Call Out for Innovators to Find Digital Solutions to Global Youth Crisis
11 May 2017 at 3:20 pm
World Vision, together with Optus, are inviting innovators to develop digital solutions to the global youth job crisis with the successful applicant receiving a $20,000 grant.
World Vision CEO, Claire Rogers said she had seen how innovative applications of technology could solve problems in unexpected and imaginative ways.
“[We are] on the hunt for smart, scalable tech ideas to help prepare young people to be job-ready to better access job opportunities,” Rogers said.
World Vision estimates that one billion young people will enter the global labour market over the next 10 years.
“This is the largest generation of young people in history to be seeking work – solutions to the youth jobs crisis are crucial,” Rogers said.
“The World Bank estimates that 600,000 million jobs need to be created over the next decade – a huge percentage of these will need to be in developing countries.”
Rogers said the information gap was one of the biggest challenges facing young job-seekers, especially in the context of disadvantage.
“There’s a lack of reliable labour market information both here and in developing nations. How do you vet employers? How do you know when a job opportunity is legitimate? We need to identify these gaps and find ways to get young people the information and skills they need because we know that jobs get people out of long-term poverty,” Rogers said.
“We’re looking for bold ideas that will have real impact.”
The successful applicant will receive a grant of $20,000, and access to the Optus Future Makers Program, with advice on how to develop a business case and pitch for funding, as well as practical support.
They will also gain access to the Optus Accelerator Program which runs between July and October, followed by the chance to pitch to a panel of expert judges for a share of a $300,000 prize pool.
“In addition to having access to the Optus Future Makers program, World Vision will offer the successful applicant the opportunity to attend a bespoke workshop with World Vision’s Social Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (SEED) technical specialists and corporate strategy team,” Rogers said.
“Our field experts understand the employment challenges facing people in developing communities, and will work with the winner to build their knowledge of those needs.”
Applications for the $20,000 Optus Future Makers World Vision Challenge are now open and will close midnight Friday 19 May 2017. For more information see here.
