DSWD, Ricky Reyes offer livelihood training to high school students

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with a private institution, will provide scholarships to 1,000 poor graduating high school students and out-of-school youth in Metro Manila through livelihood training programs.

The “Skills 2D Max” project of the DSWD and the Ricky Reyes Learning Institute (RRLI) aims to hone the skills of the youth by providing them with livelihood training and skills, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral said.

A roving caravan from the Guzman Institute and the RRLI has started its tour of 27 selected public high schools in Metro Manila to conduct demonstrations in cosmetology, caregiving, welding, and automotive and electronics courses.

The demonstration will give the graduating high school students a perspective on vocational courses as well as the opportunities after graduation, Cabral said.

“With the high cost of education now, vocational courses are excellent alternatives for our poor students and out-of-school youth,” she said.

Beauty expert Ricky Reyes founded the RRLI (formerly Ricky Reyes Beauty Institute) on March 7, 1995. The RRLI was established to help facilitate livelihood programs for the youth. – Helen Flores