YouthLinks

Strengthening youth employability skills through technology

YouthLinks utilizes the power of technology to develop young people’s employability skills through training, mentorship and networking opportunties, supporting them on their path to self-reliance.

A Digital World

The Covid-19 pandemic showed how important it is for children and young people to have internet and digital devices to access educational and professional opportunities.

Being “digital” helps them overcome geographical restraints and participate globally in training and mentoring networks.

In challenging times like these, YouthLinks is more important than ever. Through online activities, young people transitioning to independence gain digital literacy and employment skills that are crucial for them to succeed in the job market.

The YouthLinks programme is the digital pillar of YouthCan! – a global partnership for youth employability, supporting young people in their transition to independence and decent work.

Access more information about YouthCan! here.

About YouthLinks

YouthLink utilizes the power of technology to strengthen young people’s skills through training, mentorship and networking opportunties, supporting their transition to self-reliance.

YouthLinks digitally connects young people aged 16 to 25 in SOS Children’s Villages’ programmes with mentors and trainers from the corporate world, various institutions, and other partners.

Digital engagements help overcome geographical barriers and limitations on country, regional and global levels, while offering great potentials for scaling impact through automized processes. In addition, interventions can be organized more flexible in terms of time and accessibility, allowing us to store and share content sustainably.

YouthLinks Report 2020

In 2020, YouthLinks connected more than 5,500 young people and 1,400 volunteers virtually in 50 countries.

Read more

 

Lack of support networks leads to lack of employability

The danger of social and labour market exclusion is especially high for young people at risk of losing parental care or who have already lost it. They cannot count on the support networks of their families and are less likely to have access to positive role models, skills training and work experience. They face a higher risk of being unemployed, experiencing precarious employment conditions, and poverty.

Access to the virtual world and digital literacy skills are key to succeeding in professional life. Those young people who lack digital skills are at an even greater risk of falling behind.

Benefits for our partners

Experience has shown that the employees of corporate partners who mentor or train young people are more motivated and more loyal to the company after participating in such programmes. Through YouthLinks, they are able to not only support young people in their own countries, but also connect with young people abroad. In addition, the employees are able to develop their digital mentorship and coaching skills, while sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation.

YouthLinks gives corporate partners the opportunity to reinforce their corporate social responsibility strategy and strengthen their presence beyond their home country. By supporting YouthLinks, they actively contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and make a tangible impact on young people’s lives.

 
 

YouthLinks and the SDGs

We contribute to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals jointly - namely, working towards SDG 1, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 17.

You want to find out more?

Contact us:
YouthCan@sos-kd.org

 

YouthCan!

Learn more about our global partnership for youth employability.

ICT4D overview

How we leverage technologies to improve the lives of children and families.

ICT4D news and stories

Find out more how our ICT projects work in action in countries around the globe.