Empowering Young Girls: A Transformative Start with Life Skills Plus

On March 22, 2025, twenty-eight young girls from various schools in Tacloban gathered at the FundLife office for the Life Skills Plus (LSP) Kick-Off. This event served as a crucial milestone in their journey towards adulthood, equipping them with essential skills and fostering self-reflection as they prepare for their future.

The participants, who hail from Antonio Balmes National High School, Tacloban National Agricultural School, Scandinavian National High School, and North Tacloban City National High School, were no strangers to personal development initiatives. Many had already built strong foundational skills through their involvement in FundLife’s Reach to Teach (R2T) Project and the Girls Community League (GCL). The LSP Kick-Off aimed to build upon these established skills, deepening their understanding of identity, personal growth, and career readiness.

At the heart of the session was an engaging discussion on Human Sexuality, focusing on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression (SOGIE). This critical conversation aligned with FundLife’s commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity, ensuring that every girl feels empowered to embrace her identity in a safe and supportive environment. The session provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing the girls to explore and express their thoughts while gaining valuable insights into self-awareness and respect for diversity.

The girls also enjoyed a variety of activities, such as a Getting-to-Know-You Activity where they interacted with the other girls, a Human Sexuality Bingo, and a debate in which the girls shared their insights and perspectives about national and school-level policies that aim to protect non-binary students. Altogether, it was a productive session with the girls.

The Life Skills Plus Kick-Off was more than just a learning session—it was a celebration of growth, empowerment, and the limitless potential of young girls. As these participants continue their journey, they carry with them the knowledge, resilience, and inspiration to shape a future filled with opportunities. FundLife remains committed to supporting them every step of the way, ensuring that they are equipped to dream in color and achieve their fullest potential.