YCAB Asia, in collaboration with PLUS, is committed to supporting initiatives focused on community empowerment, particularly for youth and women from underprivileged groups. Through grant funding distributed to selected grantees, we believe that investing in the capacity of individuals and communities will lead to sustainable change.
Throughout September 2025, a range of inspiring activities were carried out by grantees, focusing on empowering communities, especially youth and women from underprivileged backgrounds. Through educational, participatory, and community-based approaches, these grantees promoted financial literacy, entrepreneurial capacity, and the use of digital technology in developing small businesses.
Strengthening Financial Literacy and Ultra-Micro Entrepreneurship with Sanggar Anak Akar
Sanggar Anak Akar conducted a financial literacy and ultra-micro entrepreneurship training program aimed at youth and married women from underprivileged families. The program was held weekly from September to November 2025, targeting 105 participants, including youth aged 13–24 and 60 married women aged 25–50.
Using a participatory and interactive approach, participants were encouraged to analyze case studies relevant to their daily lives through games and group discussions. This improved understanding of financial literacy is expected to serve as a key foundation for developing ultra-micro businesses, ultimately creating positive and sustainable economic impact within their communities.
Kick-off of SHE.Verse 2025 by SheStarts Indonesia: Empowering Women-Led SMEs
SheStarts Indonesia officially launched the SHE.Verse 2025 program through an online kick-off session on September 27, 2025. Designed as an open learning platform for women entrepreneurs in a hybrid format, the five-month program will provide participants with knowledge in digital and financial literacy, mental health, and AI-based marketing strategies.
Supported by YCAB Asia and PLUS, and in collaboration with partner communities such as Digital Mama, Komunitas Langkah Maju, and Info UMKM Indonesia, SHE.Verse 2025 serves as a collaborative platform to expand networks, strengthen business capacity, and empower women to become more resilient in facing economic challenges. The program also addresses the literacy gap often experienced by women-led SMEs, particularly those in the informal and small-scale sectors.
Equipping Beneficiary Children with Digital Skills for the Future
Rumah Penyuluhan Kreatif (RPK) organized a Microsoft Excel training session for children from assisted communities in a waste-picker neighborhood in Cilandak, South Jakarta. The training took place on September 27, 2025, facilitated by RPK volunteers. Participants were introduced to basic Excel skills, including creating simple tables, understanding basic formulas, and organizing data systematically.
This activity aims to equip children with essential digital skills from an early age as preparation for their academic journey and future careers. In addition to supporting formal education, Excel proficiency will serve as a valuable asset in the workforce. Delivered through an interactive and engaging approach, the training fostered an inclusive learning environment and encouraged children’s interest in technology.
The activities carried out by grantees throughout September demonstrate concrete efforts to strengthen community capacity and economic literacy. With innovative and participatory approaches, these programs lay a strong foundation for fostering independence and empowering youth and women.
Moving forward, these programs will continue to be developed to strengthen a sustainable empowerment ecosystem, support inclusive socio-economic transformation, and create a broader positive impact for communities.