ADDRESSING UNEMPLOYMENT AMONG YOUTHS THROUGH VIRTUAL CAREER FAIRS

Unemployment among youths is a significant challenge with many young people facing barriers to finding gainful employment. Recognizing the need to address this issue, the Grace-Ali Health Foundation initiated a project to organize virtual career fairs to connect unemployed youths with job opportunities and resources.

Project Objectives:

• To provide a platform for unemployed youths to access job opportunities through virtual career fairs.
• To offer career guidance and counselling to help youths identify their career paths and develop necessary skills.
• To facilitate networking opportunities between job seekers and potential employers through virtual platforms.
• To promote entrepreneurship and self-employment among youths through training and mentorship programs.

Project Activities:

Organization of Virtual Career Fairs: Conducted virtual career fairs using online platforms to connect unemployed youths with opportunities from various sectors. The fairs featured job listings, company presentations, and networking opportunities.

Career Guidance Workshops: Offered workshops on career development, resume writing, interview skills, and entrepreneurship to equip youths with the necessary tools to succeed in the job market.

Virtual Networking Sessions: Facilitated virtual networking sessions where job seekers could interact with employers, industry professionals, and mentors to expand their professional networks and explore potential career opportunities.

Skills Training Programs: Provided skills training programs, including digital literacy, communication skills, and vocational training, to enhance youths’ employability and entrepreneurship prospects.

Mentorship and Coaching: Offered mentorship and coaching services to guide youths in setting career goals, developing action plans, and overcoming challenges in their career pursuits.

Achievements:

Increased Access to Job Opportunities: The project provided unemployed youths with access to a wide range of job opportunities through virtual career fairs, leading to increased chances of employment.

Improved Career Preparedness: Participants benefited from career guidance workshops and training programs, gaining essential skills and knowledge to navigate the job market effectively.

Enhanced Networking Opportunities: Virtual networking sessions facilitated meaningful connections between job seekers and potential employers, fostering collaboration and information sharing within the community.

Promotion of Entrepreneurship: The project encouraged entrepreneurship and self-employment among youths through skills training programs and mentorship support, empowering them to pursue alternative career paths.

Positive Feedback from Participants: Feedback from participants indicated high satisfaction with the project’s activities, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided and the support received in their career endeavour’s.

Challenges and Lessons Learned:

Digital Divide: The project encountered challenges related to the digital divide, with some participants facing barriers to accessing virtual platforms due to limited internet connectivity or lack of digital literacy skills.

Engagement and Retention: Maintaining participants’ engagement throughout the project duration proved to be a challenge, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication and support to keep them motivated.

Sustainability: Ensuring the sustainability of the project beyond its duration requires continued investment in virtual infrastructure, capacity building, and partnership development to expand reach and impact.

Recommendations:

• Expand Outreach: Continue to expand outreach efforts to reach a broader audience of unemployed youths, including those in remote or underserved areas of the FCT.
• Address Digital Divide: Implement initiatives to address the digital divide by providing access to technology resources, digital literacy training, and support for internet connectivity.
• Enhance Sustainability: Explore opportunities for sustainability through partnerships with government agencies, private sector organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure continued support for virtual career development initiatives.

MISSION: – To empower youth to lead transformative change in society’s health landscape through creativity, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to global sustainability goals.

 

VISION: – Cultivating a society where physical, mental, and social health thrive.