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Catalytic Convergence:
Innovations in Youth Programming

In partnership with CERIC and CIDA, Street Kids International hosted an exciting conference in Toronto from October 5 to 9, 2009.

Catalytic Convergence: Innovations in Youth Programming brought together youth workers from Street Kids’ worldwide partner organizations, including representatives from Bolivia, Kenya, Ethiopia, India, and the Philippines. Participants shared innovations in their work, discussed best practices, and contributed ideas for effective programming to strengthen relationships within the Street Kids International network of trainers.

The conference showcased new practical innovations to equip youth with the skills for wage earning opportunities through employment and entrepreneurship. It included sessions on:

• Market Surveys for Youth Business
• Developing a Proctive Business
• Mentorship
• The Family's Role int eh Success of Working Youth

Speaker’s Panel

"Linking marginalized youth to employment opportunities – a global challenge"

On the final day of the conference, a speaker’s panel explored the challenges that youth face when integrating into occupations and self-employment, both in Canada and internationally.

While the population of youth worldwide is increasing, the gap between the rich and poor is widening. Combined with the global economic slowdown, opportunities for young people are shrinking. Youth who have been economically or socially excluded from mainstream society are particularly impacted, due to competition, higher skill demands of the market, and a lack of solid occupational guidance.

Addressing these challenges, speakers discusses innovative strategies to integrate youth back into the world of work. The panel was both timely and well-attended, and concluded with a lively discussion on how guidance and career professionals can best assist youth to achieve their full potential. Thank you to our project partners:

Thank you to our project partners: