Earlier in 2008, YUM's proposal on vocational training requested by MAST Industries, one of the world's largest contract manufacturers, importers, and distributors of men's, women's, and children's apparel to Limited Brands, was approved: A total of US$45,000 was granted to initiate the vocational training project, which will provide education, work experience and employment opportunities for participants of the skills training program.
The funding awarded enabled the vacant building (formerly the site of YUM's old TB clinic) adjacent to the Children's Village (YUM's home for destitute children in Cipanas, West Java) to be converted into a training facility to enable youth to learn valuable skills that will increase their chances of gaining employment in a highly competitive job market. In addition, upon successful completion of the course, the Children's Village residents will also have the opportunity to undertake work experience.
This grant launches an initial 18-month pilot project beginning July 2009 for over 100 qualifying youth (minimum age required) who reside at the Village as well as a selected number of young people completing their senior year of high school from outside the community.
This pilot project addresses issues identified in the independent evaluation conducted earlier this year, as it provides young people with:
After consultation with the local schools and community, five courses have been identified to be offered:
Unemployment is a situation that millions of Indonesians face daily and the circumstance for those who reside at the Children's Village is no different. A recent World Bank study found that close to 60 per cent of Indonesians aged between 18-24 are unemployed. The greatest challenge to gaining employment is a lack of experience and a lack of access to employment possibilities. YUM looks forward to working closely with MAST Industries to address this challenge and contribute positively to the development of young people to be skilled, independent, and self-reliant.
The Vocational Training Centre (VTC) opened its doors to over 200 children and young people of Cipanas and surrounding communities in August this year. Funded by MAST Industries, the VTC offers innovative classes that provide children and young people with an opportunity to improve work seeking related skills.
With expert assistance from Australian Volunteer Vanessa Hewson, the VTC hopes to continue tailoring its services to the immediate needs of local children and youths.
In response to the ongoing problem of youth unemployment in the community, even after successful completion of secondary education, the VTC offers trainings on essential skills, including English language, computing, job-seeking, hotel skills, and sewing.
"My work at the VTC over the last three months has focused on the 'English Club', which is designed to reinforce what is already being taught at school in a fun and pressure-free environment. It is normal for Indonesian school classes to have forty children in one class and teaching is usually teacher-directed, which is often a disadvantage to children who are more visual and kinesthetic-oriented learners (learners who learn better by practice).
My role at the VTC is to train teachers in student-centered teaching methodologies to equip them with the tools and knowledge to facilitate successful teaching to all types of learners.
I look forward to continuing training throughout the next eight months and supporting the VTC English teachers to establish an English Language Resource Centre where training and support can be offered to other local teachers."
Vanessa Hewson (AYAD Volunteer, YUM's Youth Development Officer)
