Government institutions in South Africa, including universities, are diversifying revenue sources to maintain operations in response to financial pressures exacerbated by COVID-19. This study focuses on sustaining university finances amidst rising youth unemployment by investigating strategies that emphasize placing graduates in university-driven job opportunities. It addresses how universities support graduate employment aiming to integrate these initiatives into revenue strategies. By leveraging these strategies, the study seeks to combat South Africa's significant youth unemployment problem while benefiting university finances. Conducted across all twenty-six South African public universities, the study employed a positivist epistemology and quantitative methodology. The first of two research questions were addressed by demonstrating a visual representation reflecting a comparison of the university graduate population to the top business industry in each province. This was intended to explore how the top industries relate to the profile of the total graduates produced in each province. The outcome would be to inform decision-making prioritizing industry relations as an important factor to graduates' work placement. The study underscores the potential for universities to develop self-sustaining revenue streams through strategic investment in graduate work placement initiatives. The research not only offers crucial insights for universities to enhance financial sustainability but also addresses youth unemployment, a pressing challenge in the South African economy. By aligning revenue generation with graduate job placements, universities can enhance their financial health while contributing to broader societal goals.

Resumen Utilizamos 2812 anuncios de empleo en línea de 21 países europeos para identificar los atributos exigidos por los empleadores y explorar las características económicas y del mercado laboral asociadas al conjunto de cualificaciones requeridas. Mientras que algunos empleadores se dirigen claramente a candidatos listos para trabajar en ocupaciones de alta cualificación, otros ni siquiera especifican los requisitos de cualificación. Estos últimos proceden de países que son innovadores moderados o modestos, con niveles variables de actividades de empleo de alta tecnología, un alto nivel de desempleo juvenil y una baja tasa de vacantes. Las conclusiones sugieren que los empleadores han elevado los criterios de contratación y, por tanto, han contribuido a la inflación de credenciales.

Resumo Esta pesquisa explora 2812 anúncios de emprego publicados no sítio da internet de 21 países europeus para identificar as exigências de emprego e analisar as características económicas e do mercado de trabalho associadas a esse conjunto de competências procuradas. Enquanto alguns empregadores preferem claramente candidatos prontos a trabalhar para profissões altamente qualificadas, outros não especificam as competências requeridas. Estes últimos são de países com um nível de inovação moderado ou modesto, têm um baixo nível de emprego em atividades intensivas em tecnologia e conhecimento, com um elevado nível de desemprego jovem e uma baixa taxa de ofertas de emprego. Os resultados empíricos sugerem que os empregadores aumentaram os critérios de contratação e, por conseguinte, contribuíram para a inflação dos diplomas.

Résumé Cette recherche explore 2812 offres d’emploi publiées sur le site web provenant de 21 pays européens pour identifier les attributs exigés par les employeurs et explorer les caractéristiques de l’économie et du marché du travail associées à l’ensemble des compétences requises. Alors que certains employeurs ciblent clairement des candidats prêts à l’emploi pour des professions hautement qualifiées, d’autres ne précisent même pas les compétences requises. Ces derniers proviennent de pays qui sont des innovateurs modérés ou modestes avec des niveaux variables d’activités d’emploi de haute technologie, un niveau élevé de chômage des jeunes et un faible taux de vacance d’emploi. Les résultats suggèrent que les employeurs ont relevé les critères d’embauche et ont donc contribué à l’inflation des diplômes.

Abstract We use 2812 online job advertisements from 21 European countries to identify attributes demanded by employers and explore economic and labour market characteristics associated with the set of required skills. Whereas some employers clearly target ready-to-work candidates for high skilled occupations, others do not even specify skill requirements. The latter are from countries that are moderate or modest innovators with varying levels of high-tech employment activities, a high level of youth unemployment and a low job vacancy rate. The findings suggest employers have raised hiring criteria and have therefore contributed to credential inflation.

