Lifeskills and employability for youth in Ecuador

Since September 2022, 158 young people participated in our Vocational Guidance Program. With your support, we are generating a space where young people can identify interests, skills and learn the value of work through meaningful experiences; which in Ecuador is especially important due to the national context: the younger population has 9 times more unemployment (32.7%) and also, labor participation has been higher for young people with higher education. Therefore, our challenge is to promote youth employability in Pisulí and La Roldós, since "you can be available for work, but not employable because you do not have the necessary skills".

On a weekly basis, the young people attended workshops where they were encouraged to discover and deepen their inclinations, to explore, investigate and take initiative, as the beginning of a vocational journey. In the cooking workshop, they learned Ecuadorian and international recipes, to plate and serve the table as an approach to the world of Gastronomy and Hospitality; in the Crafts workshop, they made crafts, accessories and furniture in wood, plaster or melamine to introduce them to technical professions; in the Art workshop, they practiced painting and modeling techniques to discover their creativity and related careers.

"They have taught me to build and repair things that were damaged in my house, I am good at manual things. The Oficios workshop is helping me discover what I want to work on when I grow up, I am very attracted to Auto Mechanics" (Inti, 15 years old).

One Saturday a month, vocational workshops were held -from 9:00 to 17:00h00- that addressed a theme (Carpentry, Electricity, Gastronomy, Masonry, etc.) from a real environment. It begins with a presentation of the related professions, a project or intervention is addressed by groups and leaders and there is a critical dialogue on what has been learned.

"The workshops have different options so that we know what we are going to be, they help us to choose our vocation and to learn about the different careers. In a day that I helped in the kitchen, I saw that maybe Gastronomy could be an option" (Dalia, 14 years old).

For an approach to working life, there have been thematic meetings, with visits to companies such as Mapfre Seguros, MC Comunicaciones, Constructora Ordoñez, Fundación Telefónica or colloquiums (dialogue with Ecuadorian plastic artist).

"These visits help you realize the specific areas where you can develop your skills and that a degree does not define your position because all work is important" (Alexandra, 15 years old).

This year, 36 young people participated in professional training schools: 15 graduated as Kitchen Assistants, 10 as Computer and Network Repair Assistants and 10 obtained a Diploma in Basic Mechanics and Workshop Administration Management. We were able to count on prestigious allies: renowned universities and companies that have supported the theoretical and practical training (Universidad Hemisferios, Universidad de Las Américas, Instituto Superior Tecnológico Tecnoecuatoriano and Nokia Ecuador, ENNAS Academia Culinaria) and pre-professional internships (AURA Restaurante, Casa Gangotena Hotel Boutique, Al Forno Pizzería, Vía Partenope, Chez Jérôme Cuicine francese, Banh Mi, and dealers of the Asociación de Empresas Automotrices del Ecuador).

Nineteen young graduates who did not opt for schools have received personalized vocational accompaniment; either to encourage them in their higher studies, training, scholarships or entrance exams, support them in their job search or help them cope with their new working life.

Links:

• http://www.fundacionsembrar.ec
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