This project supports young people from children’s homes as they transition to independent adulthood. It focuses on a crucial stage of life—finishing school, making career decisions, and often leaving institutional care. The aim is to help participants build confidence, develop practical skills, and find their direction in education or employment so they can succeed in both their personal and professional lives.
Who the Project Is For
- Young people from children’s homes in their final year of secondary school or vocational training
- Young people up to 5 years after leaving institutional care who are currently not in employment, education, or training (NEET)
Each year, approximately 20 participants from across the Czech Republic will take part.
Some participants will complete a work placement abroad, while others will receive intensive support within the Czech Republic.
Project Activities
- Preparatory Phase
This phase focuses on selecting motivated participants and providing them with essential knowledge and support.
Activities include:
- Seminars on personal development, career orientation, labour law basics, financial literacy, and navigating public services
- Individual support, including:
- Coaching and mentoring
- Psychological support and therapy
- Financial and legal counselling
- English language conversation
- Preparation for exams (final exams, university entrance)
- Job-search support
Eight most active participants from each group will be selected for an 8-week international placement.
Other participants will take part in an equivalent programme in the Czech Republic.
- International Work Placement
Selected participants will complete an 8-week placement abroad, including:
- One-week intensive language preparation
- Work placement with a foreign employer
- Ongoing support from both local and Czech mentors
Destinations:
- Year 1: Portugal
- Year 2: Spain
The programme also includes personal development activities and organized excursions.
- Parallel Support in the Czech Republic
Participants who do not travel abroad will take part in a full programme within the Czech Republic, including:
- A one-week development stay
- Coaching and mentoring focused on motivation, planning, and work habits
- Legal and financial counselling
- Psychological support and crisis intervention
- Career guidance, CV preparation, interview training, and job-search assistance
- Access to professional courses (up to CZK 7,000 per participant for vocational training or retraining)
- Follow-Up Support
After completing the main activities, participants continue to receive individual support, including:
- Coaching and mentoring
- Job-search assistance
Group meetings and further training sessions are also provided, including for participants returning from abroad.
- Long-Term Follow-Up
The project team remains in contact with participants after they complete the programme to monitor their progress and offer additional support when needed.
Project Benefits
The project helps young people to:
- Gain practical work experience
- Develop key life and professional skills
- Build self-confidence and independence
- Prepare effectively for entering the labour market
- Establish valuable connections with professionals and peers
- Identify opportunities for further education or employment
The project also shares inspiring stories of former participants, demonstrating that success is possible even when starting from challenging circumstances.
For more information and details on how to apply, please see the leaflet for interested applicants.
Project team: Klára Želechovská, Jitka Šeflová
