SYEP kicks off with 1,000 participants

The Summer Youth Employment program was launched today by the Department of Human Resources.

This initiative is designed to prepare the youth for entry into the labor force and to provide job training to those disadvantaged individuals facing barriers to employment.

Held at the DYWA gymnasium, HR Director Lyn Poulou-Alaimalo said 1,000 participants would be placed in various worksites and classroom component opportunities that will link academic and occupational learning for career exploration in the future.

Governor Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga was the keynote speaker and cited that one of the essential roles of this program is to place young men and women in the workforce across government agencies and the business community.

Given the drug problem in the territory, Lemanu said there is a concern. However, the Summer Youth Employment Program would assist by occupying their time instead of being dragged into illegal activities that will, in turn, ruin their lives.

He urged the youth to use their time wisely and take advantage of this opportunity to learn as much as possible wherever they are placed.

The Director said the Summer Youth Employment program lasts up to eight weeks from June 27, 2023, to August 19, 2023.

The participants will be placed at the worksites for four hours daily, twenty hours a week, from Monday to Friday.

Other activities will include Job Readiness training, Career Development, Social Skills and Occupational skills training which will be provided in conjunction with employment.