Abstract: This article analyzes the discussions on the German dual apprenticeship model during the tripartite social dialogue held in Costa Rica between February 27 and September 1, 2017. This dialogue arena, moderated by the International Labour Organization, was attended by representatives of companies, trade unions, and the government. The analysis focuses on the social representations and intersubjective references specifically developed by state and parastatal actors on the characteristics and potentials of the German dual apprenticeship model to solve certain social problems in Costa Rica. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with state representatives who participated in the dialogue, as well as with parastatal representatives who were involved in the discussions on the topic. As a result, one of the main findings is that within the dynamics of political cooperation, the German dual apprenticeship model is treated as an “export/import” product capable of solving problems such as youth unemployment and poverty among young people. The reference to the German best practice model and to Germany as such is used to limit the adequate participation of actors and the understanding of social problems.

Resumo: Este artigo analisa as discussões sobre o modelo alemão de aprendizagem dupla durante o diálogo social tripartite realizadona Costa Rica entre 27 de fevereiro e 1º de setembro de 2017. Essa arena de diálogo, moderada pela Organização Internacional do Trabalho, contou com a participação de representantes de empresas, sindicatos e do governo. A análise se concentra nas representações sociais e nas referências intersubjetivas especificamente desenvolvidas por atores estatais e paraestatais sobre as características e os potenciais do modelo alemão de aprendizagem dupla para resolver determinados problemas sociais na Costa Rica. Para isso, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com representantes do Estado que participaram do diálogo, bem como com representantes paraestatais que estiveram envolvidos nas discussões sobre o tema. Como resultado, uma das principais constatações é que, na dinâmica da cooperação política, o modelo alemão de aprendizagem dual é tratado como um produto de “exportação/importação” capaz de resolver problemas como o desemprego juvenil e a pobreza entre os jovens. A referência ao modelo alemão de melhores práticas e à Alemanha como tal é usada para limitar a participação adequada dos atores e a compreensão dos problemas sociais.

Resumen: Este artículo analiza las discusiones sobre el modelo alemán de aprendizaje dual durante el diálogo social tripartito celebrado en Costa Rica entre el 27 de febrero y el 1 de setiembre de 2017. A este escenario de diálogo, moderado por la Organización Internacional del Trabajo, asistieron representantes de empresas, sindi- catos y el gobierno. El análisis se centra en las representaciones sociales y referencias intersubjetivas elaboradas específicamente por actores estatales y paraestatales sobre las características y potencialidades del modelo alemán de aprendizaje dual para resolver determinados problemas sociales en Costa Rica. Para ello, se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a representantes estatales que participaron en el diálogo, así como a representantes paraestatales que intervinieron en las discusiones sobre el tema. Como resultado, uno de los principales hallazgos es que, dentro de la dinámica de cooperación política, el modelo alemán de aprendizaje dual es tratado como un producto de “exportación/importación” capaz de resolver problemas como el desempleo juvenil y la pobreza entre los jóvenes. La referencia al modelo alemán de buenas prácticas y a Alemania como tal se utiliza para limitar la adecuada participación de los actores y la comprensión de los problemas sociales.

Agriculture in Africa plays a significant role in the sustainable livelihood of households in rural and semi-rural areas. African youth participation in agriculture is viewed as a challenge, as is their contribution to the economy in developing countries. In most rural communities, sustainable agriculture is crucial in food security, poverty alleviation, and job creation. With that in mind, unemployment among the youth is high, especially in sub-Saharan African countries. It is also important to note that the agricultural sector is transforming with technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Therefore, understanding the attitude of youth towards agriculture is pivotal to the sustainability and viability of the sector. This review critically analyses perspectives on youth attitudes in the agricultural sector by thoroughly examining academic literature. The review investigates factors influencing youth perceptions of agriculture, drawing upon an extensive diagnostic analysis of academic literature, empirical studies, and reports, including socioeconomic factors, attitudes towards agricultural activities, and attitudes as barriers to agricultural education and training. This intellectual piece dwells on indicators of influence between youth attitudes towards agriculture in African countries. Existing literature widely acknowledges youth as pivotal for economic success in agriculture. However, the effective integration of youth into the sector relies on Agricultural Extension policymakers facilitating their inclusion through tailored training programs and opportunities. It is the understanding of this review that the opportunities that enable agricultural participation correlate with the availability of resources for successful contribution to sustainable agriculture.

