Equipping young people: Celebrating how YouthCan! transforms lives on World Youth Skills Day 

But after the COVID-19 pandemic moved all of her college classes online, 18-year-old Sneha sat in her quiet dorm room, huddled in front of her computer, and suddenly felt completely alone. 

“I doubted myself and felt I wasn’t good at anything,” Sneha remembers.  

Building skills, achieving an education and entering a competitive workforce is daunting for any young person, but it’s especially challenging for young people—like Sneha—who grew up in alternative care.  

But with SOS’ global YouthCan! program, young people like Sneha aren’t left to navigate the rite of passage into adulthood alone. They receive comprehensive support with an encouraging community of peers and mentors to build their confidence, develop skills and achieve quality, sustainable employment. 

“[YouthCan!] gave me courage and confidence,” Sneha said. “I see myself growing every single day.” 

Today, as we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, we’re highlighting the importance—and power—of investing in young people’s future. 

A global challenge: Young people without support 

More than 20% of young people globally are not in employment, education or training.  

Without education or skills, young people face significant barriers to building successful, independent lives. And for those who grew up without family support, these obstacles become even more challenging.  

These young people are suddenly thrust into independence—navigating housing, finances, education and other major life decisions on their own—without the guidance, support or safety net of a loving family.  

But YouthCan! ensures young people have the emotional support and mentorship they need to create their own future. 

YouthCan!: Building bright, independent futures 

Launched in 2017, YouthCan! is SOS’ global program for youth employability and entrepreneurship. Specifically designed for young people without parental care or at risk of losing it, YouthCan! is a comprehensive program that combines three critical elements:  

— Mentorship from professionals and peers to boost self-confidence and help young people build professional networks. 

— Soft skills training in communication, leadership and emotional intelligence. 

— Technical skills development tailored to each individual participant and the labor market in the community where they seek work, including high-demand fields like Information and Communication Technology (ICT). 

Learn more about how we prepare young people with the digital skills they need to succeed. 

Each of YouthCan’s 23,000+ participants worldwide, like Sneha, receive the same holistic, personalized support to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. 

At SOS, we believe that children and young people aren’t silent participants—they’re powerful leaders and catalysts for systemic change.  

This belief is actualized through the YouthCan! Youth Council. This council, headed by young leaders across multiple countries, amplifies young people’s voices as they contribute their expertise and advice, shaping YouthCan! to ensure the program delivers exactly what young people need. 

“I’ve seen firsthand how YouthCan! changes lives,” said Paloma, a YouthCan! participant from Brazil and member of the YouthCan! Youth Council. “Young people from challenging backgrounds gain new perspectives. It gives them the opportunity to look at their lives differently and develop personally and professionally.”  

Breaking digital barriers: YouthLinks Community 

In our increasingly technological world, digital skills are crucial for young people to succeed.  

Research highlights that 90% of jobs worldwide require some form of digital skills. To ensure young people are equipped for the ever-evolving digital economy, SOS developed YouthLinks.  

YouthLinks is a digital platform where young people can access and develop their digital and employability skills through online training, mentorship and networking—ensuring all young people have the digital literacy training they need to reach their full potential! 

Learn more about how YouthLinks helps young people build a brighter future. 

Building a future where every young person thrives 

Sneha and Paloma’s stories show what’s possible when we invest intentionally in young people. Through comprehensive support that addresses practical skills and emotional support, YouthCan! is proving that every young person deserves and can build a successful, independent future. 

When you support SOS, you’re helping equip young people to succeed, build a brighter future and change the world for the better! 

Learn more about how we invest in young people’s futures. 

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