Ready for the future: integrating marginalised young adults from Medellín into the labour market

Project background

Many young adults in the poor neighbourhoods of Medellín have fled with their families from the armed conflict in rural areas and are trying to build a new life in the city. Unfortunately, they are ill-equipped for this. They lack vocational training, a network and the appropriate behaviour in job application situations. As a result, the unemployment rate for young refugees in Colombia is 58%. The majority of them are female. Frustrated, some become susceptible to the promises of criminal gangs, while others eke out a living as poorly paid day labourers.

Our approach

With this project, we are preparing 460 marginalised young adults from the poor districts of Medellín for working life. After completing their vocational training, a recruitment agency places them in formal employment with a guaranteed minimum wage and social benefits and supports them during their first few months in their new jobs. Parallel to the vocational training, we strengthen the young adults’ social and conflict resolution skills and train them on their civil rights and obligations. Experienced specialists help them to work through difficult experiences and to develop realistic life goals.

Project goals

460 internally displaced and marginalised young adults in Medellín improve their financial and emotional situation and contribute to a culture of peace as informed citizens. 

• 415 (90% of 460) young adults are vocationally qualified, of which at least 65% (273) subsequently earn the legal minimum wage in a formal job and are covered by social security.
• 415 (90% of 460) young adults handle their experiences of violence and learn to deal with their emotional injuries.
• 415 (90% of 460) young adults know their rights and duties as citizens and contribute to a non-violent coexistence in their families and neighbourhoods as agents of peace.

Impact

Good vocational training has been shown to increase the chances of finding a job and earning a regular income. A randomised study conducted by Vivamos Mejor, the University of Lausanne and the Colombian University of Los Andes examined the medium-term impact of our holistic intervention (vocational training + youth empowerment) on the lives of the beneficiaries from 2018 to 2021. It concluded that the project participants have greater mental resilience and earn more on both the formal and the informal labour market than young people with vocational training who do not participate in the project.