ABSTRACT: Inclusion of rural youth is of great importance to facilitate nutritional security and make the food chain more sustainable. A positive attitude is necessary for active participation in agricultural activities. This case study was an attempt to check the attitude of rural youth regarding sustainable farming and its contributing factors. The study was carried out in the Punjab province of Pakistan and a transverse research design was used for this quantitative study. An interview schedule was used for getting the face-to-face response of rural youth. To make the unknown population of rural youth in Punjab, the Fisher formula was used and a sample of 413 was selected from purposely selected three districts of Punjab. After recording data, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze the data. Descriptive Statistics was used to explain the response of rural youth for the decision on the base of data. Only 53 young farmers said that they have never been part of the formal education system and maximum number of farmers was close to 24 years of age or more than that. Rural youth of Punjab is lacking in non-formal education for acquiring or maintaining their skills & interests. Unemployment and having limited farm income are the biggest challenges that rural youth is facing. Rural youth show a strong inclination towards opting for sustainable farming alongside the availability of a supportive network. Regarding to learning capacities rural youth is lacking related to knowledge, communication means, novel approaches and in promoting sustainable farming initiatives. To achieve the goal of sustainability in changing environment, rural youth must have access to continuous training, communication sources, membership, or association with organizations with novel ideas covering all the changes happening in the farming business.

RESUMO: Para facilitar a segurança nutricional e tornar a cadeia alimentar mais sustentável, a inclusão da juventude rural é de grande importância. Uma atitude positiva é necessária para a participação ativa nas atividades agrícolas. Este estudo de caso foi uma tentativa de verificar a atitude da juventude rural em relação à agricultura sustentável e seus fatores contribuintes. O trabalho foi realizado na província de Punjab, no Paquistão, e um projeto de pesquisa transversal foi usado para este estudo quantitativo. Um roteiro de entrevista foi usado para obter a resposta face a face da juventude rural. Para determinar a população desconhecida de jovens rurais em Punjab, a fórmula de Fisher foi usada e uma amostra de 413 foi selecionada de três distritos selecionados de Punjab. Após o registro dos dados, foi utilizado o Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) para análise dos dados. A Estatística Descritiva foi utilizada para explicar a resposta dos jovens rurais para a decisão sobre a base de dados. Apenas 53 jovens agricultores disseram que nunca fizeram parte do sistema de educação formal e o número máximo de agricultores foi próximo aos 24 anos de idade ou mais. A juventude rural de Punjab carece de educação não formal para adquirir ou manter suas habilidades e interesses. Atualmente, o desemprego e a renda agrícola limitada são os maiores desafios que a juventude rural enfrenta. A juventude rural mostra uma forte inclinação para optar pela agricultura sustentável, juntamente com a disponibilidade de uma rede de apoio. No que diz respeito às capacidades de aprendizagem, a juventude rural carece de conhecimentos relacionados, meios de comunicação, novas abordagens e, até certo ponto, participação em organizações que promovem iniciativas de agricultura sustentável. Para alcançar a meta de sustentabilidade no ambiente em mudança, a juventude rural deve ter acesso a treinamento contínuo, fontes de comunicação, associação ou associação com organizações com ideias inovadoras que cubram todas as mudanças que ocorrem no negócio agrícola.

The study examines the effect of small-scale pig farming on unemployment alleviation in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape of South Africa. This is against the backdrop of the extreme youth unemployment and increasing poverty rate being witnessed in South Africa (SA) due to the unstable global economic environment that has impacted most economies of the world. On its part, the government made an appreciable number of investments, especially in the agricultural sector, to address the unemployment challenges, which has yielded varied levels of success. The unemployment situation in SA was compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in approximately 33% of the labour resources that were productive before the pandemic to idle. This necessitated a government injection of R100 billion as a stimulus package into the economy to support small businesses and the agricultural sector, especially small-scale farmers. Mixed methods were adopted to gather primary data from 164 pig farmers, which were randomly selected. XLSTAT and SPSS 28 were used to analyse the quantitative data, and NVivo was used for the qualitative data. The results revealed that farming activities provided a source of income for most pig farmers, with several households depending on it for their livelihood. The collective advantage among pig farmers was the availability of space for farming activities, and most of them engaged in pig farming as a necessity. The government plays a crucial role in the sustainability ofpig farming activities in the area through the various interventions that create the needed enabling environment for the farmers to thrive.

