Wadhwani Foundation has launched Wadhwani GenieAI, a 24/7 mobile-first AI-powered skilling platform, to address the education-to-employment gap in the Philippines. The platform offers free career counseling tools, teacher training, and access to multiple AI Co-Pilots, empowering students and educators with in-demand job skills.
In addition, the Foundation provides up to $1 million annually in grants to organizations focused on sustainable job creation and workforce upskilling.
A recent survey by the Foundation revealed that only 10% of K-12 graduates immediately join the job market, while 83% pursue higher education. However, just 25% of those enrolled graduate, with the remaining 75% entering the workforce without degrees. Meanwhile, 1.5% of graduates venture into entrepreneurship, and 5.5% fall under “Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” These factors contribute to job instability and low wages.
“Our free AI-powered platform provides access to in-demand job skills that address the gaps in the school-to-work journey of K-12 students in the Philippines,” said Dr. Ajay Kela, President and CEO of Wadhwani Foundation. “We are excited to collaborate in the Philippines to leverage AI-driven solutions that empower students, improve public services, and generate jobs.”
The Foundation collaborates with over 60 partners in the Philippines, reaching 22,000 students through its AI Co-Pilots. The platform helps students develop marketable skills and make informed career decisions while offering educators tools to deliver AI-driven career counseling.
Expanding Job Creation in the Philippines
To enhance job creation, Wadhwani Foundation’s charitable arm, Wadhwani Charitable Foundation (WCF), offers grants of up to $1 million annually to high-impact organizations.
“We are looking for non-profit organizations, enterprises, and academic institutions that share our vision to boost job creation for the 21st-century workforce,” said Angela Chen-Delantar, Vice President for Skilling of Wadhwani Foundation. “Our funding will help expand their impact, enabling us to reach 1 million lives by 2030 and provide more Filipinos with job opportunities for a better future.”
Ideal partner organizations operate within a $1-5 million budget and have a proven track record in job creation or fulfillment. In addition to funding, WCF provides partners with access to GenieAI for skilling and placement, collaboration opportunities within its global network, and expertise in program management and impact measurement.
The funding initiative is also available in other emerging economies with growing youth populations, including Mexico, Brazil, and Indonesia.
Founded in 2001 by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Dr. Romesh Wadhwani, Wadhwani Foundation aims to accelerate job growth and improve lives across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
To learn more about Wadhwani GenieAI, visit web.opportunity.wfglobal.org. Organizations can apply for grants at www.wadhwanifoundation.org.
