Find Fulfillment Through Life Skills Training

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In Karawang, not far from Indonesia's capital city of Jakarta, eighteen-year-old Anindya lives alone with her mother. To earn money for food and rent, Anindya used to sell donuts and snacks to classmates and teachers at her vocational high school.

Then, through her school, this reserved teenager learned about EquipYouth, launched by the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and Caterpillar's philanthropic organization, the Caterpillar Foundation, in 2012. The initiative incorporates IYF's Passport to Success® curriculum, which equips young people with essential life skills such as how to work well in teams, manage their time, and set goals.

Participating in EquipYouth taught Anindya invaluable lessons about herself and the world of work. "It prepared me to face a job test and interview, so I am ready for the recruitment process," she says. "Now I'm more willing to speak in public. I've started to plan my future and manage my time and money wisely."

The initiative also impacted Anindya on a deeply personal level. "I'm happy being me now and optimistic for my life," she says, crediting the EquipYouth team and trainers with giving her a greater sense of purpose and possibility.

Within weeks of completing the life skills training and graduating from vocational school, Anindya accepted an offer for a clerical position at the technical company PT Sharp Indonesia. "I was so happy getting a job," she says. "It's all because I joined EquipYouth." She is one of more than 900 youth who have benefited from the program in Indonesia.

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success story young women