OUR ASPIRATIONS

We envision creating a thriving and empowered Asian youth community where every young person has the opportunity to realize their full potential and contribute to building a better future. Our mission is to provide innovative research and training programs that empower youth with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed personally and professionally.

We believe that investing in youth is an investment in the future, and we are committed to building a better tomorrow by developing strong, capable, and compassionate young leaders. Through our work, we aim to build a supportive ecosystem that equips young people with the expertise, tools, and resources they need to thrive and become compassionate leaders in their communities.

OUR STORY

A group of youth leaders who are alumni of various national and international youth engagement programs had an idea to create a "center" that would serve as a think-tank and address the challenge of meeting the evolving needs of Filipino and ASEAN youth through evidence-building (research) and capacity building (training). The philosophy supporting the vision was quite opportunistic for the time, given the high interest and recognition among various sectors, both public and private, of the fact that young people, given information and support, could make their own positive life choices - and that the future of the planet lies in their choices.

Through the support of the Positive Youth Development Network, the plan to establish the Youth Work Research and Training Center (Youth Center) as a social venture was realized. The Center must be informed by the "youth for youth" guiding principle and commit to empowering and advocating for vulnerable youth alongside elevating their voices.

The Center is a registered social enterprise based in the Philippines and endeavors to provide comprehensive services that are relevant and responsive to the evolving needs, challenges, and opportunities of young people in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.

OUR SOCIAL PURPOSE

MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE YOUTH

Youth face several challenges, such as lack of employment opportunities, inadequate access to education, mental health issues, substance abuse, and delinquency. The Center can facilitate the provision of safe spaces where youth can access various services that address these challenges, such as job training, education programs, counseling services, and recreational activities.

FOSTERING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Center can provide a platform for community members, organizations, and businesses to come together and collaborate to create solutions that benefit the youth and the community. This collaboration can lead to new programs, services, and initiatives that address community challenges and improve the quality of life for residents.

PROMOTING POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

Youth participating in programs focusing on positive youth development tend to have better outcomes in several areas, such as academic achievement, social-emotional development, and future employment. The Center can provide programs and services that promote positive youth development and help youth develop skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

PREVENTING JUVENILE DELINQUENCY

The Center can provide a space for youth to engage in positive activities and build relationships with supportive adults and peers. This can help to prevent delinquent behavior and provide youth with alternatives to negative behaviors.

ENHANCING COMMUNITY SAFETY

Youth who are engaged in positive activities and have access to support and resources are less likely to engage in harmful behavior toward themselves and others. The Center can enhance community safety by providing positive opportunities for youth to foster a sense of belonging and prevent crime.

Through the Youth Center's operations, evolving trends among the youth can be intentionally captured through research that can inform programming and policy-making. Over time, The Youth Center hopes to accumulate more learning and address the current knowledge and practice gaps in effective children and youth programming.

OUR CORE PRINCIPLE

Nothing for them without them (Youth for Youth) - we collaborate and offer services rooted in a culture of belonging, growth, and understanding to ensure youth voices will always be heard and respected.

OUR TEAM

ALFRED OPIZ-DICTO

EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT

With over a decade of experience, Alfred has a rich background in developing and overseeing engagement programs tailored for children and youth across the Philippines and various Asian countries. This extensive experience has given him deep insight into implementing effective and innovative strategies that yield meaningful outcomes for young individuals. His exposure to diverse cultures and communities has equipped him with a comprehensive set of knowledge, skills, and the right attitude to collaborate efficiently within teams, particularly in the areas of children and youth work, social innovations, and co-created community solutions.

Alfred's lifelong advocacy revolves around his unwavering commitment to building a better world with and through the youth, one community at a time. His vision is firmly rooted in the belief that a better world is one where all children and young people have equal opportunities to realize their full potential.

Alfred is a registered nurse in the Philippines after finishinAlfred is a registered nurse in the Philippines after finishing his BSN degree at West Visayas State University as cum laude. He holds a certificate in Implementation Science from Washington University and a master's degree in Development Management from the Asian Insitute of Management, graduated with distinction.

Hailing from Iloilo City, Philippines, Alfred proudly considers himself a citizen of the world. His ultimate aspiration is to pave the way for a future where everyone can confidently assert, "I belong, I am valued, I am making a difference.”g his BSN degree at West Visayas State University as cum laude. He holds a certificate in Implementation Science from Washington University and a master's degree in Development Management from the Asian Insitute of Management, graduated with distinction.

