“For young people, the challenges of COVID-19 have proven to be quite overwhelming, especially for those facing unemployment. Between government handouts and temporary jobs, many are struggling to make ends meet. However, there are initiatives that are helping to bridge the gap between youth and employment sectors, especially in an effort to change the way society views the younger demographic.
YEmpower is a youth-led organisation that is seeking to change the way that young people engage in opportunities through the provision of a platform for effective mentorship using an online model that has proved quite effective. Both for youth and by youth, the social enterprise has begun to build connections within the local community to empower young changemakers to challenge the norm surrounding youth unemployment and buck the trend by exploring new ways to connect and engage during COVID-19.
As a platform for young Australians, YEmpower seeks to achieve their mission through three main areas:
(1) community building and mentoring; (2) advocacy and empathy education; and (3) knowledge, skill and resource sharing.
Using a five-point plan, online workshops are used to teach and equip young people through practical assistance, such as resume writing skills, one-on-one mentorship with industry professionals, and online education and upskilling.
The platform is currently growing to expand across Australia, and is extending their services around the country in an effort to further build capacity and connectivity within the younger demographic of Australia.
We at Solve Squad will be partnering with YEmpower to provide young people with the tools, resources and connections to receive unique mentoring and skill building opportunities to further engage within society during COVID-19, and hope to connect with others who are able to help.
