STRENGTHENING THE EMPLOYABILITY OF YOUTH LEAVING CARE

 The advocacy forum on Strengthening the Employability of Youth Leaving Care took place in September 2019, at the BMICH. Ms. Manique Gunaratne is playing a role in advocacy for youth with disabilities leaving care.   

Supporting young people leaving alternative care to access decent employment is an increasingly important priority for SOS Children’s Villages. They want to ensure that all young people leaving care, receive adequate support to access the labour market. Strengthening their employability skills is a key focus area, as gainful employment is a key determinant in ensuring a fulfilling life. However, there are many challenges that are being faced by this group of youth in acquiring the right skillset and securing decent employment, owing to various structural issues. There is a mismatch between what is being taught in educational institutions and the skill-sets needed by industry. Youth aspirations are out of line with the realities of the labour market, and if left unaddressed, they can negatively affect employment prospects for youth. 

The open forum on ‘Strengthening the Employability of Youth Leaving Care’ attempts to create a dialog between policy makers, employers, educational institutions and youth about the employability of young people leaving care, including the challenges they face and their recommendations to redress the situation. This event was led by youth advocates, supported by the findings of youth consultations, conducted by SOS Children’s Villages Sri Lanka in partnership with Generation Never Give Up (GNG) Network of care leavers in Sri Lanka. 

 Manique Gunaratne

The Employers’ Federation of Ceylon,

385 J3 Old Kotte Road,

Rajagiriya,

Sri Lanka.