In Geneva, around 2,500 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 are dependent on benefits and are at risk of falling into poverty due to a lack of adequate training. The long-term vulnerability of these people, many of whom have dropped out of school or work and are marginalised in society, is a major concern.
Caritas Genève’s mission is to fight poverty and exclusion by providing tangible assistance to people in need, regardless of their nationality, religion or status. The charity helps people who are in a vulnerable position to maintain or regain their autonomy and their place in society.
In Geneva, around 2,500 young people between the ages of 18 and 25 are dependent on benefits and are at risk of falling into poverty due to a lack of adequate training. The long-term vulnerability of these people, many of whom have dropped out of school or work and are marginalised in society, is a major concern. To respond to this need, Caritas Genève launched the "Formation Jeunes" (youth training) programme, which aims to assist around twenty young people each year in securing qualifications and certifications by helping them obtain a federal vocational education certificate (AFP) or a federal certificate of competence (CFC).
The Caritas Genève programme has three main components: 1) discovery and pre-qualification work experience for young people aged 15 and over; 2) apprenticeships in retail and office work, as well as in sewing, logistics, joinery and electrical work; and 3) transitional work placements to help trained apprentices find employment.
Participants in the programme receive professional guidance from qualified instructors, as well as personalised social and legal support from the various departments of Caritas Genève. This comprehensive educational approach enables young people to discover new professions and expertise, find a pace of life that suits them, regain self-confidence and learn social and professional skills, thus improving their employability in the process.
Through this initiative, which complements government action and has a high success rate, Caritas Genève provides marginalised young people with a sustainable plan for the future, giving them the opportunity to think long-term and gain the independence they need to move away from benefits.
