<p><em>Since its founding in 1997, Yum! and its brands have been Serving Up Good by investing in initiatives that enable team members, employees and communities to thrive. Yum! remains committed to using its capital – financial and human – to reduce food insecurity and to help individuals gain the skills and capabilities they need to build meaningful careers. This series highlights both the stories of Yum! leaders who are driving meaningful change and shaping a better future for all, as well as members of our communities impacted through Yum! programs around the world.</em></p>
<p>KFC Thailand’s Bucket Search program is a bold initiative designed to support high school dropouts by providing confidence-building experiences and vocational exploration opportunities. Since its launch in 2023, the program has helped 430 former students return to education while equipping them with market-driven skills and resources to pursue their professional dreams. </p>
<p>Rooted in the belief that education, empowerment and collaboration are key to a more equitable society, Bucket Search aims to increase access to higher education and drive systemic change. By reintegrating these students into the education system and preparing them for the workforce, KFC Thailand is helping to cultivate a more skilled and resilient generation — ultimately contributing to long-term economic growth across the country. </p>
<p>Janett Rungsithikul, KFC senior marketing manager of Brand Purpose and the KFC Foundation, has been involved with Bucket Search since its inception. Below, Rungsithikul discusses her experience with the program and its impact in Thailand.</p>
<p><strong>What does KFC Bucket Search mean to you?</strong> </p>
<p>Since we developed the idea in 2022, I have gotten to be part of every step – inception, planning and execution – of this life-changing program. Currently there are over 1 million dropout students in Thailand as the government doesn’t pay for high school tuition, forcing those who can’t afford it, to leave school at the age of 14 or 15. What makes Bucket Search so special is that we not only offer financial support for teens to rejoin the education system, we also do it in a way that allows them to explore their passion while making a living and learning skills that will help them succeed in the workforce. </p>
<p>“No potential should be wasted” is a motto at the heart of everything we do. We believe that everyone has potential, but it's how we help them unleash that potential and guide them along their journey that has a true impact. Opportunities are everywhere, and our role is to bridge the gap between needs and resources. With Bucket Search, we want our impact to go beyond financial contributions — we focus on empowering individuals to achieve their goals and build self-sufficiency.</p>
<p><strong>How is Bucket Search creating change in your community?</strong> </p>
<p>This program has taught me that I can leverage my experience in marketing to positively impact my community. Our strategy has strengthened brand love and sparked a broader movement toward making Thailand a better place. </p>
<p>As someone working with KFC Thailand, I’ve seen firsthand how our commitment to Thailand’s Zero Dropout Initiative has brought real change. In collaboration with Equitable Education Fund and the Ministry of Education, we launched the first ever flexible learning curriculum called “KFC Classroom,” an innovative program that allows students who once dropped out to gain hands-on experience while earning their education. I’ve witnessed these young people working in our restaurants, learning everything from English for business and back-office operations to food hygiene and customer service. These real-world experiences translate into educational credits, enabling students to graduate, build self-confidence, and re-enter the education system with practical skills that truly prepare them for the job market.</p>
<p><strong>What is your favorite Bucket Search memory?</strong> </p>
<p>We hosted a launch event with members of the community to celebrate and spread the word about what we were doing. Instead of hiring outside talent to perform at the event, we encouraged our students with a passion for music to take to the stage. Several students formed a band and put on a beautiful show! One even used the event as an opportunity to build his portfolio for his university application. He was later accepted into a music and performing arts program at his local university, all because he was given an opportunity to explore his passion for music. I was amazed to see how this one opportunity helped empower this student to pursue his dream.</p>
<p>July 15 marks the 10th anniversary of World Youth Skills Day. The United Nations-originated holiday celebrates the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship. </p>
<p>As Yum! Brands and its franchisees employ over 1 million people (many of them, youth), the world’s largest restaurant company also recognizes how critical it is to invest in their skills and potential. Through partnerships with local organizations around the globe, Yum! employees are helping young people unlock new opportunities and thrive. </p>
<p>One such partnership is with Pizza Hut franchisee Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka, which, with funding from <a href="https://www.yum.com/wps/portal/yumbrands/Yumbrands/impact/people/community-impact" >Yum!’s Unlocking Opportunity Initiative</a>, launched Pizza Hut’s An Equal Slice for Everyone (AESFE). The ten-month blended learning program helps Sri Lankan youth and people with disabilities gain valuable skills and find meaningful employment. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education + Department of Social Services and the nonprofit Sevalanka Foundation, instructors teach participants everything from food prep and customer service to soft skills, hygiene and financial literacy. So far, the program has developed 22 vocational training kitchens across the country, training nearly 1,500 students annually. </p>
<p>Because of lack of proper education and opportunity, many of our youth, ages 15 to 24, lack the required training and experience to land and hold a job,” said Yasa Nadaraja, CEO & MD of Gamma Pizzakraft Lanka Pvt Ltd, “Our youth unemployment rate is high — at 19.8% — so this program stands to make a lasting impact by providing youth the opportunity to upskill and pursue a lasting career in the quick service restaurant industry.” </p>
<p>Upon completion, AESFE graduates earn a National Vocational Qualification certification, opening doors to jobs at global quick-service restaurants — including Yum! brands, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. </p>
<p>In recognition of World Youth Skills Day, the program is continuing its work with its fellow Sri Lankans, proving that every day is a good one to prepare young people for a bright future.</p>
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