Conéctate!, which translates from Spanish as “Get Connected,” aims to help young people find employment and reach their potential.

The program provides an innovative combination of training in information technology and “life skills” such as empathy, conflict-resolution, and confidence. It also draws on partnerships with Chilean industry, to provide internships and align the program with the needs of Chilean employers. The program is not just about helping young people find a job. It is about developing the mixture of technical skills, personal skills, and experience they need to build successful lives, and contribute to the community.

Conéctate! also draws on the expertise of the International Youth Foundation (IYF), as part of the “Make a Connection” program, a global initiative of IYF and Nokia, active in more than 20 countries. Over the past five years, Nokia has committed over $US 23 million to youth development through Make a Connection.

Conéctate! is directed towards young people and families with limited resources. ACHNU and Nokia hope to share this opportunity with young people who have a lot to offer, but lack the financial means to take the first step. The beneficiaries will be youth, ages 18 to 25, from the Metropolitan and VIII Regions of Chile; specifically, La Florida, Peñalolén, Lo Espejo, San Pedro de la Paz and Chiguayante municipalities.

The program is jointly funded by the Multilateral Investment Fund of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), highlighting the potential that the international community sees in Chilean youth. ACHNU and Nokia also welcome additional donors, especially from within Chile, to help expand the scale of Conéctate! local government, Chile Califica, and the Chilean National Employment and Training Service SENSE have already provided valuable support to the program.

Patricio Valenzuela of Nokia observed that, “Young people hold the keys to the future. Nokia’s aim is to recognize the abilities of Chilean youth, and encourage them to lead and contribute to society. We also believe that strengthening the capacity of valuable organizations like ACHNU is a positive step towards this goal.”

Francis Valverde, Executive Director, ACHNU added, “This program seeks to make a difference in the community, and show what young people can achieve. We believe in Chilean youth, and we look forward to working with Nokia to help them reach their full potential.”