Background

The central aims of YOTA are to create employment, self-employment and training opportunities for youths across Asia. In addition to this we aim to assist with individuals' personal and professional development and other needs such as health and education. YOTA is an initiative carried out by the Tibet Relief Fund of the UK.  His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the patron of the YOTA initiative in India.

Aims

YOTA works, amongst other objectives, to:

·         Promote, support, develop and encourage the advancement of the education of young people in Asia by the provision of education, instruction or training in professions, vocations, industries, trades, crafts and/or skills needed in employment or self-employment.

·         Assist (financially and otherwise) those who show an aptitude for a particular discipline or skill, and have a viable business plan and need support to enter into a trade or business, profession or employment.

·         Provide aid to individuals (particularly young people) to become independent and self- sufficient, satisfied and fulfilled, and reach their potential.

 

YOTA Activities

YOTA recently held a Tibetan Youth Employment Conference where it presented and discussed the results of it's 2004 Youth Survey of Tibetan youths in Delhi. The survey received a good response with over 250 participants. The results and recommendations made during the conference will inform  YOTA's future actions and priorities and help to ensure we are best able to provide appropriate support and guidance. Recommendations and comments are now being turned into concrete action points.

 

YOTA is currently setting up training, careers workshops and other opportunities for Tibetans in Delhi with the aim of later extending its activities to others – keep an eye on the News & Events section. Our current activities in Delhi include providing scholarships for professional trainings, opportunities to attend job related skills workshops. YOTA is also negotiating work placements with diverse businesses and is now supporting three young Tibetan entrepreneurial enterprises: the Tibetan World magazine, a fashion designer and a web solutions company.

 

YOTA's interactive website will become an integral part of YOTA's work. This site is designed to be a portal for jobseekers, entrepreneurs, students and for all those in need of career guidance. The website provides in-depth information, access to jobs and funding as well as personalized advice. It also gives youth workers and companies with a platform for greater exchange of information with young people.

 

We want to help Tibetan youths to find and enjoy jobs in their chosen career. Much dedication, hard work and motivation will be required from both YOTA and Tibetan youths in order to achieve this goal and we are planning to provide support on a long-term basis.