Youth Employability – October 28 2019

Youth employability program kicks off in Vietnam

The global partnership for youth employability—YouthCan!—was inaugurated in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on October 25.

First launched in 2017, YouthCan! supports disadvantaged young people in transitioning to independent adulthood by preparing them for the job market.

YouthCan! is being rolled out in Vietnam two years after a global program launch in 2017 and following 10 successful years of the GoTeach program, a youth employability initiative that first came to Vietnam in 2012. 

“You have a lot of power,” said Shoeib Reza Choudhury, General Director of DHL Express Vietnam, addressing young people on behalf of SOS Children’s Villages longstanding youth employability partner, DHL. “Our job, our purpose, is to help you and guide you to become successful.”

The one-day launch event kicked off with performances, presentations and speeches. SOS Children’s Villages staff, business partners and young people also discussed strategies for strengthening youth employability.

Young people highlighted the difficulties in preparing for the job market while still attending school, and noted the challenge of moving out for higher education or living independently in a rented accommodation.

Mo, who grew up in SOS Children’s Village Ho Chi Minh City, voiced concern about the lack of information on job availability.

“We struggle to find information about the latest jobs,” said Mo, 20. “I want to work for an international company but I do not know what kind of jobs are available.”

Entering the job market is daunting for young people everywhere, but presents an even bigger challenge for those who do not have the networks, resources and guidance of their own families and thus might face economic exclusion as a result.

Samuel Conroy, DHL ecommerce solution managing director in Vietnam, said: “Young people should not feel disadvantaged compared to those who have better conditions.”

In 2018, YouthCan! reached more than 5,000 young people in 25 countries. With the help of 1,300 corporate volunteers, six global and more than 130 national corporate partnerships, YouthCan! empowers young people to reach their full potential.

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