Finding decent work in Bolivia is a real obstacle course. Before the corona virus pandemic, around 60% of work in the country was informal. It is estimated that this figure has risen to almost 80% today. This particularly unequal situation primarily affects young people, for whom the unemployment rate is close to record levels.
Poverty, insecurity and a lack of prospects inevitably lead to precarious situations. In Bolivia, as in other countries in the region, many teenagers have children before they have a stable job, while others have to support their families financially. In such situations, obtaining money is of the utmost urgency. The cocaine industry or work in the mines lure these young people who have no professional reference points. VIA Don Bosco’s partners are therefore working on a daily basis to offer young people in Bolivia alternative career paths.
The employment offices, a pillar of VIA Don Bosco’s strategy
As privileged partners of the training centres, the aim of the employment offices in Bolivia is “to give young people, once they have completed their studies, the tools and opportunities to be independent in society”, explained Sheila Rosalynn Motiño, supervisor of the project in Bolivia. “Getting people into work is our priority”.
Once they have obtained their diploma, the employment offices help young people to find a job. They also inform them about their rights and obligations as employees, and guide them in setting up their own businesses. Particular attention is paid in Bolivia to encouraging people to become self-employed, given the scarcity of salaried jobs. “We systematically support young people’s projects, so that they can get specialist advice to help them turn their ideas into profitable, sustainable businesses.”
A bridge between schools and businesses
In order to ensure that training courses match local needs, employment offices are constantly monitoring the market. Which companies are planning to recruit in the short term? Which sectors are expanding? “In Santa Cruz, a city in the east of the country, we have observed that the market for beauticians is growing. That is why we’re promoting this training course and making sure that the students can already build up a small stock of make-up during their training, so that it is easier for them to get started.”
The teachers keep a close eye on these developments. “They establish long-term relationships with companies and help students find work placements. They also receive training so that they can advise students on the financial aspects of their professional activities.”
VIA Don Bosco’s ultimate aim is to make its partner schools self-sufficient. As Bolivia is what is known as an “exit country”, VIA Don Bosco’s projects in the country are coming to an end. “We need to be able to operate on our own by the end of the 2022-2026 programme,” concludes Rosalynn. “We are therefore doing everything that we can to ensure that the work of the employment offices continues beyond 2026. We believe deeply in their commitment and their ability to make a difference!”