A young mother’s dream to venture into business
16 February 2024Crisjah was only 16 years old when she got pregnant with her first child. Since her parents did not have stable jobs, she as the eldest child of the family had to step up and find ways to provide for the household.
“I started selling yema (sweet custard snack), munchkins and other snacks so that my siblings and I could attend school. It was difficult, but at 22 years old, I graduated Senior High School while raising my 2 children and helping my family,” she said.
Developing an interest in business, Crisjah longed to start her own by selling street food. Through the Youth Connect 2.0 Project of Plan International, she was able to participate in a Community-based Enterprise Development (CBED) and Life Skills Training.
“It boosted my self-confidence and gave me courage to face other people. I not only gained practical knowledge, but I was also given a start-up capital to start my business of selling street food. Through my small business, I am able to provide for my 2 children and support my younger siblings in their studies,” said Crisjah.
The Youth Connect Philippines 2.0 is a 12-month project funded by the Western Union Foundation which aims to enable young women and young men to pursue decent work opportunities of their choosing, whether waged or self-employment.
“I would like to express my gratefulness to Plan International and Western Union Foundation for giving us the opportunity and support. It is a big help to receive financial support for my business because it is my dream to support my children in completing their education.”
Skills and work, Livelihoods
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