The project aims at reducing the number of NEETs there are in the country.

A group of 30 private companies has the goal of helping young vulnerable people during their school to university or work transition.

These companies provide economic resources to facilitate the access to superior or technical education, and offer workshops, vocational assistance, internships, and work interview simulations to improve their employability profile.

This is done through a program of the Youth Action Foundation (Fundacion Accion Joven), which seeks to become an answer to the national unemployment problem that affects 48% of young people between 15 and 24 years old, and reduce the figure of over 172 thousand NEET youngsters (neither in employment, education or training).

The program reaches 18 public schools in vulnerable areas from all over the country. The support in these places is key, as NEETs become an easy target to get involved in illegal activities, be recruited by gangs and live in poverty.

Besides, the majority of these youngsters have achieved a higher education level than their parents. Therefore, they do not have a guiding support on these matters or someone that can help them prepare for their exams at home.

 “They need to start working once they graduate from school, as many of them do not have the resources to attend university. The alliances with private companies enable public schools to deliver training and workshops focused on strengthening soft skills, solving conflicts, which are topics that are becoming more and more relevant in the labor world”, said Anna Zimbrick, executive director of the Youth Action Foundation.

Recently, students of the Rincón Grande de Pavas School took part in a vocational tour at Pizza Hut. They went through a restaurant, the headquarters, and learnt how to write a resume and attend an interview.

The goal of the foundation is to benefit 450 young persons. Therefore, it aims at increasing the number of companies, particularly those that are close to schools, so that students can think of themselves as future employees.

Source: La Republica.net