GEORGE ESTOLLOSO

OPERATIONS MANAGER, FINANCE AND COMPLIANCE OFFICER, ADMIN

George Estolloso, is a remarkably passionate youth leader and community development worker from Unidos, Nabas, Aklan called by many as “Mayor” due to his exceptional leadership, engaging demeanor and charismatic presence. With unwavering dedication, he consistently empowers the youth and fosters greater civic engagement. George's active involvement in various national and regional projects and programs demonstrates his commitment to serving and uplifting his community. His profound impact is felt through numerous programs aimed at enriching the lives of those around him. He finished his undergraduate studies at Central Philippine University with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Magna Cum Laude.

Recently, he has been selected as a LEAD fellow in the highly esteemed Youth For Democracy Fellowship Cohort 2, a program supported by prominent organizations including The Asia Foundation, USAID, Asian Institute of Management, Ateneo School of Governance, and Ayala Foundation. Additionally, he serves as a lead facilitator for Boto Ko, Ambag Ko, and has held roles as Knowledge Manager and Chairman of Education at One Western Visayas Youth Network, Inc. Furthermore, he actively served as a facilitator for the Youth in Good Governance Fair and the 2023 Philippine Sangguniang Kabataan Awards.

Several excellence and leadership honors have been bestowed to him, including the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award, Manny Villar Leadership Award, Ben Hur Z. Mobo, Leadership Award, and the Senate of the Philippines Excellence Award.

George remains steadfast in his mission to empower youth as the Administrative, Finance Compliance Officer, and Operations Manager at the Youth Work Research and Training Center Inc. and Compliance Officer at Positive Youth Development Network Inc. His unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and improving lives is a constant driving force. George is widely recognized as "the unstoppable" for his relentless encouragement of pushing limits and embracing limitless possibilities.

In alignment with George Estolloso's renowned mantra, always bear in mind that "YOU ARE UNSTOPPABLE!"

NOVEY DOLDE

PARTNERSHIP & TRAINING MANAGER

Novey is a seasoned youth leadership advocate and speaker with over a decade of experience in Youth Development and Humanitarian work across the Philippines and Asia Pacific. He serves as Training Manager at the Youth Work Research and Training Center. Additionally, he consults for the ASEAN Foundation and SAP, contributing to projects like the ASEAN-SAP Apprenticeship Programme.

Formerly, Novey held leadership positions in organizations such as the Red Cross Youth and the United Nations Major Group for Children & Youth. He's also involved with Global Goodwill Ambassadors - Philippines and has participated in various international conferences and programs promoting youth development and humanitarianism.

Recognized for his contributions, Novey has received awards such as nominee for The Outstanding Filipinos Awards, Most Outstanding ASEAN Scouts, and Rotary Youth Leadership Award. His passion lies in areas like Humanitarianism, Disaster Risk Reduction, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Development Goals advocacy.

QUEENA QUINDIPAN

RESEARCH AND TRAINING OFFICER

Queena, also known as Q by her workmates, is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration graduate at the University of the Philippines Visayas. Part of her experience is being skilled in Marketing Communications as she has been one of the representatives of UPV in a national marketing competition for two consecutive years. Her forte includes intensive program planning and quality assurance. She is the previous Communications Officer of the Kaibigan chat line, one of the Positive Youth Development Network initiatives focusing on mental health. She considers this as one of the major highlights of her life, as she put so much value on mental health. Her hands can do wonders, and she can quickly create any art craft. Her pastimes include digital art painting, reading fantasy and sci-fi books, cooking, watching anime, spending time with her cat, and doing arts and crafts.

AIMEE BARTE

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Aimee is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing from West Visayas State University, Magna Cum Laude. She is a graphic designer with a deep love for the culture and the arts and has previously had the opportunity to work for local brands such as Dole, Purefoods, Veega, BPI and Nivea, as well as for lesser known Canadian brands such as Artifox, Monogram, Modern Matter and Siblings. Despite pursuing graphic design professionally, she is actually more passionate about filmmaking and has since used the skills she has learned in her current line of work through documenting the trainings and activities that the organization has arranged. In her spare time, she likes to watch anime, discover interesting movies, indulge in fan culture and look for new YA Fantasy books to read.

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