Listening to the alarming stats on the Aerial Africa, Zambia documentary (S1:E6) on the Smithsonian Channel (that gives an overarching insight on cities, USA states and countries) which stated in their June 2017 program that a stark 60% of Lusaka residents were unemployed took my breath away. While I don’t think much has changed since, if anything things have probably gotten worse by now. In addition to the Smithsonian figures, synced together with the IMF report the two draw an alarming attention to the crisis that our country faces to date.
This brings us to the subject of jobless graduates being the order of the day roaming social media in search of golden opportunities. The old-age solution would be to empower these youths through internships and volunteering. This is one of the many ways we can in turn help to bridge the gap in unemployment numbers and therefore assist in preparing and or giving grads real job opportunities or indeed job-ready practical skills to take on paying jobs or indeed start their own businesses along the way.
However, the onus is on Zambian Entrepreneurs as stakeholders, all of us must be first in line to deliberately create these ‘job opportunities’ by venturing into socially sustainable businesses that allow for job creation in the first instance. Instead of focusing on single minded capitalist gain bottom lines, why not consider a triple bottle line business that is both rewarding and sustainable?
As an example; The HML Foundation seeks to help improve literacy levels in school-age going children through an enhanced reading culture through pop-libraries, in turn; these will result into fully established community libraries infrastructures. Inevitably creating librarian and other business support related jobs opportunities i.e Business Development, Admin, Facilities management overall. According the Foundation’s mission, their aim is to establish at least 5 libraries by 2030; assuming each library employees 10 paid staff and 5 volunteers. A modest circa 75 jobs would’ve been created for the graduates by 2030. However, this job creation does not end there; as libraries are a social business with scalability.
As long as Zambians continue to engage in continual learning, as long as there is no access to public library infrastructure (meaning publicly funded) where from they can access information and technology, as long as there continues to be a barrier to accessing free Internet via WiFi, the foundation will continue building more of these community led hubs and infrastructure to accommodate the needs of the most marginalised people (which at this rate is 60% of the entire population). Therefore, the idea of creating 75 jobs as a target number every 5 years can be replicated over and over. In 30 years, that would result into c450 jobs or translated to a 0.06% reduction on the current unemployment rates.
As a wise man once said, “If we keep throwing pebbles into an ocean, one day they will create a tsunami." Tim Nash, HML Trustee.
The HML recruitment framework is simple. They invest in graduate work-placement training. As soon as the students come off the ‘press’ literally, HML offers grads a 3-month intensive paid internship known as the Henry's Angels Literary Ordinaries (HALO); Helping And Loving Others (HALO literally) is the program's main mission. Thus to train those that want to purse a career in an NGO worldwide with practical skill-sets. It takes the form of job-on-training with (training wheels on). One way this is done is through pop-up libraries among other practical initiatives. With the guidance and mentorship of senior management, the interns are first inducted into the company culture and trained based on the R.I.C.H (4-squares brand promise & values) The ‘boot camp’ modules are on Respect. Integrity. Commitment. and Honesty. During the 3-month internship the grads are allowed to explore working in initial competency based teams them gradually moved into other teams for taster sessions. At the end of the 3 months, both sides sit down in a 1-2-1 to review and assess their journey and compatibility to ultimately decide on the way forward.
Upon analysis either party is free to move forward or withdraw from the employment process. This system leaves both sides with a Social Return On Investment (SROI) no less - whatever the outcome maybe. The intern will walk away with having learned valuable practical skills of working in an NGO which they can add to their CV. On the other hand, HML would have gained valuable help (a pair of extra hands) aka human resource value addition and a life-long brand ambassador. This is a win-win for all.
As we endeavour to collectively put our country’s economy back on track, let us remember to put our countrymen and especially our youth in the forefront our business plans. After all my favourite quote of all times says, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather ask, what can you do for your country?” -JFK.
To this end, may our prayers to God be ‘Provide for us at our point of need and not at our point of greed, so we may have enough to serve others too.’
For tips how you can attract, engage or on-board the right talent of interns for your business click here. If your're a recent grad you can learn more about the HALO recruitment near you.