Empowering Youth through Skill Development
This is a multi-disciplinary project with a holistic approach to skill development. Implemented by Lighthouse Communities, the project aims to augment the livelihoods of marginalized youth. The central idea of the project is to empower youth and tap their potential in the slums of Janta Vasahat, Pune. The project aims to empower them by offering modules that help them discover their sense of self and provide 1-on-1 counselling to help them make conscious decisions about their chosen skill.
Key Sector
Skill Development
Location
Maharashtra
Partners
Lighthouse Communities
Date
October 2022 to June 2023
50%
of people find the right skilling course for them (after counselling & foundation course)
90%
of people land up in jobs after vocational skilling
Poverty and deprivation negatively impact low-income youth's emotional and physical health, affecting their confidence and decision-making abilities. Despite completing their education, many work alongside household expenses. They face low aspirations, self-esteem, motivation, limited opportunities, socio-economic disparities, and a lack of positive role models, leading to stagnation and lowered aspirations.
What we Accomplished
The Lighthouse program provides a safe, inclusive environment for disadvantaged youth, fostering agency, workplace competencies, and skills essential for employment and socio-economic change. It supports individuals in discovering their full potential, making informed life choices, and overcoming vulnerabilities to improve employability and self-sufficiency.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done. Lighthouse helped me gain the confidence to follow my dreams.”
Tejas
Completed the Accounts Executive Course and got placed
How we did it?
The Lighthouse Communities intervention focuses on technical and life skills, empowering youth to recognize aspirations, understand job markets, and make career choices through a holistic 6-stage program conducted in 'Lighthouses'. We engage in targeted campaigns and awareness programs using informative IEC materials to actively involve youth from local communities. Our efforts focus on mobilizing participants from marginalized areas to join the program and unlock their full potential.
Enabling agency, confidence, and hope to kickstart their career.
Spoken English and Digital Literacy courses to ensure a competent and market-ready workforce.
To enable youth to choose a vocational skilling course based on interest, aptitude, and industry reality.
Courses offered in-house/ through a skilling partner ecosystem in the target region ranging between two to six months.
Linkages and direct support for actual employment including support in CV making mock interviews etc.
long-term mentorship towards job retention, upskilling, and growth
Challenges
Gaining the trust of the community
Youth associated with different NGOs found it difficult to trust Lighthouse, impacting the percentage of enrollment after mobilization.
Job Reluctance
The students placed were reluctant to take up jobs due to distance and incomplete satisfaction with the job role offered.