JOOP for youth
TORREVIEJA town hall youth department is participating in the Valencia region’s seventh JOOP youth opportunity programme.
JOOP’s objective is to motivate and guide youths who are aged from 16-21 years of age, did not finish their schooling and are unemployed, to obtain a minimum of a medium-level ‘Formación Profesional’ (professional training - FP) qualification.
The Valencia youth institute (IVAJ)promoted initiative is financed through the European Social Fund and starts on February 21.
The participant selection process is currently underway, with interviews taking place with people referred by the school and social services guidance department.
The initiative aims to reduce incidences of ‘early education dropout’ (AET) – a massive problem in the Valencia region, where levels are higher than the national average and one of the highest in Europe.
Whether these people have started or completed a basic level education is irrelevant, as JOOP provides support for youngsters who are currently outside of the education system and have few expectations in the employment market.
Essentially participants are considered to be ‘young people who are going through a time of uncertainty in their lives’.
Prior to commencing the academic side of the programme, it will be necessary for participants to take part in ‘actitudinal coaching’ sessions, in groups of 10-15 people. These sessions work on a person’s motivation, reinforce their self-esteem and help them build a comprehensive life project.
JOOP incorporates all elements of the FP qualification, but has a ‘specific practical focus’, where participants will visit 20 host companies and see the real work which each part of the qualification requires.
It is hoped that during one of these visits the young ‘joopers’ will discover the vocation that they want to dedicate themselves to, and direct the necessary energy required for them to take the decision to return to their studies.
The JOOP programme lasts six months, with sessions taking place Monday to Friday from 10.00-14.00.
Further information is available in person from the youth department information centre (CIAJ), situated at Paseo Juan Aparicio 5, by telephone on 96 571 40 72, or email to juventud@torrevieja.eu