Preparing disadvantaged young people for work

Active

YouthCan! is a global partnership that supports disadvantaged young people to successfully manage the transition from school to independent adulthood. The risk of labour market and social exclusion is especially high for young people at risk of losing parental care or who have already lost it. By mobilising employees, activating their networks and providing expertise corporates are making a measurable impact in the lives of young people around the globe whilst efficiently working to reduce youth unemployment. SOS Children’s Villages offers a digital platform through which young people and mentors can connect, create networks and support each other.

Entity

SOS Children's Villages Youth organization, civil society, non-governmental, non-profit organization

Technical assistance, expertise and implementation; Policy, advocacy and convening power; Financial and/or in-kind contribution

Partners

  • Johnson & Johnson Corporate Citizenship Trust

    Private sector

    Technical assistance, expertise and implementation; Financial and/or in-kind contribution

  • thyssenkrupp Elevator AG

    Private sector

    Technical assistance, expertise and implementation; Financial and/or in-kind contribution

  • AkzoNobel

    Private sector

    Technical assistance, expertise and implementation; Financial and/or in-kind contribution

Sustainable Development Goals & targets

  • 4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship
  • 8.5 By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
  • 8.6 By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training
  • 10.2 By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
  • 10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard
  • 17.9 Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all the Sustainable Development Goals, including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation
  • 17.16 Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries
  • 17.17 Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships

Achievement At Glance

In 2021, YouthCan! celebrated its fifth year and with that milestone, our co-developed strategy was focused on improving programme quality. In practice, this meant digital evolving into an integral part of the programme and more young people being reached in countries where YouthCan! is already established. In particular, digitalization unlocked access for a greater number of young people in rural areas beyond the cities where corporate partners are often based. As a result, more than double the number of young people received practical support, training,or mentorship in YouthCan! compared to the previous year: 14,485 participants from 41 countries were supported on their journey to decent work. 

To further strengthen the spirit of co-creation, in 2021, the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) was launched, which established a group of 10 young people to advise on the programme at both a global and local level. During their first year, the young people have taken a role in the development of the new YouthLinks digital
platform and mentoring activities.

We were joined by more partners and volunteers, and we particularly welcomed more local partnerships, embodying our principle of local ownership.

Key Highlight On Guiding Principle

  • Focus on achieving impact at the country level and pursuing regional perspectives, where appropriate
  • Expanded multi-stakeholder partnerships
  • Multi-dimensional and multi-sectoral approach

description

In 2018, approximately 64 million young people aged 15-24 were unemployed and looking for a job. The challenges of the labour market and risk of social exclusion are especially high for children and young people without adequate parental care. They often lack a strong social support network and positive role models, as well as quality education, skills training, networks and work experience.

YouthCan! is an opportunity for young people in our target group to become ready for the job market and lead independent lives. The YouthCan! network of SOS Children’s Villages, corporates and supporting partners builds on the expertise of all partners in the area of youth employability, based on an individualised and holistic approach.

By 2030, YouthCan! aims to substantially increase the number of self-reliant young people leaving SOS family-like care and family strengthening programmes. Until 2020 we aim to involving 10 global partners in reaching out to 10.000 young people in 40 countries in a quality way. 250 additional active local partnerships support youth employability in 40 countries. A global YouthCan! project team working closely with a regional structure and local contacts will make sure that the programme is delivering on the commitment and further developing and growing. The M&E Team plays a vital role in ensuring monitoring and evaluation of YouthCan! activities (results framework, country assessment, trainings and data analysis).

 

https://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/

Deliverables and links to SDG targets

  • 10,000 young people trained in relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, ICT skills and soft skills

    4.4 By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

    Corporate partner offer customized support to empower young people with knowledge and relevant skills.

    BY: Dec 2024
  • 10,000 young people gained work experience, including through internships and quality apprenticeships

    10.3 Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard

    Corporate partner offer first work experience to young people. Workplace exposure includes internships, job shadowing, apprenticeships, ...

    BY: Dec 2024
  • 10,000 young people benefitted from employment services, including job search assistance, job fairs and career counselling

    17.16 Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries

    Corporate partners act as mentors and guides for the young people. They offer career orientation and exposure to different kinds of job profiles.

    BY: Dec 2024

Start

01-Mar-2017

End

31-Dec-2024

20,000

young people to benefit directly from this commitment

Target: Only young people 15-19, 20-24

Primarily:
  • Young people in urban areas
  • Young people in rural areas

Gallery

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