How YES Began
Launched in 1997 by the CTA as the Promotional Agency for Development of Micro Enterprises (PADME), the program transitioned to the Central Tibetan Relief Committee (CTRC) in 2003, evolving into Youth Empowerment Support (YES).
Aimed at unemployed Tibetan youth, particularly school dropouts, YES offers skill training and start-up loans to help establish micro-enterprises, promoting youth employment and strengthening Tibetan community economies.
Transition from YES to YES+
Originally focused on unemployed Tibetan youth and school dropouts, Youth Empowerment Support (YES) provided skills training and micro-enterprise support to strengthen community economies. Over time, it has evolved to address broader needs, fostering self-reliance and resilience among Tibetan youth.
As YES+, the program has expanded to serve all Tibetan youth, offering enhanced leadership, skills training, and entrepreneurship support. This broader scope fosters personal growth, employability, and
cultural preservation, equipping Tibetan youth to thrive globally. YES+ also provides networking and mentorship opportunities, empowering participants to build meaningful careers while staying connected to their heritage.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Youth Empowerment Support aims to nurture a generation of self-reliant, skilled Tibetan youth, strongly rooted in their cultural heritage and poised for personal and professional success. This initiative provides them with essential tools to navigate the world confidently while preserving their unique cultural identity. To achieve this, the program focuses on:
- Enhance skill education opportunities through targeted scholarships and mentorship
- Provide Skill training aligned with market needs to improve employment prospects
- Develop leadership skills through community involvement and governance roles
- Promote cultural education to strengthen identity
- Support employment and entrepreneurship through networking events and business incubators
These objectives collectively address immediate and long-term needs, empowering Tibetan youth to overcome socio-economic challenges and succeed in a globalized world.
Our Vision
“YES+ envisions a self-reliant, empowered community of Tibetan youth who excel globally while honoring their cultural heritage.”
Our Mission
Our mission is to equip Tibetan youth in exile with the skills, resources, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. We aim to foster a generation ready to lead, contribute to their communities, and preserve Tibetan identity. Through targeted programs in leadership, skills development, and entrepreneurship, YES+ enhances employability and promotes community engagement.
Tibetan Career Center (TCC)
As a vital component of the YES+ initiative, the Tibetan Career Center (TCC) is dedicated to empowering Tibetan youth through practical skill-building and career-oriented training programs. TCC serves as a hub for vocational excellence, offering a range of hands-on courses designed to enhance employability and foster self-reliance.
Training Programs Offered:
- Cosmetology – Professional grooming and beauty skills for careers in salons and personal care.
- Computer Literacy Training – Foundational digital skills for navigating today’s tech-driven world.
- Graphic Design Course – Creative digital design skills using modern tools and software.
- Sushi Training – Culinary arts with a focus on sushi-making, blending tradition and precision.
- Barista Training – Coffee crafting techniques and customer service essentials for café culture.
- Bakery Training – Practical baking skills covering a range of pastries, breads, and cakes.
- Tally Accounting Software – Training in financial management and business accounting systems.
