Our programs are tailor-made for the specific needs; giving children the opportunity to develop intellectually as well as creatively, spiritually and socially.
Young Focus enrolls children from preschool school age to college into government education, providing them with extra tutorials, life skills training, personal coaching and social support.
Children who have dropped out of school, can join our ‘catch-up’ education programs and then enroll (again) in school.
Throughout the child’s education, Young Focus supports the parents too by providing teaching and coaching programs.
Preschool (Child Care PLUS)
Young Focus’ early childhood education program is for children aged 3 – 5 years old. The main objective is to provide quality education which helps the child’s social/emotional, physical and cognitive development. It also provides them with life skills, play and basic education. It’s a preparation for entering elementary education.
ELEMENTARY, HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS
For students aged 6 to 20+, Young Focus provides school fees, uniforms, books and other school materials. In addition, Young Focus runs compulsory tutorials for all sponsored students in the program at the Student Center, which has a computer room, a library, classrooms and recreational areas for students to use.
Students can participate in writing classes, arts and music lessons and dance groups, building students’ confidence and providing a space for them to grow as individuals.
Once Young Focus students graduate from college, Young Focus uses its network of companies and contacts to support the graduates in finding a job. Young Focus college graduates (Young Professionals) manage their own group and activities, with support from Young Focus staff.
Catch-UP
Four programs for school dropouts
Young Focus has a strong passion for disadvantaged children who have dropped out of school, wanting to give every child – from the Smokey Mountain squatter area in Manila – the chance to discover and develop their talents, as well as recapture their love for learning.
Young Focus has a several levels of ‘catch-up’ approaches for children who have dropped out of school, providing them with customized education before re-enrolling into a regular school. These four programs are: Love2Learn, PostCare, ALS and YoUNgLI.

01. Love2Learn
Love2Learn focuses on children who have dropped out of elementary school due to poverty and a lack of educational and social support. The program provides tutorials for 1 year before re-enrolling them into the local schools. When children are malnourished they receive extra nutrition.
02. PostCare
These students have re-enrolled into government schools. During the transition from being a school dropout these students receive extra coaching (for 1 year) to prevent them from dropping out again.
03. ALS
The ALS (Alternative Learning System) program is the formal ‘study acceleration’ program of the government. It allows us to work with students who can’t re-enroll into high school as they have been out of school for too long. Students receive an official high school certificate upon completion.
04. YoUNgLI
YoUNgLI (Young Unlimited) focusses on the most vulnerable 13+ year old’s who have received little education or no education at all. Sometimes they use solvents. They are provided with a safe space to hang out and receive training in hygiene, education, personal coaching and life skills, as well as a good meal. The aim is that they recapture a love for education so that we re-enroll them in school.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
There can be a social ‘chasm’ between the student/graduate and the professional labor market. This can make it very difficult to follow the career path of their choice and they need extra help. Through the Career Development Program, Young Focus wants to build the self-confidence of our students, to train and equip them, as well as help them find work and follow their chosen career path. The program works with a network of partners, companies and Young Focus alumni to open doors for the students, so that they are ready to take their place in society as young professionals.
Social Support and Family Care Program
The Social Support team identifies personal issues our students have and family problems. Often these issues are the cause of dropping out of school so our social workers’ goal is to solve the issues. The team identifies why the children drop out of school, whether it is because of academic, financial, health or behavioral reasons, or because of a violation of the law. The team implements Young Focus child protection policy guidelines.
The Family Care team gives training on health, hygiene, nutrition, parenting skills, family planning, spiritual and mental health, as well as the rights of the child to all parents of Young Focus students. Parent Leaders are also engaged and empowered to support Young Focus families in the community. It is vital that parents have the skills, social support and knowledge to bring up their children in the best way possible and can support them during their studies.
Individual and group support too is given to the parents, as well as teaching them the importance of education, empowering them with knowledge on how to deal with difficult situations, and providing a support network for them to tap into.
SCHOOL DROPOUTS AND STREET YOUTH IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
STUDENTS IN OUR REGULAR SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM
CHILDREN IN OUR PRESCHOOL
FAMILIES WE WORK WITH IN THE COMMUNITIES
Nutrition
Children from Love2Learn and YoUNgLI school dropout program receive a meal every day so that they don’t have empty stomachs in the classroom.
Young Professionals
The older students also become part of the Young Professionals Program. Here they will be prepared for society before they graduate from school. This is a special program where they learn how to write a CV, present themselves and other skills. As a Young Professional they will eventually have a guaranteed job!
Extracurricular Activities
‘Nytlyf’ is a special activity on Friday and Saturday evening where students learn new skills and develop their creative talents like dancing, music, art and writing etc.
Tutorials
All students receive tutorials. There is a strong emphasis on the mandatory tutorials children receive besides their regular education in school. In addition to life skills Young Focus teaches Math, Science and English.
Parent Area Leaders & Family Strengthening
Young Focus teaches Parent Area Leaders to teach the parents in our Family Strengthening training. ‘Family Strengthening’ is part of our Family Care program.
Get In Touch
Location: 284 Dayao Street, Balut, Tondo, Manila, Philippines
Telephone: +63 (2)8252-8848
Email: info@youngfocus.org
Opening Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.