YouthCan! is a global partnership that supports disadvantaged young people to successfully manage the transition from school to independent adulthood. The risk of labour market and social exclusion is especially high for young people at risk of losing parental care or who have already lost it. By mobilising employees, activating their networks and providing expertise corporates are making a measurable impact in the lives of young people around the globe whilst efficiently working to reduce youth unemployment. SOS Children’s Villages offers a digital platform through which young people and mentors can connect, create networks and support each other.

In 2018, approximately 64 million young people aged 15-24 were unemployed and looking for a job. The challenges of the labour market and risk of social exclusion are especially high for children and young people without adequate parental care. They often lack a strong social support network and positive role models, as well as quality education, skills training, networks and work experience. YouthCan! is an opportunity for young people in our target group to become ready for the job market and lead independent lives. The YouthCan! network of SOS Children’s Villages, corporates and supporting partners builds on the expertise of all partners in the area of youth employability, based on an individualised and holistic approach. By 2030, YouthCan! aims to substantially increase the number of self-reliant young people leaving SOS family-like care and family strengthening programmes. Until 2020 we aim to involving 10 global partners in reaching out to 10.000 young people in 40 countries in a quality way. 250 additional active local partnerships support youth employability in 40 countries. A global YouthCan! project team working closely with a regional structure and local contacts will make sure that the programme is delivering on the commitment and further developing and growing. The M&E Team plays a vital role in ensuring monitoring and evaluation of YouthCan! activities (results framework, country assessment, trainings and data analysis).  

SOS Children's Villages; Johnson & Johnson Corporate Citizenship Trust; thyssenkrupp Elevator AG; Allianz SE; AkzoNobel; Siegwerk; Deutsche Post DHL Group