International organisation launches bid to tackle Middle East youth job crisis

A global organisation providing a new home for thousands of young people displaced by conflict and disaster is helping to tackle the Middle East's youth unemployment crisis.

SOS Children's Village has offered vital shelter and support to needy children and young people for more than 50 years in countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan - and now it is taking on a new challenge.

Youth unemployment in Arab countries stands at about 30 per cent, according to the latest Arab Youth Survey, and SOS Children's Village is determined to change that statistic.

The organisation, which has a presence in more than 130 countries, has launched an initiative called YouthCan! to help young people climb the career ladder.

The project offers everything from hands-on work experience and entrepreneurship training to access to mentors who can help job-seekers build up their skills.

Through its digital arm, YouthLinks, the scheme also gives young people the chance to pick the brains of employment mentors based all over the globe.

Alia Al Dalli, international director of the Middle East and North Africa region for SOS Children’s Villages, said: “The programme provides a platform for youth empowerment through impactful corporate engagement.

“Political, economic and social factors have a direct impact on youth unemployment. Unless these factors are addressed, looking for a job can be daunting, especially for those who cannot depend on resources and family guidance,” said Ms Al Dalli.

Education is another obstacle faced by youths in their career path.

“The quality of education is also a cause of concern for young Arabs, particularly in non-Gulf countries. Nearly half the Arab youth said they were not satisfied with the current level of preparation of students for the jobs of the future,” said Ms Al Dalli.

SOS Children’s villages have launched a programme to help boost job opportunities for young people. Courtesy SOS Children’s Villages.

Of the 51 per cent who said they were satisfied with the current education system, 81 per cent of them are from the GCC countries, according to Arab Youth Survey 2017.

YouthCan! was first rolled out in Jordan before being set up in Lebanon this year. The programme is expected to start up in Morocco, too.

SOS Children's Villages has set out a 2030 strategy to improve education and employment opportunities for children and young people receiving alternative care in their villages.

As part of the ongoing scheme, children are being enrolled in schools, signed up for summer camps and given access to a range of activities.

Children orphaned by war or disasters or who are unable to be cared for by their parents are given a new 'family' by the organisation.

Groups of orphaned or abandoned children are cared for in welcoming family homes by women who have dedicated their lives to being 'SOS mothers'.

SOS Mothers are recruited carefully, so they can provide a home in the long-term, are given extensive training and are given free accommodation and a household allowance and salary once qualified.

Ms Al Dalli said: “At the age of 14, most of the children in our care move from the village to youth houses that are integrated in the community. Mothers and youth leaders play the biggest role in youth integration into society. They work on individual development plans for children in their care.

“We involve youth in the development of their individual plans to help them have a clear idea of options they can explore. SOS Children’s villages work with public and private partnerships to help youth get internships, training and job opportunities.”

Ms Al Dalli said Tackling youth unemployment and helping to integrate them into society is critical to build the foundations for a stronger and sustainable economy.

“For many young people the support is not there, and more often they become victims of political, economic and social circumstances that have significant impact on the rates of unemployment among youth, said Ms Al Dalli.

“Youth integration is linked to their psychological wellbeing. It makes them aware of their role in society, from a smaller scale within their families, to a larger scale in their countries,” she said.