The JLBC Cadet Corps proposes the Youth Resiliency and Employability Program (YREP)

Proposal Summary:

The JLBC Cadet Corps proposes the Youth Resiliency and Employability Program (YREP), a strategic initiative to empower youth by fostering resilience against violent extremism. The program's core objectives are cultivating critical thinking, enhancing self-reliance, and facilitating employability skills in participating children. The anticipated impact includes reduced susceptibility to extremist ideologies, increased employability, and a concomitant decrease in youth unemployment rates.

Introduction to the Organization:

The JLBC Cadet Corps, established in 2020, is a reputable youth organization dedicated to the holistic development of young people. We have a robust track record of implementing youth-centric programs that have remarkably enhanced resilience, leadership, discipline, and civic consciousness. Our capacity to carry out the proposed program is demonstrated by our cadre of experienced staff and a broad network of partner organizations.

Problem Statement:

The rise of violent extremism, the adverse impact on youth, and the escalating youth unemployment rates necessitate the proposed program. Often marginalized and unemployed, young people are increasingly susceptible to extremist ideologies. Our initiative addresses this intersection of youth unemployment and the vulnerability to violent ideologies, providing a proactive solution.

Program Goals and Objectives:

Goal: To build a resilient and employable youth populace resistant to violent extremism.

Objectives:

. To educate 500 youth on the dangers of violent extremism and the importance of peace and social cohesion over the next 12 months.

. To enhance the employability skills of the 500 targeted youth, resulting in at least 70% gaining meaningful employment or starting a business within six months after program completion.

. To cultivate critical thinking abilities in participants to promote discernment against extremist ideologies.

Program Activities:

. Training Workshops: Regular interactive workshops on employability skills, resilience-building, and critical thinking.

. Peer Mentorship: Experienced mentors will provide guidance, advice, and career counseling.

. Community Projects: Participants will work on projects that promote peace, unity, and community development.

Program Methods and Design:

The program will use a combination of direct instruction, experiential learning, and peer mentorship to achieve its goals. Participants will learn through workshops, role-playing, community projects, and mentor interaction. A logic model delineating the program's resources, activities, outputs, and outcomes will guide the implementation process.

Proposed Program Schedule and Timeline:

The program is projected to run for 12 months, starting September 2023. Training workshops will be held bi-weekly at our headquarters, with community projects scheduled quarterly. Peer mentorship will be ongoing throughout the program.

Key Personnel:

. Program Director: John Miller, an experienced social worker with a decade of youth mentorship. He will dedicate 60% of his time to the program.

. Training Coordinator: Jane Smith, a seasoned career coach. She will spend 80% of her time on the program.

. Mentorship Coordinator: Richard Brown, an expert in resilience and extremism prevention. He will devote 50% of his time to the program.

Program Partners:

Key partner organizations include the ABC Youth Employment Agency and DEF Community Outreach. ABC will assist in providing job placements, while DEF will aid in community engagement and project execution.

Program Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:

The program will implement rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and outcomes. Regular audits of activities, assessments of participant development, and feedback will form part of the monitoring system. A third-party evaluator will assess the program's impact at its completion.

Future Funding or Sustainability:

Post-grant, the program aims to secure funding through partnerships with corporate bodies for CSR initiatives and seek continued funding from philanthropic organizations interested in youth development. We also plan to institute a 'pay-it-forward' system where employed alumni contribute a small portion of their income to sustain the program.