The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) supports job readiness and employability for marginalized youth.

Nowadays, it is not enough for graduates to have a high school diploma, or even a degree. The competition in acquiring employment is increasingly demanding —fresh graduates are faced with job opportunities that require them to instantly have the skills for the job. While students in bigger cities might have a better chance at quality education and be equipped with the skills necessary for employment, such as English and computer skills, students in rural areas are not so lucky. The discrepancy in levels of quality in education in Indonesia cannot be underestimated. This is why, YUM’s Vocational Training Center (VTC) aims to empower local youths with essential skills for employability.

Since July 2023, The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) has supported various job readiness skills such as English, Computer, Hospitality & Tourism, Financial Literacy and Job Seeking Skills at YUM’s Vocational Training Center (VTC) in Central Kalimantan. Currently, close to 80% of the students are girls from families living in the sub-district of Bukit Batu.

English proficiency is often a prerequisite for many job opportunities, especially in a globalized world. The comprehensive English language training offers students the chance to enhance their English language skills, from Basic to Intermediate levels. With increased job opportunities in the hospitality industry and in tourism, English has become a significant skill to have.

In today's digital age, computer literacy is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Recognizing this, the VTC empowers youths with hands-on experience in using computers, various Microsoft Office programs, and the ability to navigate the internet. Design skills are also taught in the more advanced level, and have proven to be useful for our graduates who have found employment in Marketing, Retail and Tourism. 

Aulia Bintang recently graduated from a 3-months course in Computer skills, and says “I graduated from high school just this year and I was eager to start working promptly. However, I discovered that job hunting without skills or experience can be quite challenging. Therefore, I enrolled myself in a Computer Course at YUM’s VTC. Over the course of approximately three months of studying here, I acquired computer skills that I didn't possess before. The material presented was somewhat challenging for me, but thanks to the clear and well-guided explanations by the trainers, I managed to grasp it. Honestly, I now feel more confident about applying for jobs because I have computer skills that are suitable for employment. Additionally, I found it valuable that I could seek guidance from the trainers when I was writing a job application letter after completing the course.”

Another student, Angel, also took the Computer Course, and is currently attending the English Course. “What I like most about the courses is the fact that we can practice English conversation through interactive videos and music. Also, I feel that the English learning material is enjoyable. The trainers are friendly, and when my pronunciation is corrected, I feel a boost in my confidence in speaking English.” 

Thanks to the support of The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, more than 100 students, mostly girls, have been trained in the past four months. We are also grateful for the visit of Ms. Kaisa Tokar and Mr. Stuart Shaw from the CFLI Jakarta office, who were able to meet the students and teachers and see the VTC facilities during their 2-day visit in Bukit Batu.

By investing in the skills of the youths, we are not only contributing to individual empowerment but also to the overall development of the region. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth of the passionate youths in Central Kalimantan!