Empowering a young mother in Brazil: The impact of the YouthCan! program
At just 16, Raielle's life took an unexpected turn when she found out she was pregnant. Instead of succumbing to societal pressures, she sought help from SOS Children’s Villages Brazil in Lauro de Freitas. The young mother completed activities offered through YouthCan!, a global partnerships program for youth employability and entrepreneurship, and is now a sound technician at a renowned company that produces musical events across Europe.
Raielle passionately describes her role: "I assist in preparing the lights and the sound and coordinate with people to plan the events." She is not only a lighting technician but is involved in all stages of production, including organizing educational spaces and supervising musical activities.
Her work is not just a job but a testament to her determination. The skills she acquired through the YouthCan! program enabled her to become self-reliant and make a decent living for herself and her child. The program's impact on her employability is undeniable, as she now holds a respected position in a well-known company.
The YouthCan! program's unique emphasis on digital skills and personal development was instrumental in Raielle's journey. The technical skills she acquired were crucial for her role as a sound technician. Raielle admits, "I didn't know how to do this before," underscoring the importance of digital literacy in today's job market. However, her transformation extended beyond learning technical skills, as she highlights the program's profound impact on her personal growth:
"The course taught me how to speak well, maintain a professional demeanour, dress appropriately for my job, and be self-reliant." These soft skills, including problem-solving, often go unnoticed but are crucial in the professional world.
Raielle also credits the program with helping her navigate personal challenges.
"In the beginning, I had a lot of problems with my family," Raielle confides. "I learned how to handle these situations, how to communicate effectively and resolve disagreements. These skills have been invaluable both at work and at home."
The young mother of a three-year-old is now financially independent and senses her mother’s pride in the journey she has taken. Raielle took significant steps in improving her self-esteem and has gained a higher level of self-respect, confidence in her abilities, and recognition of her worth in her personal life and professional career.
When asked about her motivation to join the program, Raielle answered, "My daughter. When I heard about the course that could help me secure work and develop skills, I was interested. I decided to participate."
Despite her success, Raielle acknowledges the challenges young people like her face in finding decent employment.
"Young people often lack experience and qualifications, making it difficult to secure job opportunities," she explains. "Additionally, the societal expectation that mothers should be solely responsible for childcare can hinder women's employment opportunities."
Raielle's story is a testament to the transformative power of technical education and the importance of programs like YouthCan!. Her journey to become a successful sound technician is inspiring. It reminds us that everyone can unlock their potential and achieve self-reliance with access to support and opportunities.
If your organization would like to learn more about YouthCan! or how to participate in helping young people like Raielle, please email us at [email protected].