Project idea
The "Self-confident" project is a cycle of events that gives graduates of state child care institutions an opportunity to broaden their perception of the contemporary labor market, to adapt to the possibilities of professional realization, and to learn to evaluate their abilities and options for choosing a career.
The project has the following activities planned:
- A series of training sessions: four sessions at three state child care institutions conducted by expert psychologists;
- Presentations featuring employees from major companies (potential employers);
- Providing table games to Social Rehabilitation Centers for Minors (SRCMs) that promote planning skills and help with vocational orientation (three games for each SRCM);
- The creation of a website for the wards and graduates of all state child care institutions, which provides valuable information on career guidance, educational opportunities, benefits for new students, and more.
To support the project, a video storyline will be prepared for future orphanage graduates, providing information on the most common mistakes made at the beginning of independent living.
To draw public attention, a large-scale active PR campaign for the "Self-confident" project will be carried out on the organization's social media platforms and other information outlets
Relevance
Orphanhood issues have always been amongst the significant problems in society. Despite preventive measures to reduce the number of orphans in children's homes, children leave these institutions not fully prepared for independent living. At present, children's home graduates represent one of the most vulnerable segments of society. The challenges faced by these graduates are a national-scale issue that cannot be overlooked.
Often, orphaned children live and adapt to a consumerist role, as everything is provided by the state. Such a consumerist attitude, combined with a sense of "everyone owes me", can have negative repercussions in the future: such graduates may find it difficult to take responsibility, make independent decisions, and bear the consequences of those decisions. Moreover, as experts note, children from orphanages tend to divide people into two categories: successful and unsuccessful, identifying themselves with the "tail end" of the unsuccessful group, and essentially programming themselves for failure from the outset. This affects both their everyday independent life after leaving the state care system and their employment prospects.
Therefore, it is essential today to focus efforts on supporting these young people, helping them to increase their motivation for education and personal development, and making them understand the importance of learning a rewarding profession.
The importance of socialization and career guidance for these graduates was also underscored during a meeting with the Children's Rights Commissioner for the Sverdlovsk Region, I.R. Morokov. In addition to the material support provided by the state, society can also contribute by involving the necessary specialists in this area, particularly psychologists.
Social effect
Raising the number of successfully employed individuals from among the graduates of children's homes in the Sverdlovsk Region and Yekaterinburg.
KPI
KPI
Project Results
The work with institution graduates (trainings, motivational games, meetings with speakers) was carried out in full and at a high level. The qualitative and quantitative results were achieved 100%. All project activities were completed on time, thanks to understanding the specifics of working with the target audience of the project and the professionalism of the project team.
The project goal was achieved: the majority of the participants have chosen their future professions, focusing on modern, in-demand and well-paid jobs in the labor market. At least 45 wards of state care institutions in the Sverdlovsk region have improved their level of social adaptation and acquired skills for independent living.
State care institution wards received a new useful information resource that allows them to easily find necessary information on the topic of socialization, adaptation to independent life, links to useful resources and contacts. Minor adjustments in the project were caused by routine timetables in the institutions, teenagers were not always able to fully attend the trainings.
In July, a presentation of the study results took place at the office of the Children's Rights Ombudsman in the Sverdlovsk region, I.R. Morokov, with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Policy, and Ministry of Industry and Science, where possible mechanisms of interaction and cooperation between government structures and NGOs were discussed.
A splendid outcome of attracting the business community was achieved - on October 6, 2023, an official cooperation agreement was signed with Sberbank.
Project progress after CSS funding
Every year, approximately 10 million rubles are raised, enabling work in the specified area. Over 50% of the budget consists of funding from businesses. Currently, the organization has established stable partnerships necessary for the successful implementation of the project.
We are confident that due to the shortage of skilled workers in the labor market, efforts in this area will be supported by the government.
In addition, the Children's Rights Ombudsman in the Sverdlovsk region voiced the urgent need to conduct a survey among orphans and children without parental care in order to identify their learning problems and plans for education in vocational and higher education institutions (secondary and higher vocational education). The organization intends to participate directly in this survey.
