To kick-start the partnership with University of Antique (UA), the Wadhwani Foundation, represented by Minerva Pelobello Gadian, Program Manager and Consultant for WSN SEA, conducted a program orientation on Wadhwani Skills Network (WSN) and collaboration on May 20 at Busalian Hall.

The Wadhwani Foundation is a US-based non-profit organization established by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Dr. Romesh Wadhwani. It operates in various countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America through innovative programs that utilize advanced technology and extensive global networks to provide access to high-quality resources aimed at improving livelihoods and transforming lives. Its mission is to accelerate job growth and enable 10 million people by 2030 to earn a family-sustaining wage and lead a dignified life.

The foundation collaborates with organizations, government agencies and universities to offer programs that help students develop soft skills, employability skills and entrepreneurial skills. With this partnership, students and employees of University of Antique, can enjoy lifetime access to Wadhwani’s programs and an extensive library of resources for free. They will also receive progress reports, impact assessments and have access to both international and local experts. Additionally, a tracer study monitors students’ job placement after course completion. The foundation’s newly added applications, featuring AI Career Coach, AI Interviewer, AI Mentor and AI Tutor, all powered by Generative AI and capable of speaking Tagalog, are available for exclusive use in these courses.

According to Gadian, the foundation is excited to engage with a much diverse beneficiary in this part of the region especially in helping the Ips in their employability skills through this partnership.

Nicasio A. Pimentel III, a Psychology faculty member, paved the way for the university’s collaboration with the Wadhwani Foundation and announced that the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement will take place very soon.