Program: Supports early-grade learners by addressing malnutrition and improving school participation through daily meal assistance.

Guided by the principles of mercy, development, and justice, Caritas Philippines works to build a “Church of the Poor,” placing Christ at the center of its mission while empowering communities, especially the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized, not only through social services but also through education that leads to dignity, self-reliance, and long-term transformation.