Purpose

To help young people gain volunteer, community and practical experience alongside their academic education, building skills, confidence and a stronger foundation for university and future work.

What we do

Many young people focus heavily on school and additional tuition, with limited opportunities to gain practical experience outside the classroom. Some complete secondary education with little exposure to volunteering, community engagement or working environments.

FYM helps bridge this gap by connecting young people with suitable volunteer and internship opportunities through its network of organizations, professionals, businesses and community partners.

Through these experiences, young people can explore their interests, contribute to others, develop practical skills and begin building experience for their future education and work.

Intended impact

Through volunteering and internships, young people strengthen communication, teamwork, responsibility, leadership and problem-solving skills while gaining a clearer understanding of their interests and future pathways. These experiences can also support their preparation for university, scholarships, future internships and employment.

What we have done

FYM has developed a process for connecting young people with volunteer and internship opportunities. Each participant's background, interests, skills and availability are reviewed before potential opportunities are identified through FYM's growing network of host organizations.

FYM facilitates introductions and interviews, while host organizations independently assess candidates and make the final decision on acceptance. This helps young people access practical experience relevant to their interests and potential rather than relying only on personal connections.

Results and evidence

  • 11 young people gained their first volunteer or internship experience through FYM.
  • 2 of 11 participants reported improved practical skills, confidence or understanding of the working environment.
  • 3 of 11 participants were matched with opportunities relevant to their interests, skills or intended field of study.