For 15 years, the partnership has equipped thousands of young people with practical experience, mentorship and exposure to the world of work. What began as a local initiative in Madagascar to bridge the gap between education and employability has grown into a global programme spanning 56 countries and, under the umbrella of our multi-stakeholder platform YouthCan!, is now supported by nearly 400 local, regional and global partners.
At the heart of this journey are young people like Cheikh.
From uncertainty to opportunity
At just 25, Cheikh has already achieved what many strive for: turning an uncertain beginning into professional success.
Growing up in the SOS Children’s Village in Dakar, Cheikh was supported by a caring community. Yet, like many young people, he faced the challenge of navigating a competitive job market and finding his first opportunity.
In September 2023, Cheikh joined GoTeach through YouthCan! — a step that proved to be a turning point. Through the programme, he developed essential employability skills, including CV writing, interview preparation, and understanding recruitment processes.
“GoTeach helped me understand how to present myself professionally,” Cheikh said. “I know I can go far because my journey proves that dedication and perseverance can change a life.”
Soon after, Cheikh secured an internship with DHL. His strong performance led to a full-time role as a delivery driver. Today, he delivers parcels to customers across Dakar — work that has given him with financial independence and renewed confidence in his future.
Cheikh is one of more than 50,000 young people whose lives have been positively impacted by the partnership over the 15 years.
Locally led, globally connected
A distinctive strength of the GoTeach partnership is its local ownership. In every country, SOS Children’s Villages and DHL teams work side by side to design and implement activities that respond to local realities and labour market needs.
While programme formats vary — from mentoring and career talks to internships and workplace exposure — the objective remains consistent. It is to equip young people with the skills, networks, and real-world experience necessary to succeed in employment and achieve self-reliance. What makes GoTeach stand out is its evidence-based global framework which is owned and adapted locally.
“By extending the partnership, we are strengthening our commitment to ensuring that young people without adequate parental care have the support, networks and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Maria Berenguer, Interim Innovation, Evidence and Scale Lead at SOS Children’s Villages. “Together with DHL and our local partners, we are helping young people move from vulnerability to self-reliance.”
What continues to drive the programme’s success is the passion of the DHL Group volunteers. To date, over 18,000 have supported the partnership by contributing their time and invaluable career insights.
“For many young people, the transition from school to working life and independence can seem insurmountable. Empowering them to make a successful transition is critical not only to their own lives, but to sustainable economic growth around the world,” said Christoph Selig, VP Sustainability Communication and Programs at DHL Group.
Looking ahead
As the partnership enters its next chapter, DHL Group and SOS Children’s Villages are focused on scaling impact: welcoming more partners through our multistakeholder approach and increasing access to meaningful employment opportunities for even more young people.
When young people are given the right opportunities, they don’t just find jobs — they create brighter futures for themselves and their communities.