Fund College Program for At-Risk Youth, Costa Rica

When we approached the UPEACE Centre for Executive Education asking for help on a special training, they were not surprised. We have a close partnership and the Centre supports BWAB programs whenever possible, bringing international learning groups to the communities to hear first-hand about the difference BWAB is making in young peoples’ lives.

With the Soft Skills for Employability concept, there was no hesitation in our contacting the Centre. We explained the needs: students in our scholarship and other programs are becoming leaders in their own communities, getting the technical skills they needed through language learning and university classes, but they still lack the fundamental communication skills and confidence needed to excel upon leaving their communities in search of job opportunities. A leader in a program can get perfect grades, but when they have to face a potential employer for the first time in a job interview, are they truly prepared to talk confidently about their strengths, and tell the stories that show how much they shine? And when they get that first job, are they ready to accept criticism from a boss and use it to move forward, or to stand up and express themselves when job instructions aren’t clear? There was an important link that would segue the transition from success story in a squatter community, to success story in the marketplace.

With the help of a great partner, a former Director of another social impact NGO in Costa Rica who had worked extensively with high school drop outs aiming for a better life, the Centre developed an innovative and exciting program, weaving together introspective exercises designed for self-exploration, practical pieces aimed at improving communication, and boundary pushing dynamics that forced the participants outside of their comfort zones.

Over the course of two Saturdays in September, about 25 participants laughed, discussed important themes and learned and talk about themselves. In a closing circle of one-word diagnoses of the first day, the most common responses were ‘learning,’ ‘self-understanding’ and ‘growth.’ The second week was more concentrated on job interviewing and strengths.

It goes without saying that young people in these communities are facing great challenges. However, it’s trainings like these just maybe, will be the springboard for a smooth transition into the professional world; a world in which family limitations and childhood scars do not limit their ability to excel and lead in the workplace.