The Need
In post-conflict Marawi, rebuilding isn’t just about structures — it’s about people. Among an estimated 33,000 internally displaced individuals in the region, thousands of young people face an uncertain future: education disrupted, livelihoods uprooted, and pathways to stable work all but closed off. Yet the massive reconstruction of Marawi has created a growing demand for skilled workers in construction, electrical, and energy — a need that displaced youth, with the right training, are perfectly positioned to fill. The gap between opportunity and access has never been more urgent to close.
The Intervention
emPOWER integrates technical-vocational training, institutional capacity development, and industry-linked employment support. It equips two Technical Vocational Institutes in Marawi with updated curriculum, infrastructure, and industry connections to deliver world-class electrical and energy training, builds displaced youth’s technical and soft skills through structured on-the-job experience, and connects graduates to real employment opportunities through a dedicated Industry Placement Committee and job-matching platform — ensuring that the rebuilding of Marawi and the rebuilding of its people move forward together.
Country:
Phillippines
SDGs
Key Priority Area/s:
Skills, Education & Entrepeneurship
Donor
KFW DEG
Partners:
Schneider Electric Philippines Inc., Two Technical Vocational Institutes (TVIs) in Marawi, Construction sector representatives forming the Industry Placement Committee (IPC), Internally Displaced People (IDPs)
500
Internally Displaced people trained and certified through a 224-hour bundled skills program in electrical, energy & smart technologies
Goals Achieved:
300
Graduates employed or engaged in entrepreneurship, with 60% placement rate and 30% average income increase among employed graduates
Goals Achieved:
27
Trainers certified and training institutions strengthened
Goals Achieved:
2
Employment infrastructure systems established
Goals Achieved:
Featured Projects
emPOWER II
sustainABILITY I: Green Skills, Expanded Horizons
sustainABILITY II: Green Skills Institute
NextGen Workforce
Be Part of the Change
Join us in building resilient communities across Asia through action and support.
Partner With Us
Collaborate with ASSIST to implement impactful development programs.
Support Our Programs
Invest in initiatives creating sustainable impact across Asia.
Explore our initiatives and stories in our ASSISTNow Newsletter.
