The Challenge:
The eastern coast of Madagascar frequently faces the devastating impacts of tropical cyclones, disrupting lives, damaging infrastructure, and limiting educational and employment opportunities for the youth. This has left many young individuals uncertain about their future, struggling to find direction in their career paths amidst the chaos. Click here to verify
"Every cyclone feels like a setback not just for our homes but for our dreams and careers," - Nia (Local High School Student)
The Solution:
To address these challenges, Juliette, a dedicated local educator, initiated the establishment of career counseling and guidance centers with the support of Gaza999. These centers were designed to provide a structured environment where youth could receive professional guidance to explore and pursue viable career paths.
"We aim to turn the tide, giving our youth the tools to build resilient futures, no matter the weather," - Juliette (Project Coordinator)
The Implementation:
Juliette worked diligently to set up the centers in accessible areas, ensuring they were equipped with modern resources such as computers, internet access, and private consultation spaces. She chose career assessment tools that were culturally relevant and effective in helping users identify their strengths and interests.
Professional counselors were recruited to provide personalized guidance through one-on-one sessions and group workshops, which covered various aspects of career planning and job searching. Juliette also forged partnerships with local and international educational institutions and employers to provide her clients with up-to-date information on scholarships, training programs, and job openings.
To monitor the progress of the participants and the effectiveness of the counseling services, Juliette implemented a system that tracked individual developments and adjusted counseling approaches as needed.
"The guidance I received here helped me understand my potential and explore careers I never considered before," - Rija (Center Attendee)
The Impact:
The career counseling centers quickly became pivotal in empowering the youth of eastern Madagascar. Over 1,000 young people have benefited from the services, with many reporting better clarity about their educational and career directions. This empowerment has enabled them to make strategic decisions about their futures, significantly increasing their resilience to the socio-economic disruptions caused by cyclones.
"Seeing our youth confidently making informed decisions about their careers is a clear sign that we are moving in the right direction," - Marc (Career Counselor)
Lessons Learned:
• Cultural and Environmental Relevance: Tailoring services to reflect the local cultural and environmental context ensures higher engagement and effectiveness.
• Comprehensive Resource Provision: Equipping centers with a variety of tools and resources addresses the diverse needs of the youth.
• Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with educational and corporate entities enriches the available opportunities for young people.
• Adaptive Tracking and Feedback Systems: Implementing flexible tracking systems helps in continuously improving service quality based on actual user outcomes.
