From Streets too Success: The Barça FoundationS Impact on At-Risk Youth
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For many young adults, navigating the transition to independence can be challenging. but for unaccompanied minors arriving in Catalonia, Spain, the hurdles are often insurmountable. Eric Ebra and Jawad Ezzahidi know this firsthand. Arriving as unaccompanied minors, they faced homelessness upon turning 18, until the Barça Foundation intervened, changing their lives forever.
The foundation’s Joves Futur+ program, a collaboration with Fundación la Caixa, provides comprehensive support for young people aged 18-25. This initiative focuses on helping former wards of the state achieve self-sufficiency. Marta Segú, the foundation’s director, explains, ”Many lack education or employment, and a crucial support network is missing. The impact is breathtaking. You change a person’s life.”
Now in its third year, the program boasts a near-perfect job placement rate. With a team of six professionals,over 80 collaborating companies,and approximately 100 young people participating annually—mostly migrant children residing in Catalonia,particularly Barcelona—Joves Futur+ offers a tailored approach. Each participant receives a personalized plan addressing training,job placement,psychosocial support,and mentoring.
eric, 23, arrived from the Ivory Coast in 2018. After completing four months of logistics training and an internship, he secured a job with a distribution company. “I am very happy here,” he shares, adding with a laugh, “I like to be busy.” He also works as a football club monitor. Reflecting on his journey, eric states, “The barça Foundation has to continue helping young people find a life. We can’t do it alone. Thanks to the foundation, I can say that now I am more responsible.”
Jawad’s story is equally compelling. At 14, he left Marrakech to seek a better life in Spain. After arriving in Barcelona with the goal of ”having a good future,” he experienced homelessness. “I was lost and didn’t know what to do,” he recalls.Now, he’s pursuing Dual Vocational Training in various trades while working maintenance at the Johan Cruyff Sports City.His ambition is clear: “I want to have my own business and open a small hair salon.” “I’m going to make it,” he says confidently.
The program’s support extends beyond job skills. Jawad explains, “They helped me write a resume, prepare for a job interview, and learn how to live on my own.” The foundation also addresses emotional and social needs, providing crucial guidance during a challenging transition. The program’s success underscores the vital role of comprehensive support in empowering vulnerable youth to build fulfilling lives.
The Barça Foundation’s work highlights the critically important impact of targeted interventions in supporting at-risk youth and offers a model for similar programs across the United States.
Transforming Lives: A Youth Empowerment Project’s Journey
A remarkable youth empowerment initiative is making significant strides in improving the lives of young people. The program, while still in its early stages, has already demonstrated impressive results, offering a beacon of hope and prospect for its participants.
One young participant shared his experience, stating, “I wanted it all at once, now I know that you have to go little by little.” He went on to describe feeling “more comfortable and relaxed” as a result of the program’s impact.
The project’s organizers are focused on refining their model and making it replicable for other organizations. They acknowledge the challenges inherent in scaling a program of this nature. As the director explains, “It is arduous to continue climbing with such a handmade project. We should think about a model that is more scalable without losing the essence, because we do not want to replace quality with quantity.”
Securing adequate housing presents another significant hurdle for the project. Though, the organizers remain steadfast in their commitment, recognizing the profound impact their work has on the lives of young people. the director emphasizes the transformative power of such initiatives, stating, “You give them a dignity that they didn’t have. They just need an opportunity.”
This inspiring project serves as a testament to the power of community-based initiatives to address critical social issues and provide pathways to success for vulnerable youth.Its ongoing evolution and commitment to quality ensure its continued positive impact on the lives it touches.
The program’s success highlights the importance of providing opportunities and support for young people, mirroring similar successful youth empowerment programs across the United States that focus on education, job training, and mentorship.
Empowering Youth Through Possibility: Teh Barça Foundation’s Impact
This interview explores the work of the Barça Foundation’s Joves Futur+ program, which provides invaluable support to vulnerable young adults in catalonia, Spain. We delve into the program’s comprehensive approach to empowering at-risk youth, helping them transition into fulfilling and self-reliant lives.
World today News Senior Editor: Welcome Dr. Isabel garcia, an expert on youth growth and social programs in Europe. You’ve been closely following the work of the Barça Foundation’s Joves Futur+ program. Could you tell us a bit about this initiative and its impact on young people?
Dr. Isabel Garcia: Absolutely! The Joves Futur+ program is truly remarkable. It’s a collaborative effort between the Barça Foundation and Fundación la Caixa, aimed at supporting young people aged 18 to 25 who are frequently enough facing immense challenges. Many of them are unaccompanied minors or former wards of the state, lacking a crucial support network, educational opportunities, and stable employment. The program provides a holistic approach, addressing their needs on multiple fronts.
World Today News Senior Editor:
That sounds comprehensive. What specific types of support does the program offer?
Dr. isabel Garcia: It’s a truly personalized approach. Each participant receives a tailored plan that addresses their individual needs. This might includevocational training in various fields, job placement assistance, psychosocial counseling to address emotional and social needs, and dedicated mentoring to guide them through the transition to independence. The program also actively engages with local businesses and organizations to create job opportunities specifically for the participants.
World Today News Senior Editor:
The program has garnered remarkable success stories. Can you elaborate on some of the positive outcomes?
Dr. Isabel Garcia: Absolutely. It’s heartwarming to see the impact the program has had on young lives. eric, a participant from Ivory Coast, managed to secure a stable job in logistics after completing a training program and internship facilitated by the foundation. Jawad, another participant who arrived from Morocco at a young age, is now pursuing vocational training and working towards opening his own hair salon.These are just two examples of countless individuals who have been empowered by the program to build fulfilling lives.
World Today News Senior Editor:
What maybe the most meaningful aspect of the program in your opinion?
Dr. Isabel Garcia: Beyond the practical skills training and job placement, I believe the program’s emphasis on psychosocial support and mentorship is vital. Many of these young people have experienced trauma and displacement.Providing them with a safe space to process their emotions,build confidence,and develop coping mechanisms is truly transformative. The mentors also play a crucial role, offering guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging that can be life-changing for these young adults.
World Today News Senior Editor:
Dr. Garcia, you’ve shed light on the importance of programs like Joves futur+ in empowering vulnerable youth.
Do you see similar initiatives gaining traction in other parts of the world?
Dr. Isabel Garcia: Definitely. the need to support vulnerable young people is global. We’re seeing a growing recognition of the importance of providing comprehensive programs that address both practical and emotional needs. There are many inspiring examples of youth empowerment programs in the US, Europe, and other regions. The key is collaboration between NGOs, government agencies, businesses, and communities to create sustainable support systems that empower young people to thrive.
