The Ministry of Education promotes the Youth Career Explorer Project to help 2,000 teenagers find their direction every year

The Youth Development Administration of the Ministry of Education promotes the "Youth Career Explorer Program" (Youth Explorer Program), which serves about 2,000 young people every year. (Picture provided by the Ministry of Education)

Some teenagers have left school and cannot find their direction in life. What they need is not just persuasion to "go back to class," but someone to accompany them to re-explore the future. The Youth Development Administration of the Ministry of Education promotes the "Youth Career Explorer Project" (Youth Explorer), which serves about 2,000 young people every year and helps them find a suitable career direction through career exploration, functional experience and cross-unit resources.

Youth Director Chen Xueyu said that Youth Detective is part of the Executive Yuan's plan to strengthen the social safety net. In addition to introducing inter-departmental resources, it will also expand public-private collaboration starting from 2023, integrating diverse courses such as improvisational theater groups, youth groups, street art, Youth and Silver Learning and volunteer services to increase opportunities for young people to be exposed to different careers and explore themselves.

The Youth Affairs Agency will hold a national liaison meeting in Bali, New Taipei City today and tomorrow. Liu Guowei, deputy director of the Ministry of Education, said that Qingtanhao's cross-unit collaboration to establish a support network, the administrative integration of counties and cities, and the long-term companionship of front-line counselors are important keys to the implementation of the plan.

This year's top counties and cities include New Taipei City and Tainan City. New Taipei City promotes the "HOPE Project", pioneering the "3C Hope Strategy" of companionship, empowerment, and connection, and provides 12,000 hours of in-depth counseling across bureaus; Tainan City has opened more than 150 friendly bases, developing special courses such as Pinggezi Opera and Qingyin Mutual Learning. In the past five years, the effectiveness of counseling has reached more than 80%.

Five other excellent counselors were commended, including Hu Jiakai from Hsinchu City who combined technology to provide 3D printing experiences; Shi Binhui from Tainan City combined occupational therapy and social work majors to guide Qingyin to create performances; Changhua County Chen Rouen used her baking expertise to set up special classes and accompany students to obtain certificates; Taichung City Kuo Fengjuan promoted subculture "micro-vocational training"; Taipei City Lian Fenfen developed new workplace resources such as self-media and organizers.

Liu Guowei (third from left), deputy director of the Ministry of Education, presented awards to five outstanding counselors. (Picture provided by the Ministry of Education)