Strengthening Local Leadership: Expanded Executive Course for Barangay Leaders on System Delivery Support for Out-of-School Youth (BLeSDS for OSY)

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    • December 27, 2024

    Quezon City University (QCU), in partnership with the USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program and the Quezon City Government, continues to advance inclusive education and youth empowerment through the Expanded Executive Course for Barangay Leaders on System Delivery Support (BLeSDS) for Out-of-School Youth (OSY).

    From Pilot to Expanded Reach

    Initially piloted in Quezon City, the course equips barangay leaders with the knowledge and tools to design, implement, and sustain youth development programs. Building on the pilot’s success, the program has now been expanded to reach other localities—a recognition of its importance in shaping youth-responsive governance.

    Training of Trainers (TOT): Scaling Impact

    To ensure sustainability and wider adoption, Training of Trainers (TOT) sessions were conducted in 2024 in Pasig City (through the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig) and Angeles City (through the City College of Angeles).

    These sessions prepared faculty members and local trainers to localize the BLeSDS course, aligning it with their respective community contexts. By capacitating educators and local partners, the TOT model ensures that the program can be implemented beyond Quezon City and adapted across different socio-political landscapes.

    Localizing the Course

    The localization of the BLeSDS curriculum highlights the flexibility of the program. While its core framework remains consistent—centered on governance, youth engagement, and systems-based solutions—barangays and partner institutions have been able to customize modules to address unique challenges, such as:

    • varying OSY profiles and barriers to education,
    • different employment and livelihood opportunities available in local economies, and
    • specific community resources and institutional networks.

    This approach ensures that the program is not only replicable but also responsive to local needs.

    Building Capacities for OSY Development

    The program trains barangay leaders in:

    • youth governance and development planning,
    • evidence-based program design,
    • resource mobilization and partnership building, and
    • monitoring and evaluation frameworks for OSY programs.

    Leaders are encouraged to integrate OSY initiatives into barangay development plans, link with private and civic organizations, and create pathways for education, employment, and entrepreneurship.

    Alignment with the SDGs

    The BLeSDS program aligns with global development priorities, particularly:

    • SDG 4: Quality Education – by creating inclusive educational pathways for OSYs,
    • SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – by equipping youth with entrepreneurial and employable skills, and
    • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – by strengthening community systems to support vulnerable youth.

    By spearheading the expansion of BLeSDS and serving as the lead academic partner, QCU strengthens its role as a national hub for social innovation and youth empowerment. With the support of USAID and partner cities, the program continues to empower leaders, uplift OSYs, and foster community resilience across the Philippines.

    #1QCU

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    #QCUBLeSDSfortheOSY

    #USAID

    #PLP

    #CCA

    #QC

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