More than 70 million young people worldwide are unemployed. Many more do not earn enough to build a stable, independent life. The YouthCan! partnership helps to empower young people and help them prepare for the transition to independence and the job market.
Finding decent work and meaningful employment is a particularly daunting challenge for those who cannot count on the networks, resources and guidance of their families. In many countries, these young people face social and economic exclusion. They have limited opportunities to access the labour market and embark on their career. YouthCan! is a global multi-stakeholder initiative that supports disadvantaged young people to help them successfully manage the transition to independent adulthood. It builds on the expertise of partners and provides individualised, holistic support to help prepare young people for the job market.
YouthCan! offers a range of activities for young people, including hands-on experience in a real working environment, access to role models as well as mentors and networks, entrepreneurship training, skills sharing and career opportunities. Additionally, the digital platform YouthLinks allows us to leverage the power of technology to reach and support more young people so they can enhance their employability. YouthLinks provides an opportunity for young people and mentors to connect more easily, share materials, create networks and support each other, breaking geographical and time barriers.
There are many ways you can support YouthCan! at the local, national or international level. Contact us for more information: YouthCan@sos-kd.org.