The Skill Our Future (SOF), an initiative that aims to expand access to digital skills, artificial intelligence (AI), and employment opportunities for young people, including those from underserved communities in the Asia-Pacific region, was recently launched in the Philippines. 

The event brought together 14 community partners from higher education institutions, civil society organizations, government agencies and enterprises to support and collaborate in expanding youth’s access to educational opportunities enhancing their employability in the job market. 

Jointly led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Microsoft, and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Skill Our Future is a free online learning platform that aims to improve the youth’s interpersonal, digital and employability skills, opening doors to employment opportunities and empowering them to contribute to the sustainable development of their communities and beyond. The platform has been strategically designed, providing holistic pathways to address the growing digital divide. 

According to the 2020 data from Heinrich Böll Foundation, despite high internet usage, 2.8 million Filipino students still lack adequate access to technology and digital literacy. This deepens socioeconomic inequality and risks leaving many youth behind in the digital era. Aligned with RA 11927, the Philippine Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act, the SOF online learning platform addresses this gap by offering courses that equip youth with essential digital, employability, and 21^st century skills to prepare them for the future of work. 

Dr. Selva Ramachandran, Resident Representative of UNDP Philippines, highlighted the impact of collaboration in ensuring the youth are empowered to succeed in their careers and drive change, stating, “With the help of our partners, we can  bridge this gap, to foster inclusive growth and ensure that young people can participate fully in economic and technological advancements. We encourage you to join us in creating a brighter future where every young individual has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to sustainable development. Together, we can bridge the skills gap and empower the next generation to become innovators, leaders, and changemakers. Let’s invest in their potential and build a sustainable future for everyone.”

The official launch of Skill Our Future (SOF) in the Philippines offered users a chance to share their experiences and the platforms impact on their personal growth. 

Joemelyn Alindayo, an SOF user and Movers Fellow who completed all the soft skills courses, shared that: “The courses improved my leadership as one of the student leaders in our school. It helped me in leading and navigating challenges, and in becoming a more sufficient student. “ Joemelyn echoed this sentiment, saying, “We’re moving forward, not backward. This free platform gives us a chance to learn and prepare for the future. It benefits everyone. Let’s give it a try.”

Another user of the SOF platform and Movers Fellow, Berwin Incio, highlighted the platform’s relevance in today’s digital landscape. “In the digital age, we must keep up with the demands of education and jobs, and Skill Our Future offers courses to help meet these demands. The Basic Microsoft courses enhanced my skills at work allowing me to help my classmates with Microsoft tools.”

Kahren Wayet, an educator and entrepreneurship professor, emphasized the role of platforms like SOF supporting classroom education. “In the classroom, we can’t always monitor every student. Platforms like SOF can help students learn necessary skills for the future, especially soft skills applicable across professions.”

The initiative will be expanded to grassroots communities in the Philippines, academic institutions, and out-of-school youth through robust collaboration with community partners like the Movers Programme, Higher Education Institutions (HEI’s), Civil Society Organizations (CSO), and government agencies, envisioning to integrate the learning platform to their own initiatives. 

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About Skill Our Future (SOF)

Skill Our Future (SOF) aims to bridge the digital divide by empowering underserved youth across the Asia-Pacific with essential digital and 21st-century skills. The program equips young people for the evolving job market by offering capacity-building opportunities and fostering an innovation-driven ecosystem that supports partnerships and sustainable development.
 

About UNDP 

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integraed, lasting solutions for people and the planet. Learn more at www.undp.org/philippines or follow @UNDPPH

Media Contact
UNDP: fortheyouth.ph@undp.org

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. 

Learn more at ph.undp.org or follow at @UNDPPH.