In a world that seems very different than the one we are living in now, our SEPAL wise experts have done a lot of work with the NEETs registered in the project and the testimonials and experiences they have shared and which you can read in this article, are proof of that. Enjoy the stories and, of course, we are not stopping here!
Bucovina Institute / Romania
Her name is Alina and she is 26 years old. After finishing the Bachelor’s Degree studies in the field of Social Work, she has decided to continue her studies by enrolling in two Masters programs: one in the field of School Counseling and Emotional Intelligence and the second one in European Management and Administration. After graduation, she was motivated to find a job, but she found rather difficult the process of identifying the right workplace for her, she did not know where to start, she did not have enough courage, and the most important, she needed support and encouragement.
After three months, one of her former colleagues, employee at Bucovina Institute informed her about the existence of a project that supports young people in this direction. Alina received all the necessary information, was registered on the SEPAL platform and then she was scheduled for a counseling meeting.
Everyone at Bucovina Institute observed her educational and professional background (she had no work experience, but she was involved in volunteering activities with children and adults with disabilities), her potential and her strong desire to find a job and she was called for an interview. She decided to remain since the day of the interview, starting with a month of paid apprenticeship, period in which she learned, she communicated and she showed her interest by getting involved in all the activities carried out within the organization. Therefore, we considered that she was suitable for the position of vocational counselor within SEPAL project, we hired her and since then she brings her contribution and supports other NEETs.
Alina finds herself in one of Mark Twain’s quotes: “Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life”. She considers her workplace a second home and not because she spends many hours at the office, but because she finally feels that all the effort she made during her study years and the knowledge she acquired were not in vain and now she can help other young people and make herself noticed.
You can see Alina share her experience in this TV Spot we developed for the SEPAL project!
Pere Closa Foundation / Spain
Further, we would like to introduce you one of our NEETs from Spain, as a positive model and proof that when our stakeholders come together and join their collaboration the things become easier.
My name is Marinela and I am 28 years old. I come from Albania to Spain through an internship program. When this program has finished, I found myself in a difficult legal and employment situation.
Legal situation because once I finished the internship the residence permission expired. Having a TIE (Identification number for Foreigners) expired, it is impossible to reside and work in Spain, so actually I have the status as illegal migrant.
Through social networks I got information about SEPAL dissemination sessions and I participated. Being informed about SEPAL activities and services I registered my data in the online SEPAL Platform.
The next day I received a call from the experts of Pere Closa Private Foundation and we had a short conversation on what my needs consist of. I attended a direct interview with them and I told my situation. After one week they contacted me telling that a meeting with an immigration counselor was planned and they will accompany me in his office. I remember that the name was (Pla d’Acollida del Poble Sec). Now my further steps how to renew my residence permit are clearer.
Regarding my competencies in Languages and Computer Sciences Pere Closa put me in contact with the Associacio de Joves Gitanos de Gracia, to be involved in their project on recuperation of Roma language. Actually, I am teaching English and Rromanes (Roma Language) as a volunteer in two secondary schools with a very high rate of Roma students.
Once I would have the residence permission, we will keep in touch with companies which are seeking employees with Computer science profile. In this way we can stay and work in Barcelona.Meanwhile, the SEPAL team is evaluating which trainings I will be able to do once I solved my legal status.
ZISPB organization / Lithuania
SEPAL participant Milda from Šiauliai, Lithuania talks about her experince in SEPAL project:
“I’ve lived in Ireland since I was a teenager, but I returned to live in Lithuania a year ago. When I returned, I completed additional eyelash extension courses, started to work in the beauty field, as this was my main job abroad, which I really enjoyed, but I always wanted to try somewhere else.
I was very interested in the SEPAL project as I was looking for a job for a while, so it only pushed me to take what I was planning, but I didn’t dare to take the first step.
I had been thinking of management during my work in the beauty field. There were thoughts that this could become my job. I thought that life is not standing still – everything can be done. I found out about the SEPAL project at that time and decided that I did not have to wait, I needed to use all the support provided by the project.
The meeting with the SEPAL expert was very pleasant, we immediately found a common language. I received useful information and help.
I think this project helps people to integrate into the labor market. I would recommend participating in it as it is a great opportunity to establish yourself and gain new knowledge.”
SEPAL RECORD! APPRENTICESHIP IN TWO DAYS!
For a young man with a car mechanics experience in black market who had been looking for a job for half a year, we found the right company in two days. In his small town, the guy had already tried all the possible options, but without success.
The SEPAL job mediator entered into a contact with the head of the car service in Šiauliai and he offered to take part in a job interview the next day. One day after, the young man was invited to start. The guy was a little hesitant about whether it was worth going to another city, but the problem quickly resolved. Travel to work is funded by the SEPAL project.
