JOBB Empowers Disadvantaged Youth to Transition Careers

Located in Shanghai, Xu Enhua and her family represent a story both ordinary and extraordinary.

Her parents, both with varying degrees of disability, are unable to work, leaving the family dependent on social assistance. Through hard work, Xu Enhua was admitted to a vocational college, majoring in early childhood education. While studying, she held down several jobs, but before she could graduate, news broke of the shrinking job market for early childhood education and the tough employment prospects. Worried, she knew that finding a stable job and becoming independent as soon as possible was her top priority.

When Xu Enhua learned about the JOBB project, she saw it as an opportunity to broaden her career options—especially since she has "always loved baking." After passing the written test and home visit, she was accepted into the JOBB program, ready to change her career path and establish herself in society through new skills. She is full of hope for what lies ahead.

"Not all disadvantaged youth have the motivation to change their circumstances," said Ms. Feng, a social worker from the Shanghai Lequn Social Work Service Society (referred to as "Lequn"). Lequn, Xu Enhua's referral organization, was founded in 2004 and is dedicated to helping disadvantaged communities and improving their quality of life. For this initiative, Lequn will send a social worker to serve as the homeroom teacher for the first cohort of JOBB students. "There aren't many young people like Xu Enhua, who, despite having a good educational background, are still willing to start anew," Ms. Feng remarked. "Among the candidates recommended by the Pudong New Area street and town social security offices, she was the most determined."

With universal access to public welfare and technical empowerment, join JOBB and find your JOB!