THE Youth@Work (Y@W) programme continues to deliver its life-changing programme to more than 200 young people living in communities in and around Honiara City.
The first intake for this year; Phase 13, have completed their job-ready and basic business training and now moved on to placements in 15 weeks internships in various workplaces while the young entrepreneurs receive materials to start their small enterprises.
Interns underwent a journey doing community services in their communities and trainings that is vital to increase their chances to find a decent job and increase their potential to improve their lives.
The last four months, with help from partners and volunteer trainers, youths underwent a culmination of training that include; work ethics, time management, communication skills, writing effective CVs and cover letters, goal setting, job interview, conflict and anger management in workplaces, basic business training, a number of financial literacy sessions and mentoring sessions just to name a few.
Intern Kylie Wate reflects, “I studied at Solomon Islands University but realize there is no guarantee I could have a job afterwards.”
“By design I became a “masta liu,” but after joining Y@W, I was motivated to continue to pursue my dreams.”
Another key priority Y@W offered youth was the privilege to open bank accounts as well as saving under NPF’s savings scheme, USave, purposely to receive their stipends and business transactions as well as savings.
Another intern, Richard Moses said, “Becoming financially literate I know how to manage and save money and become a responsible young person at home.”
Young entrepreneur Dickson Fisango said “my business goal is to become a successful farmer, a supplier to commercial kitchens.”
Dickson continued on saying “After the business training and procurement of my farming materials, I now feel equipped and ready to run my business. I am grateful for the support so my next step is to do the work and hope to produce great results.”
Once a week cross-training session are held for interns while they await placements, with so far 24 interns placed in workplaces since placement commenced in 26th April.
Group Leader for Internships and Placements, Mrs. Glennis Mesaea, calls on local business houses “…to join Y@W in its efforts to curb growing unemployment among youths by doing as little as accommodating our youths to through 15 weeks of internships at your organizations to gain relevant work experience.”
Youth@Work is facilitated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, in partnership and supported by funding from the Queens Young Leaders Programme (UK), the Australian Government Aid Programme and Plan International.
Implementation is done in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs. Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in Solomon Islands and to help youth of the Solomon’s find pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.
Youth at work
Pictures attached with email by Ruth Amos
