Breaking Barriers: Young Women Transform Dreams into Reality with Support from Girls Got This

Dreaming big often feels like a luxury for many young women in marginalized communities. However, through the Girls Got This program, participants are not only dreaming in color but also turning those dreams into actionable plans.

Recently, program participants faced their final assessments for National Certificate II (NC II) in Food and Beverage Services (FBS) and Cookery, a transformative milestone that marked the culmination of their months-long training in the previous year. While the technical skills they gained are commendable, what truly stands out are their personal stories.

For these young women, the journey entailed mastering techniques in cooking and hospitality and uncovering their inner strength. When asked how the experience shaped their growth, Mary Grace reflected, “This helped me to be resourceful and critical.” From learning essential skills for their daily lives to cultivating a mindset of perseverance, these young women proved that education goes far beyond classrooms and certifications.

The technical skills acquired during the training have opened doors to brighter futures for these participants. Many shared ambitious plans of using their NC II certification to uplift themselves and their families. Alexa shared, “I want to work and start my restaurant,” and Daisy expressed, “I plan to work after I finish Grade 12.”

The training has planted seeds of entrepreneurship for many, with several aspiring to start their businesses. The ability to dream and act upon these aspirations has brought immense pride to the girls.

Amid the challenges of rigorous training and assessments, the participants experienced moments that solidified their confidence. Ailyn Mei shared, “I proved to myself that I could do it. It wasn’t easy, but I overcame it, and I’m proud,” while Erica reflected, “I felt a sense of accomplishment when we finished our cooking and received our certificates.” These moments of success have boosted their self-esteem and reaffirmed their ability to face challenges head-on.

The journey was not without its difficulties. From battling self-doubt to handling unexpected tasks during the assessment, the participants had to summon tremendous courage and adaptability. Erna Mae recounted, “Sometimes, I got distracted by my thoughts. I told myself I might be unable to do it, but despite the distractions, I didn’t give up. I stayed committed to the challenge and prayed constantly.” Similarly, Alexa shared, “At first, I was nervous, but I gave it my all. I was overjoyed when I learned that I earned my NC II.” This unwavering determination is a testament to the resilience that Girls Got This seeks to nurture in every participant.

For these young women, the NC II certification is a stepping stone to a brighter future where they can lead with confidence and purpose. The Girls Got This program has proven to be a catalyst for change. As Jessica beautifully summed it up, “It’s a big deal that I have these skills because I can now help my family. I’m deeply grateful to FundLife.” Through stories like these, we are reminded that true empowerment comes from giving individuals the tools to build their futures—and the belief that they can achieve greatness.