In the Republic of South Africa care-leavers are faced with numerous challenges after being discharged in terms of the provisions of the Children's Act 38 of 2005, Section 175 (Republic of South Africa [RSA], 2006). The aim of this study was to explore the challenges and barriers experienced by youths leaving the foster care system in South Africa. The researcher adopted a qualitative research approach to achieve the aim of this study. The findings revealed that youths leaving the foster care system are faced with social challenges, including a lack of communication with their foster parents or caregivers, little cooperation from parents or caregivers, few re-unification services, a lack of housing, and disconnection from other foster children. In addition, youths leaving care experience financial challenges such as unemployment and the abuse of the foster child grant by their foster parents. They also experience educational challenges, with many dropping out of school. Furthermore, youths leaving care face sexual challenges, including sexual abuse, prostitution and teenage pregnancy. For these reasons it is crucial for policymakers, social workers and all social service practitioners to work together to deliver a more expansive safety net for youths leaving care, and to address the fundamental challenges they face.

Youth unemployment is one of the major challenges facing Sub-Saharan African countries today. Although young people may hold general certificates of education (equivalent to Grade 12), they lack employable or marketable skills enabling them to be integrated into the labour market. In this paper, I examine the application of experiential learning theory (ELT) in non-school-based technical and vocational training for unemployed youths as a learning approach to develop job-related skills and competencies for the real world of the workplace. I used a qualitative research design to meet the research objectives and conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 10 trainees out of 512 to get their views on training delivery and learning approaches for skills acquisition. To complement the interview data, I also conducted field observations at the training centres, in the workshops, and at companies hosting trainees for workplace training. My findings revealed that the facilitators used classroom-based and field-based experiential learning approaches to help the trainees gain job-related skills and competencies required in the labour market. I conclude that applying ELT in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes helped young trainees gain the job-related skills and competencies required in the labour market. As practical implications for society, I provide new insights into applying ELT to improve the effectiveness of non-school-based TVET programmes for disadvantaged and unemployed youths. My findings will motivate other trainers and training managers to apply ELT in designing and implementing non-school-based TVET programmes.

Resumo: O desemprego juvenil é uma das chaves nos estudos da juventude. Uma das premissas que costuma ser considerada dada (inquestionável e inquestionável) é que os jovens sofrem mais com o desemprego do que os adultos. No entanto, podemos nos perguntar, sempre foi assim? Afeta algumas coortes de nascimento mais do que outras? Varia em diferentes períodos históricos? Indo ainda mais longe, questionando-nos se para diferentes coortes os efeitos sobre o desemprego juvenil resultantes das suas posições estruturais (intra-coorte) são invariantes ao longo do tempo. Este artigo tem como objetivo responder a essas perguntas por meio de uma longa série no tempo (1985-2019) de Pesquisas Domiciliares Contínuas no Uruguai, usando a técnica Age-Cohort-Period Detrended (ACPD). A ferramenta permite distinguir os efeitos dessas três variáveis (idade, coorte, período) que são uma combinação linear. Os resultados obtidos abrem novas discussões e questionam o uso que se costuma fazer de "jovens"; como se a própria idade os igualasse, e sobretudo se ao longo da história ser jovem teve as mesmas consequências, neste caso abordando o desemprego.

Abstract: Youth unemployment is one of the keys in youth studies. One of the premises that is usually considered given (unquestioned and unquestionable) is that young people suffer from unemployment to a greater extent than adults. However, we can ask ourselves, has it always been the same? Does it affect some birth cohorts more than others? Does it vary in different historical periods? Even going further, if for different cohorts the effects on youth unemployment as a result of their structural positions (intra-cohort) are invariant over time. This article aims to answer these questions using a long series in time (1985-2019) of Continuous Household Surveys in Uruguay, using the Age-Cohort-Period Detrended (ACPD) technique. The tool allows distinguishing the effects of these three variables (age, cohort, period) that are a linear combination. The results obtained open up new discussions and question the use that is usually made of "young people"; as if age itself equaled them, and above all if throughout history being young had the same consequences, in this case addressing unemployment.

