Overview
For young people from marginalised groups in International Cooperation countries, entering the world of work brings hurdles. Many do not have a compulsory school-leaving certificate and their social and economic capital is low. There are too few educational opportunities, which do not guarantee entry into the world of work. Since 2019, the Institute for socio-cultural development has been working on the development and implementation of a coaching system for young people without a secondary school diploma in Laos. Locally, around 40 coaches from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and state organisations have been trained so far, who act as bridge-builders between the young adults, training institutions and the labour market. Each coach supports and accompanies a group of 10-15 young people in developing self-, social, methodological and professional skills. Solutions are developed with the young people so that they can find employment or implement their own business ideas. The Employment Support Services (ESS) are part of a three-part project financed by the Swiss Development Corporation SDC and implemented by Swisscontact Laos. After the first project phase (2019-2023) the project is being adapted further to the local context and 45 additional coaches will be trained to work with Youth in 6 diffferent provinces.
