
Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) from Vocational High School (SMK) group reached 11.13% as of August 2021. This figure marks the highest unemployment rate amongst other groups. As YCAB Foundation works around the clock to provide education for our nation’s youths, Pack & Go was launched in SMK Sudirman 1 Wonogiri to address this issue.
This program is being held in a few batches starting from October 20, 2021, until June 22, 2022. Starting with Batch 1-3 which focused on equipping youths aged 8 – 12 with fundamentals of computer studies in 3 months. While Batch 4 and 5 provide training to older students with three major components: basic office computer skills, development of soft skills and digital skills. Strands of soft skills that are taught in this batch are hoped to ignite the leadership within the program participants while training them to be more confident in their public speaking skills, teamwork, and creativity. In addition to that, Social Media Management, SEO, Whatsapp & Instagram Business, Google My Business, and photo & video editing modules were also provided to enhance the knowledge of these students.
Finally, a case study will also be given to the participants. They will have the chance to practice and apply their obtained knowledge by assisting the appointed MSME partners within the last 1 month of the program.
Within a year of its launch, Pack & Go had impacted 192 program participants and 28 MSMEs. “How interactive the learning materials were presented has grown our students’ interest in the digital and creative sector. I hope our students will gain a lot of new knowledge and become more creative, more innovative, and more independent in their studies,” added Dian Fadilla, Principal of SMK Sudirman 1 Wonogiri.
With the fast-paced coming of industrial revolution 4.0, youths are required to be able to master 21st-century skills to make sure they are well-equipped upon entering the world of work. This program aims to provide assistance and training to youths in dealing with technological advances, digitalization, and the creative economy. Through the provision of soft skills training, technical skills, and entrepreneurial skills that focus on the digital, technology, and creative sectors, this program is hoped to become a source where skilled and competent youths are born.