Resumen: El desempleo juvenil constituye una de las claves en los estudios de jóvenes. Una de las premisas que habitualmente se considera dada (incuestionada e incuestionable) es que los jóvenes sufren el desempleo en mayor medida que los adultos. Sin embargo, podemos preguntarnos: ¿Siempre ha sido igual? ¿Afecta más a algunas cohortes de nacidos que a otras? ¿Varía en distintos períodos históricos? Incluso podemos ir más allá y preguntarnos si para distintas cohortes los efectos sobre el desempleo de los jóvenes producto de sus posiciones estructurales (intracohorte) son invariantes en el tiempo. Este artículo se aboca a responder estas interrogantes utilizando una serie larga (1985-2019) de la Encuesta Continua de Hogares en Uruguay, mediante la técnica age-cohort-period detrended (ACPD). La herramienta permite distinguir los efectos de estas tres variables (edad, cohorte y período), que son una combinación lineal. Los resultados obtenidos abren nuevas discusiones y cuestionan el uso que habitualmente se realiza de “los jóvenes”, como si la edad por sí misma los igualara y, sobre todo, como si a lo largo de la historia ser joven tuviera las mismas consecuencias, en este caso, abordando el desempleo.

South Africa's post-school education and training (PSET) system plays an important role in addressing historical inequalities and preparing youth for the labour market. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges have seen rising female enrolment, including in traditionally male-dominated fields like Engineering. This study examines whether women's increased participation in TVET programmes translates into equal labour market opportunities. Using administrative enrolment data and a tracer study of TVET completers, findings show that female completers face significantly higher unemployment rates than men, unrelated to the over-representation in Business Studies or services programmes. Additionally, women earn 22% less than men, even after accounting for study choices and qualification levels. While challenges remain in ensuring gender parity, the increasing presence of women in male-dominated fields signals progress. Efforts must focus on translating these gains into equitable employment outcomes.

Overcoming the alarming youth unemployment challenge in Africa will entail youths acquiring employable skills. For the millions of young people who are illiterate or have never been to school, the learning of high-level technical skills for operating in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) work environment is a pipe dream. However, these poorly educated young Africans also need relevant skills for gainful employment and sustainable livelihoods. This thought piece argues that employment-oriented skills development in Africa should be multi-pronged and tailored to the educational profiles and needs of learners. Young people with a sound basic education and foundational STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills can benefit from the learning of higher-order 4IR skills, while those who have never been to school or have dropped out of the school system at an early age could benefit from modern national apprenticeship schemes by qualifying as competent artisans who could serve the various sectors of the economy. Implementing such a disaggregated strategy for enhancing the employability and employment prospects of all young Africans, regardless of their educational background, will have to be anchored in the reality of the employment situation in each country, be informed by the relevance of the skills training programmes to the needs of the learner and the economy, and be driven by empirical research evidence.

BACKGROUND: Agriculture is crucial for economic growth, yet youth engagement in agricultural enterprises is declining due to concerns related to perceived profitability, resource access, and social stigmas. Understanding these determinants is vital for fostering youth interest in agriculture and promoting sustainable rural development and food security AIM: This study examines the factors affecting youth engagement in agricultural enterprises in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, South Africa, and their implications for food security and agribusiness SETTING: Addressing youth unemployment and enhancing agriculture's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) require understanding barriers to youth participation. This study was conducted in Umzimvubu Local Municipality, South Africa METHODS: A structured questionnaire was administered to 210 youths through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics and a univariate probit regression model were used for analysis RESULTS: Findings indicate male dominance in agriculture, with educational background positively correlating with participation. Single youths showed greater interest than married counterparts. Challenges like land availability and a lack of financial support hinder engagement. Significant determinants include age, education, farming skills, social group membership, and household revenue, while factors like household size, gender, and limited access to credit negatively impact willingness to participate CONCLUSION: Addressing financial barriers through improved access to loans is essential to enhance youth involvement. Policies should cater to youth-specific traits and environmental challenges to build a resilient agricultural sector driven by young innovators CONTRIBUTION: The study emphasises the need for a comprehensive policy framework collaboratively developed by the government, the Department of Agriculture, and non-governmental organisations

