Street Project Foundation (SPF), an intervention platform for the alleviation of the country’s youth unemployment crisis, has called on employer-partners to participate in the third edition of its Creative Youth Boot Camp.

The six-week boot camp, which begins in Abuja on the 9^th of March, with the theme: “Art for Social Transformation”. The initiative provides opportunities for singers, musicians, poets, creative writers, presenters, comedians, spoken word artists, actors, visual artists, fashion enthusiasts, and performance artists across all genres to develop their skills under the guidance and mentorship of industry experts.

At the end of the Creative Youth Boot Camp, participants will be placed on internship with employer-partners and matched with individuals, who will mentor them.

Ezenwa Okoro, SPF’s Director of Programs, urged employer-partners in the public and private sectors as well as Non- Governmental Organizations to collaborate and sign up as Employer Partners so that these young ones will have a place to intern and gain work experience.

Individual experts and professionals are also encouraged to reach out to us as mentors. He explained that SPF is passionate about youth empowerment, the reason it is seeking mentors and internship placements to mold participants into well-rounded individuals.

“We call on organizations across all sectors in Abuja to partner with us on this great initiative that aims at empowering and preparing youths for the world of work.

“Internship placement is a critical component of this boot camp and also finding mentors for these young people.

“We are passionate about youth development, which stems from life experiences,” said Okoro.

He listed current employer-partners to the SPF as including Lapizulli Design Limited, FootVilla Leather Craft Limited, Teens Global Foundation, Leres Culinary Enterprise, 2Masks & A Griot Theatre and Peniel Foundation, all based in Abuja; Enugu Youth Entrepreneurship Network as well as ROC Marketing Communications Consult.

Okoro said it is imperative for the SPF to make employers aware of the benefits of the Creative Youth Boot Camp to the society, their businesses and young people seeking opportunities.

He went on further and explained that the initiative’s uniqueness lies in its focus on soft skills training, which emphasizes personal empowerment. This year’s edition, which is supported by VOICE, will include young people living with disabilities. Since inception in 2016, the Creative Youth Boot Camp has upskilled 200 young people, with 80 percent of them placed on internships and 50 percent securing full-time jobs or starting their own businesses after the programme.