KoiSPE Diadromes / Greece
S.E. is a NEET from Greece who was referred to KoiSPE “Diadromes” by a refugee organization in September of 2019 and was informed of the benefits of SEPAL project. As an individual who has dealt with life challenges in the past, S.E. was determined to complete training so she could obtain employment, earning enough money to become financially stable, obtain independence, and establish a permanent residency in Greece. Throughout her training, S.E.remains in constant contact with her WISE Case Manager and reports to KoiSPE “Diadromes” premises every two weeks to provide updates on her progress. Apart from participating in upskilling through training, S.E. is also receiving assistance and support with obtaining suitable employment in her field of training. Once employed, she will be able to successfully obtain permanent housing and provide for herself. S.E. is committed, extremely proud of herself and thankful for the opportunity provided by the SEPAL project.
Through SEPAL Project a young Greek male, who is a cancer patient, entered an educational course that will lead to a certification of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop knowledge. That certification will give him the opportunity to apply for a full-time working position in the Greek Public Sector.
Another young Greek male of Romanian heritage, that has autism spectrum disorder, managed to start working at a Social Cooperative as a cleaning worker. It was his first ever legal employment contract.
A Greek female NEET, who had studied psychology in the past but had never worked as a psychologist and had only worked on the black market as a babysitter, managed to start working at an NGO that offers Mental Health Services as a Psychologist. It was her first ever legal employment contract.
Through SEPAL we have had the opportunity and pleasure to support a woman in her late twenties with a history of mental health difficulties to make some steps towards building her work experience. This woman has been placed to work part time at a social cooperative that has been created by 5 jewelry designers. This woman has been greatly enjoying her work at the shop and workshop of the social cooperative and would like to develop it. Although during her time of placement she had a period of relapse, and was admitted to hospital, she has maintained her interest and vision around work. We have worked to support both the woman and the social cooperative during the whole process and especially during and following the mental health relapse. The social cooperative members have valued our input and have shown great sensitivity and support for their employee. As employers, they find the woman’s work useful and are enjoying her help and input. Although this is an early stage in the placement, we think that some significant steps are being made both for the woman finding new skills and confidence in the world of employment. Furthermore, the members of the social cooperative are developing their understanding of different ways of working with a variety of people and benefitting from their employer’s abilities.
Collegium Balticum / Poland
Our partner from Poland has received testimonials from three NEETs which have benefited from the SEPAL Project:
Damian, 26 years old
Participation in the project and conversations with experts opened my eyes that, first of all, it is worth to register at the labor office, which I haven’t done before…I guess you need to see it or listen to the advice and experience of others. This made me feel better, for example, because I have access to insurance. Besides, thanks to conversations and consultations with people in the project, I realized that it is better to have a job that is less paid, but one in which I have all the insurance premiums paid. And experts sharing their work experience with me made me realize that at the very beginning you don’t have to be a master in everything and many things can be learned through daily practice. I never thought that with the skills I have I could work in the kitchen, and I found such a job and I like it very much, because not only do I see that the kitchen is a five-star restaurant, but also ordinary everyday meals that I prepare and which taste good to customers. Besides, I’m between people, I have good relations with co-workers and I’m glad that I opened my eyes and ears in time and drew good conclusions for myself. It’s nice that there are people who approach you kindly, without moralising, from whom you want to answer the phone and just talk. I wholeheartedly recommend participation in the project to all those who are looking for their way on the job market.
Kornelia, 28 years old
Projects like SEPAL are a huge opportunity for young people who cannot find employment. After my maternity leave I had a big problem with finding a job because I didn’t pass my matura exam. I graduated vocational school in the gastronomy field and SEPAL experts helped me to set up my own career path, assess my competences and refer me to the appropriate institutions. I am in the program and I am very happy about it!
Ania, 28 years old
I graduated vocational school in the field of computer science, a 2-year course for prosthodontics, an electrician’s course organised by the Labour Office and I look forward to completing the course for secretaries. The labour market for young people from smaller towns is very difficult. What I like most about the SEPAL project is that I have constant contact with my mentor. We have created a plan together because I don’t really know what I would like to do in the future, maybe in a while I will start studying, who knows!
We hope you enjoyed our stories and that you will keep in contact with us through our Facebook page and website.
Maybe the present crisis is well beyond the experience of most of us, we had to comply with the “social distancing” state measures, but we have to be inventive and creative and adaptive to the new order of things, so that we can keep our organisations “alive” and active. Technology is on our side and is extremely helpful at this point in time, providing us the tools to preserve the “bridges of communication”.
