INDIA: Mentorship program prepares older youth for future
Youth receive coaching, career counseling as they leave care homes
INDIA
(MissionNewswire) Don Bosco Vazhikaatti, a Salesian institution that provides career guidance, training and job placement within the Salesian Province of Tiruchy, India, conducted a mentoring program for older youth at Don Bosco Care Home in Nilavarapatti.
This program aims to assist youth who, upon turning 18, leave child care institutions but still need guidance to secure education, employment and stability. The initiative focused on supporting students as part of the aftercare program.
A Salesian explained, “Many of these youth face significant challenges. Salesian institutions play a crucial role in mentoring and empowering youth to help them develop independent and dignified lives.”
Father Ricopar Rayan, director of Don Bosco Care, launched the program with an emphasis on the importance of discipline and perseverance in building a successful career.
The Salesian added, “Youth expressed deep gratitude, acknowledging that this program is not just an initiative but a lifeline, providing them with opportunities they never thought possible. With thousands of students preparing for government job placements, access to proper career guidance remains a challenge — especially for underprivileged youth who lack resources and structured preparation. This project aims to bridge that gap by offering expert coaching, career counseling and mentorship.”
Access to professional training and workforce development services is highly valued in India. While India has the world’s largest youth population, it has yet to capitalize on this, leaving some 30% of this population without employment, education or training.
India’s youth face a lack of educational opportunities due to issues of caste, class and gender. Almost 44% of the workforce is illiterate and less than 10% of the working-age population has completed a secondary education. In addition, many secondary school graduates do not have the knowledge and skills to compete in today’s changing job market.
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Sources:
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Salesian Missions – India
World Bank – India
