Several communities keep facing tough issues with functional illiteracy. They struggle with poor livelihood skills as well. And quality training programs are just not there for them. These kinds of limits make it really hard for people to get into income earning activities. They also stop folks from taking an active part in local development efforts. LEAP came about to help close that gap. It delivers a structured program that’s inclusive and responsive to cultural needs. The program tackles basic skills like reading and numeracy. It covers communication and problem solving too. At the same time, it offers hands-on technical training.

Through the integration of basic literacy with competence development, skills and techniques training and practical demonstration which this programme provides, members of the community are not only taught vocational concepts but also gain confidence from practice. The program uplifts the social equity, community empowerment, and sustainable development agenda by converting education as an instrument of economic and societal change.

The Literacy Education & Advancement Program (LEAP) is a community-based model to improve functional literacy, vocational skills and entrepreneurial abilities of students, children, parents and other community members. Advocacy is another way the initiative manifests itself, as community members pass along knowledge and share stories about how they have been able to practice everyday life without dependence on others. Integrated with these literacy skills are real-life applications that allow communities to make marketable goods, improve employment prospects and form lifelong habits as learners.

The Cupcake Frosting Competition aimed to promote creativity and self-expression among young learners by engaging them in hands-on cupcake decorating activities that sparked imagination and joy. It encouraged teamwork and collaboration by bringing together children,

NCBA Hospitality Management students, and JCI Quezon City Capitol volunteers in a shared, interactive experience. At the same time, the event fostered community connection by creating a fun and welcoming environment that strengthened bonds between NCBA students and local residents. For the Hospitality Management students, the activity served as an opportunity to develop practical skills in event facilitation and community engagement, reinforcing their academic training with real-world application. Participation and achievement were recognized through certificates and medals, instilling confidence and pride in every child while ensuring that each went home with sweet memories. Ultimately, the competition supported holistic learning by integrating culinary arts, creativity, and social responsibility within the Civic Welfare Training Program framework, making the event both meaningful and impactful.

Activity Objectives:

● Promote creativity and self-expression among young learners through hands-on cupcake decorating.
● Encourage teamwork and collaboration by engaging children, students, and volunteers in a shared activity.
● Foster joy and community connection by strengthening bonds between NCBA students and local residents.
● Develop practical hospitality skills for NCBA Hospitality Management students through event facilitation and engagement.
● Recognize participation and achievement by awarding certificates and medals to instill confidence and pride.
● Support holistic learning by integrating culinary arts, creativity, and social responsibility in the Civic Welfare Training Program.

Perfume Making Seminars are rooted in the core mission of the Literacy, Education, and Advancement Program (L.E.A.P.), which seeks to empower individuals through integrated learning and entrepreneurial exposure. This activity aims to introduce students from all departments to the fundamentals of fragrance formulation, highlighting the science and creativity behind perfume creation.

It is designed to develop practical skills that encourage innovation, self-expression, and hands-on engagement. By showcasing perfume making as a potential livelihood opportunity, the seminar promotes entrepreneurial awareness and inspires students to explore small-scale business possibilities. Ultimately, the workshop fosters holistic learning by blending literacy, education, and applied business skills, equipping participants with tools for personal growth and community advancement.

The Perfume Making Seminar aimed to:

1. Introduce fragrance formulation as a blend of science and creativity, accessible to students across disciplines.
2. Develop practical skills in scent blending, layering, and product presentation to foster innovation and self-expression.
3. Promote entrepreneurial awareness by showcasing perfume making as a viable micro-enterprise.
4. Integrate holistic learning by connecting literacy, education, and applied business skills in a hands-on format.

October 22, 2024, NCBA- CESA formerly Community Outreach Program implemented the Scented Candle Making Workshop to empower individuals through creative enterprise and hands-on entrepreneurial education. Led by NCBA-CESA coaches and student facilitators, the activity engaged participants from Barangay Escopa III in a practical livelihood training session focused on fragrance blending, candle design, and small-scale business development.

This initiative aligns with L.E.A.P.’s goal of bridging literacy with livelihood by transforming learning into productive ventures. Participants not only learned the science and art behind candle making but also explored branding, packaging, and pricing strategies—equipping them with tools to conceptualize sustainable micro-enterprises.

Objectives of the Activity:

● Introduce participants to the fundamentals of scented candle formulation and design.
● Develop practical skills that foster creativity, innovation, and self-expression.
● Promote entrepreneurial awareness by showcasing candle making as a viable livelihood opportunity.
● Encourage community engagement and knowledge sharing between NCBA students and local residents.
● Support holistic learning by integrating applied business skills, creativity, and social responsibility.

Through this activity, NCBA continues to nurture a culture of learning, innovation, and community advancement, helping individuals take meaningful steps toward economic self-sufficiency and empowered futures.