The first session of the 2024 JOBB Vocational Empowerment Public Welfare Program is already halfway through!
JOBB: Pioneering a Journey of Youth Empowerment through Vocational Training
The "JOBB Vocational Empowerment" Special Fund, jointly initiated by the Shanghai Ruifeng Urban Public Welfare Development Center and the Shanghai Soong Ching Ling Foundation, is dedicated to teaching classic French baking and pastry-making skills. The inaugural opening ceremony of JOBB's first phase took place in late September 2024 at the Jinding Xingyuan Community in Pudong, Shanghai.
Student Composition
JOBB students come from three main groups, each reflecting the program’s inclusivity and its exploration of societal integration and skill empowerment for youth:
Special Needs Students:
Participants include students with Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and autism from Shanghai’s special education schools. Through JOBB, they learn fundamental baking skills and enhance their communication abilities, helping them better integrate into society.Youth from China’s Aid Recipient Regions:
This cohort includes students from the Kashgar region of Xinjiang. Over four months of specialized coursework and three months of internships, these students receive high-level training to lay a solid foundation for future employment or entrepreneurship. JOBB has also established a mutual training base with the Zepu County Technical School in Kashgar, aiming for long-term collaboration to foster talent and contribute to the integration of culture, tourism, and business in Xinjiang.Underprivileged Urban Youth:
These students face significant employment pressures due to a lack of practical skills and social resources. JOBB equips them with baking skills to help them redesign their career paths and overcome challenges.
From Xinjiang to Shanghai: A Journey of Growth
For the three students from Kashgar, Xinjiang, the learning opportunities provided by JOBB are monumental. Having traveled over 5,000 kilometers from the northwest border of China to the southeastern metropolis of Shanghai, this was not just a geographical journey but a profound life transformation.
During a baguette-making class, one of JOBB's six recipes brought student Tursonayi to tears. She shared that her grandmother, who had passed away, used to bake a type of naan that tasted remarkably similar to this baguette. The moment, captured on video, underscores how food embodies memory and growth.
The students' dedication is inspiring. Despite a rigorous learning schedule, they have made significant progress within two months, advancing from zero experience to being able to independently bake a variety of French pastries, including baguettes, croissants, and éclairs. In front of the camera, they shyly yet confidently introduced their creations, showcasing their remarkable growth and newfound confidence.
Professional Courses and Job Preparation
The four-month professional training curriculum provides students with in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in French baking and pastry-making:
Integrated Learning:
A combination of theoretical and practical classes, with daily evaluations, weekly reflective essays, and midterm and final exams tied to internship recommendations.Master Classes:
Baking industry experts are regularly invited to teach advanced techniques and share the latest market trends.Western Pastry Chef Certification:
Students receive training and take exams for the "Western Pastry Chef" qualification, certified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, enabling them to gain nationally recognized credentials."JOBB Bakery Corner" Initiative:
As a social responsibility enterprise, JOBB Bakery Corner sells daily teaching creations at accessible prices, minimizing waste and incorporating customer feedback to adjust recipes. This initiative simulates real-world business scenarios, nurturing students' service and entrepreneurial skills.Internship Opportunities:
Students with excellent performance and consistent dedication will be recommended for three-month internships in the baking industry to gain hands-on experience.Graduation Certificates:
Upon completing internships and passing final exams, students will receive graduation certificates, paving the way for their professional futures.
Comprehensive Support for Safe and Productive Living
To ensure students can focus on their studies and personal growth, JOBB provides extensive support:
Accommodation:
Xinjiang students stay in dormitories at the training center, with strict management ensuring safety and comfort.Transportation:
Shuttle buses run between dormitories and the metro station, with transportation cards provided for convenience.Daily Assistance:
Licensed social workers manage students' daily routines and respond to emergencies, ensuring a smooth learning experience.Meal Plans:
Students are provided with two nutritious meals daily, ensuring a balanced diet.
Enriching Extracurricular Activities
To help students better understand Shanghai and foster team cohesion, JOBB organizes various activities:
Visits to iconic landmarks, such as the CPC First National Congress Memorial Hall, Kizil Grotto replicas, Shikumen architectural clusters, and the Bund.
Participation in charity bazaars, school anniversary carnivals, and corporate volunteer activities.
Teaching students with disabilities (autism, Down syndrome, etc.) to bake cookies and more.
These activities broaden students’ horizons, immerse them in the “legendary” charm of Shanghai, and cultivate teamwork and a sense of social responsibility.