BACKGROUND: Despite the rise of digital job search tools, many South Africans remain excluded due to connectivity and financial barriers. The digital divide, particularly among youth and low-income groups, limits access to job opportunities, exacerbated by data costs and limited digital skills OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the factors influencing the acceptance and use of a data-free job search application, focusing on challenges related to connectivity, data costs, and digital skills METHOD: A qualitative approach is employed, analysing Google Play Store reviews through thematic analysis. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework is applied to explore the influence of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions on user adoption RESULTS: Performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating conditions are key drivers of application usage. Positive user experiences with these factors enhance engagement, while negative perceptions of usability and technical issues limit consistent use CONCLUSION: Addressing connectivity and usability issues is essential to improving the acceptance and use of data-free job search applications in South Africa. Enhancing performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions can significantly increase user engagement CONTRIBUTION: The study offers practical insights for developers and policymakers to enhance the accessibility and usability of data-free job search tools, promoting more equitable access to job opportunities for disadvantaged groups

BACKGROUND: Unemployment has been the central socioeconomic issue in South Africa since the democracy in 1994. As a result, the nation's unemployed youth continue to be at risk in the job market. In the quest for alternatives, youth entrepreneurship has been acknowledged as a crucial strategy for empowering youth through innovation and technology. AIM: This study sought to analyse the impact of innovative entrepreneurial incubators (IEIs) in fostering youth employment within Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality. SETTING: This study was conducted within the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality to analyse the effectiveness of IEIs in supporting young entrepreneurs, thus increasing employment opportunities for the youth in South Africa. METHODS: A sample of 20 semi-structured open-ended interviews was conducted, and thematic coding was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The study found that there are several challenges pertaining to the effective implementation of IEIs to foster youth employment in South African municipalities. This is attributed to a lack of funding and educational programmes. CONCLUSION: The main recommendation is that all municipalities must establish IEIs and devise strategies to ensure that these are implemented effectively. CONTRIBUTION: This study contributes to improved municipal governance through providing innovative mechanisms that foster effective and efficient implementation of IEIs in South African local government. This contribution aims to ensure that municipalities discharge their constitutional mandate to improve citizens' standard of living through IEIs, especially in areas with high youth unemployment.

RESUMEN La búsqueda de empleo usando los contactos sociales a pesar de ser una práctica común, en ocasiones no genera los resultados esperados. Con el objetivo de comprobar lo anterior; en este documento se configuran las redes de contactos sociales de un grupo de jóvenes que viven en contextos de marginalidad y violencia de las comunas 1, 14, 16, 18 y 20 de Cali que participaron en el programa denominado Tratamiento Integral a Pandillas - Jóvenes Sin Fronteras (TIP-JSF), un proceso de intervención psicosocial desde una perspectiva integral que promovía la inclusión social. Las redes de contactos sociales halladas a través de una encuesta se caracterizan por ser pequeñas y cerradas, aumentando la probabilidad de que quienes las conforman, presenten el mismo estado laboral: desempleo o informalidad laboral. Es clave, entonces, que las/os jóvenes amplíen sus contactos para que los vinculen con otros que les puedan brindar información de mejores vacantes laborales.

ABSTRACT The search for employment using social contacts, despite being a common practice, sometimes does not generate the expected results. In order to verify the above, this paper describes the social contact networks of a group of young people living in contexts of marginality and violence in Cali's communes 1, 14, 16, 18 and 20 who participated in the program called Integral Treatment for Gangs - Youth Without Borders (TIP-JSF), a process of psychosocial intervention from an integral perspective that promoted social inclusion. The social networks found through a survey are characterized by being small and closed, increasing the likelihood that those who make up these networks have the same employment status: unemployment or informal employment. It is essential for young people to expand their contacts and link them with other contacts that can provide them with information on better job vacancies.

RESUMO A busca de emprego usando contatos sociais, apesar de ser uma prática comum, às vezes não gera os resultados esperados. Para verificar isso, este artigo descreve as redes de contatos sociais de um grupo de jovens que vivem em contextos de marginalidade e violência nas comunas 1, 14, 16, 18 e 20 de Cali e que participaram do programa chamado Tratamento Integral para Gangues - Jovens Sem Fronteiras (TIP-JSF), um processo de intervenção psicossocial de uma perspectiva holística que promoveu a inclusão social. As redes sociais encontradas por meio de uma pesquisa são caracterizadas por serem pequenas e fechadas, aumentando a probabilidade de que aqueles que as formam tenham a mesma situação de emprego: desemprego ou emprego informal. É fundamental, portanto, que os jovens ampliem seus contatos para conectá-los a outras pessoas que possam lhes fornecer informações sobre melhores vagas de emprego.