Just off Fort Road, in an old, street level office, young men and women huddle over a bank of new computers updating resumes while others check a job board covered in postings.
This summer, young Somali adults found new and friendly place learn some job hunting skills — writing resumes, interview skills how to handle conflict in the workplace. Most important, they also connect with potential employers.
Anxious to address high unemployment among 18-30 year olds, the community proposed a job skills centre and applied for a federal grant.
“Access to jobs is number one right in the community,” says Amal Issa, 22, co-ordinator of the centre, home of the Somali Canadian Education and Rural Development Organization.
“Then there are a whole range of issues with gang violence and drugs.”
Issa is quite excited about the new program funded by Service Canada on a three month grant.
Ten applicants, after doing their skills course, got placements in workplaces. That’s the key for many Somalis, she says, explained, because getting real-life work experience can be a challenge for this group.
“I think it’s very important because a lot of the time, youth feel better coming to a place like this because we understand their issues better than another centre.”
She also sees youth who have had trouble with the law walk through the centre’s front doors, looking for help. Sometimes they need help finding a volunteer placement necessary for their probation terms. Other times, they’re just looking for a place to spend time, away from street corners.
“That’s why there’s so much of a need for safe spaces like this. It’s very alluring, if you’re not getting hired, and someone offers you money to deliver a package.”
Unfortunately, a funding hiccup from Service Canada has the program in limbo for now — even as demand for the service rises. The centre has applied for renewal of their grant and is waiting for a final decision from Service Canada in the coming weeks.
Source: The Edmonton Journal
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