On November 7, 150 youth were honored for successfully completing their internships in Port-au-Prince! These young people were the beneficiaries of a project which aims to give at-risk youth an alternative to crime through providing resources and assistance to enter the workforce. The internship program is the fruit a project supported by the UN Mission in Haiti (MINUJUSTH), VIS, and the Rinaldi Foundation.
One of the greatest challenges for the youth in Haiti is unemployment and the lack of opportunity. Faced with such a situation, many young people are forced into crime, gangs, violence, and prostitution. It is therefore vitally necessary to promote the integration of vulnerable youth into the workforce.
Beginning in July, the young men and women of the program were given 12-week internships at 70 enterprises related to their previous studies in cosmetology, soldering, electricity, refrigeration, carpentry, or tailoring. During the internships the youth obtained valuable work experience, and they were provided with regular formation sessions on such topics as resume-writing, interviewing for a job, stress management, and ethics. Further, a violence reduction curriculum was presented.
During the awards ceremony the youth received certificates recognizing their efforts during the previous three months, and they also learned that they would all be receiving tool kits to aid them as they begin their journeys into the workforce. Representatives of the interns and project leaders also spoke during the ceremony to recount the positive impact of the program.
We congratulate these young people for their accomplishments!
