What Is the IMPACT Project?

The IMPACT Project is a two-year program helping day laborers in the Philippines create sustainable livelihoods. Thanks to a partnership with the engineers at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), participants receive weekly lessons in four skill areas: carpentry, masonry, steelworks, and plumbing.

Since the end of February, the IMPACT participants have shown up every week eager to learn. In addition to lessons, participants apply what they’ve learned through hands-on training. Recently, they used their training to construct community comfort rooms, or ‘CRs’ (restrooms) in each of the two villages.

Participants also have the opportunity to take a national certification exam in one or more skill areas. Participants recently took the national exam for plumbing. As preparation for the exam, the men studied a lot and attended a two-day review session. And it paid off, as 100% of IMPACT Participants passed the certification exam for plumbing!

Lastly, SSA connected participants to local contractors for on-the-job training. These participants are then able to practice their newly acquired skills - while being compensated for their work!

A number of the IMPACT participants are already paired with contractors and have been receiving great feedback from their supervisors about their skill level and their work ethic!

It's been almost a year now since the initiation of the IMPACT Project. And with our donors' continued support, incredible things are happening!

What’s Next for the IMPACT Project?

As we near year's end, Side by Side Alliance is looking to fulfill our three-pronged promise to the IMPACT participants: to encourage, equip, and empower them to build their own path out of poverty.

The IMPACT training has equipped them with employable skills that will empower them for a lifetime. Now it's time to encourage their hard work by celebrating how far they've come.

In addition to raising funds to ensure the continuation of the IMPACT Project through 2022, we also want to pause before year-end to celebrate the victories of these motivated men and their families.

With unparalleled dedication, the IMPACT participants have shown up every weekend to learn these new skills, often using their only day off or passing up day labor jobs in order to attend.

Thank you for celebrating these victories and partnering with us as we all continue to work together for good!

Celebrating the IMPACT

A lot of good has already happened in the IMPACT Project, and we want to celebrate the participants' victories of 2021!

Side by Side Alliance will host a special Christmas Family Day for all IMPACT participants and their families on December 12th. The Family Day will serve as recognition of the months of hard work on the part of the participants while giving these men and their families an opportunity to pause and enjoy reflecting on the good news and great joy of the Christmas season!

A highlight of the day will be the reading of the Christmas story and planned activities will include games, a family art project, and a friendly competition called 'Families' Got Talent!'

None of this would be possible without the kind and generous support of you - our Allies in this work! Thank you for caring about these men, women, and children -- your 'neighbors' on the other side of the world!

Giving Tuesday 2021:

By Side by Side Alliance, Inc.

Giving Tuesday 2021:

Continuing the IMPACT!

Team Members