BY ROGER HOUALAHA
WITH the uphill growth of unemployment in the country today, many young women are facing uphill struggles in life.
Employment is very hard as many have left school at an early stage and don’t have the required qualifications to secure a job. This results in poverty as there is not enough money to afford their families’ needs and wants.
Let’s share an experience of a young hardworking mum, Ivon Sale who is now an intern at the Youth at Work program. She has proven to have worked her way well through blurred views of being unemployed affects ones mindset on getting employed.
Solomon Women Newspaper (SWN): Firstly, tell us about yourself.
Ivon Sale (IS): I’m 23-years-old. I’m from Malaita Province. I’m married with one kid.
SWN: Can you tell us about your education background?
IS: I completed my year 12 (form 7) at Honiara High School in 2011. Then I did some of my foundation courses at USP Honiara but somehow I didn’t have enough money to complete my courses. When did you join The Youth at Work program? I joined the Youth at Work program in 2014. What did you learn through the Youth at Work program? I learnt many things at the program. I learned to use my skills and knowledge in addressing factors and how to deal with real life situations.
SWN: Is the Youth at Work program helping you?
IS: Yes, it has helped me a lot to become someone better and responsible in my family and community.
SWN: What are the challenges you faced before and after you joined the Youth at Work program?
IS: Before I joined the program, I thought I didn’t have enough qualifications and lost hope in getting employed. Now I believe I’m well equipped with the knowledge and qualities to get employed and help my family.
SWN: Please share some words of encouragement to all young mothers who are unemployed today.
IS: I encourage all young mothers today not to give up in life. It doesn’t matter what qualifications we have. It is the qualities that show who we really are. I recommend you to come and join the Youth at Work program to learn and find a job to help your families.
