The Need
Many Filipino junior and senior high school students enter college and the workforce underprepared — lacking not only technical skills but the communication, critical thinking, and interpersonal competencies that determine long-term success. Without deliberate investment in building these foundational capabilities during secondary school, young people risk being left behind at a critical transition point in their lives. Access to quality, skills-focused learning beyond the standard curriculum remains limited for most students, widening the gap between what schools provide and what colleges and employers actually require.
The Intervention
Project START! delivers a quarterly series of capacity-building webinars for junior and senior high school students across the Philippines. Each series covers a focused theme — from communication tools and effective listening, to presentation skills, academic argumentation, and public speaking — combining learning sessions with engaging activities led by subject matter experts. Telstra volunteers are embedded in the program as facilitators and mentors, ensuring both student development and meaningful volunteer engagement. The program is designed to instill a growth mindset, equipping participants with the confidence and practical skills to excel in college, employment, and beyond.
Country:
Phillippines
SDGs:
Key Priority Area/s:
Skills, Education and Entrepreneurship
Partners:
Telstra Foundation Philippines
4
Webinars Conducted across Nov 2021 – Aug 2022 covering communication, presentation, argumentation, and public speaking
Goals Achieved:
12
Sessions delivered across 4 series, each with 3 focused topic modules led by subject matter experts
Goals Achieved:
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