What Is the Problem?

Our continent is in trouble. Too many problems, and too much poverty. For a lot of people, life can feel hopeless, and sometimes that hopelessness leads to choices that make things even harder. But the real gap isn't a lack of jobs. It's not knowing how to find one, how to keep it, and how to grow in it.

Here's one student's story, in her own words:

“I am a 36-year-old mother of three who had a rocky history of bad choices, substance abuse and living in a shelter. I thought I would never manage to find a job, let alone explain in an interview what my circumstances were.

W4AL equipped me with the strength, confidence and stickability I needed to face my first interview. I'm so proud to say I nailed it, and started working after many years of unemployment. I was honest about where I'd come from and where I wanted to be. W4AL opened my mind to things in the workplace I'd taken for granted, but that employers really notice, like not taking personal ‘emergency’ loans, understanding that I'm constantly being evaluated, and needing to be excellent. I also learned the concept of giving back, Ubuntu.

It's taught me that maintaining good relationships with past employers benefits me in the end, and that honesty, no matter how hard it is at first, is always valued.

Attending W4AL was one of the best choices I've ever made, for myself, my children and my future. Now it's up to me to be all I can be, every day.”

Never give up hope. Work for what you want in life, no one is going to knock on your door and hand it to you.