Career Connected Learning Philadelphia (C2L-PHL) is a life-changing experience for many young Philadelphians. Maniya, a C2L-PHL participant this Fall, said the program brought her meaningful personal growth. She added, “it helped me build my skills, build my communication, and be an independent young woman.”
Maniya took part in C2L-PHL through the provider Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) at one of PYN’s partner sites, Bebashi Transition to Hope. Angela Ayukachale, Senior Hunger Relief Outreach Specialist at Bebashi, spoke highly of Maniya. “She can do the job and is equipped to manage all scenarios that have been thrown at her. We’ve had difficult clients; we’ve had pressured situations where you have to hurry up and work. And she was not deterred by that. She managed it with grace.”
C2L-PHL offers young Philadelphians the opportunity to get paid to learn. The goal is to prepare participants for success by building strong skills and confidence. No matter which program young people join. “The first day I was nervous because it was so busy,” said Maniya, “and it’s still busy, but now I’m used to it.” You would never guess she ever felt nervous given her confidence today!
Young people like Maniya at Bebashi are gaining experience that will serve them well in the future while also supporting the health and well-being of their community.
Bebashi offers a wide range of services, including food and nutrition support, health and wellness resources, and more. Philadelphia Youth Network participants placed at Bebashi help out at the food pantry. Young people at Bebashi really do it all—they check guests in, assist them as they shop, check out their groceries, and more.
While C2L-PHL participants are young, Angela knows they can handle important tasks. “It’s invaluable to have real world experience and real-world expectations,” she said. “They can take this back to school, they can take this back home and be like ‘people count on me, they rely on me’.”
Maniya is doing amazing work and growing as an individual as well as a young professional. Angela said, “My goal is to train her well, so she feels comfortable and let her thrive.” Maniya is doing just that—thriving while helping others in her community.
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Posted in Blog C2L-PHL JEVS Youth and Young Adult Programs Youth & Young Adult Services