Today, we would like to introduce a program that supports our partner VOC in providing training for street children.
On December 20th, Birgit had the opportunity to meet two young men whose development demonstrates how crucial it is not only to bring children off the streets but also to prepare them for the future and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. Both were once street children and are now participating in vocational training to become cooks. Their stories highlight the opportunities that good training can offer.
Training Programs for a Better Future
In collaboration with VOC, we offer various training programs tailored to the interests and abilities of the children. Each child undergoes an aptitude test beforehand to determine the most suitable career path. The available options include:
- Cooking
- Plumbing
- Waitressing
- Carpentry
- Automobile and motorcycle repair
- Printing
- Welding
- House wiring
- Electronic repairs
These programs are more than just skill-building—they pave the way to sustainable livelihoods. For instance, aspiring cooks undergo nine months of intensive training before starting as kitchen helpers. They earn a base salary of approximately 19,000 Nepali Rupees (around €84 net, if accommodation is included). Over time, they can advance in their careers and achieve stability.
Two Life Stories
A New Beginning at 18
This young man is 18 years old and spent three years living on the streets. During this time, he struggled with alcohol addiction. His family was fractured—an absent father, a remarried mother, and a grandmother who had her own challenges. Despite these difficulties, he seized the opportunity to train as a cook. Today, he is learning valuable skills that are helping him build an independent future.
Resilience at 16
This 16-year-old spent nearly a decade on the streets without any family support. He survived through begging and petty theft. However, vocational training opened a new path for him. He is now learning the craft of cooking and shows that perseverance and determination can lead to great changes.
Challenges and the Path Forward
The transition into vocational training is not easy for these children. They often have diverse or no educational backgrounds and struggle with bad habits as well as a lack of social awareness. This is why the Socialisation Center at VOC plays such a vital role. There, children learn fundamental social and behavioral skills before beginning their training.
When they start their training, challenges increase as they leave the protected environment of the center. To ease this transition, we continue to support them with coaching and guidance to help them stay on track. Adhering to rules and regulations is crucial in fostering discipline and resilience. Punctuality is also emphasized to develop a professional work ethic.
Why Your Support Matters
These two young men are just examples of many whose lives are positively impacted by our programs. The training equips them with practical skills, enabling them to earn a stable income and break the cycle of poverty. Whether as cooks, plumbers, electricians, or mechanics, they actively contribute to their communities and gain new perspectives.
However, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. Your contributions help us sustain and expand these programs, giving even more children a chance for a better future. Together, we can ensure that every child who seeks our help finds a path to hope and success.
Shaping the Future Together
The journey from the streets to a stable career is not easy, but with your help, it is achievable. By donating, volunteering, or sharing our work, you can help us reach more children in need.
Let us continue to believe in their potential and invest in their dreams. Together, we are shaping better futures—one child at a time.