The MY.ICT for Marginalized Youth initiative reached another milestone in advancing digital empowerment with its intensive, full-day training on e-commerce website development using Google Sites, conducted on October 9, 2023. This transformative session marked a significant stride toward equipping disadvantaged youth with practical digital skills that open doors to entrepreneurship and economic opportunity. By the end of the 8-hour workshop, participants had proudly completed fully functional business websites—each containing the essential components needed to establish a credible and engaging online presence.

Designed to be both comprehensive and beginner-friendly, the workshop guided participants step-by-step through the process of building and customizing their own e-commerce platforms. The training covered every critical page required for a business website:

• Homepage: Participants learned how to design visually appealing and informative landing pages that effectively introduce their brand and highlight featured products.

• About Us: Trainers guided them in crafting compelling business narratives that articulate their mission, values, and stories—building trust and connection with potential customers.

• Products/Services Page: Learners developed product catalogs, uploaded images, wrote clear descriptions, and added prices—gaining hands-on experience in presenting offerings professionally.

• Contact Us Page: Participants added contact forms and essential details, emphasizing ease of communication, user experience, and customer accessibility.

• FAQ Section: To enhance customer understanding and reduce inquiries, participants created FAQs addressing common questions about their business, products, and services.

• Social Media Integration: The workshop also covered adding social media links, enabling businesses to strengthen their online visibility and customer engagement across platforms.

The culminating activity of the session was the presentation of the participants’ e-commerce websites, where each learner showcased their site’s features, layout, and unique selling points. The diversity of business concepts was remarkable—ranging from handmade crafts and clothing lines to digital services and creative products. Each website was a testament to the participants' creativity, determination, and growing technical proficiency. Their work reflected not only an understanding of web development but also the potential to launch real entrepreneurial ventures.

In recognition of their dedication and achievements, all participants were awarded certificates of completion—symbols of their commitment to learning and their newly acquired capability to build functional digital platforms. Many expressed gratitude and pride through Padlet reflections, highlighting how the session broadened their perspectives, boosted their confidence, and inspired them to pursue digital entrepreneurship.

The MY.ICT initiative continues to uphold its mission of promoting digital inclusion, ensuring that marginalized youth gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. By empowering participants to create their own e-commerce websites, the project not only equips them with technical knowledge but also ignites pathways toward economic independence and sustainable livelihood. As these young learners carry their new skills forward, they are better prepared to shape meaningful futures in the evolving digital economy.