What is the name of your organization?
Federal University of Technology Parana, Brazil
What is the name of your solution?
Vulnerables employment
Provide a one-line summary or tagline for your solution.
Vulnerable workers and refugees connected to jobs via skill-building, social support, and employer matching, restoring independence and dignity.
In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?
Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil
In what country is your solution team headquartered?
BRA
What type of organization is your solution team?
Other, including part of a larger organization (please explain below)
If you selected Other, please explain here.
Extension Project of a Public Federal University in Brazil
Film your elevator pitch.
What specific problem are you solving?
Brazil, home to over 215 million people, faces significant challenges with unemployment (7.9%, or 8.5 million people) and the integration of vulnerable populations, including more than 70,000 recognized refugees. Many refugees, such as Venezuelans, Haitians, and Syrians, struggle with barriers like lack of skills, language difficulties, and limited support networks, while 40% of Brazilian workers remain in informal jobs, deepening their vulnerability. Our initiative addresses these issues by connecting vulnerable workers and refugees to job opportunities through skill-building, social support, and employer matching, aiming to restore their independence and dignity. By tackling unemployment and fostering inclusion, we contribute to Brazil’s economic and social development, creating a more equitable society amid global humanitarian crises and growing demand for skilled labor in development areas.
What is your solution?
The solution is a people-centric app to integrate vulnerable communities into society through simple and accessible interfaces designed for all education levels, built with responsive design, including multilingual support and accessibility tools. The user journey will follow the steps:
1. Onboarding: Users sign up, select their language, and complete a needs assessment to identify goals like skill-building and job search.
2. Profile Creation: A guided resume builder with AI-powered suggestions helps users input work experience and skills. The app identifies skill gaps, recommends courses, and offers psychological support and social service integration.
3. Skill Development & Job Matching: Users enroll in tailored courses and are matched with jobs via advanced algorithms based on skills, location, and preferences. Real-time notifications keep users updated.
4. Ongoing Support: A personalized dashboard tracks progress, while mental health resources, community forums, and feedback loops provide continuous assistance.
Technical features include AI algorithms for job matching, cloud storage for data security, and APIs for integration with external platforms. For example, Ahmed, a refugee, uses the app to build his resume, improve his English, and secure a teaching assistant job, all while accessing psychological support. The app empowers vulnerable populations to achieve economic stability and independence.
Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?
The employment app serves vulnerable populations, including refugees, low-income individuals, and others facing employment barriers. These groups often struggle with limited job access, skill gaps, mental health challenges, and social exclusion. The app impact their lives by:
1. Providing Job opportunities: Tailored job matches based on skills and preferences help users secure meaningful work, reducing unemployment and poverty.
2. Enhancing Skills: Free or low-cost courses enable users to upskill or reskill, improving employability and opening doors to better opportunities.
3. Offering Psychological Support: Mental health resources, like counseling and self-help tools, address emotional barriers, building confidence and resilience.
4. Facilitating Social Integration: Access to local social services (e.g., housing, food banks) and community forums reduces isolation and fosters connections.
5. Empowering Independence: Tools for resume building, interview prep, and job matching restore dignity and self-reliance, enabling users to contribute to society.
6. Promoting Long-Term Stability: By addressing immediate employment needs and underlying challenges (e.g., skill gaps, mental health), the app fosters sustainable economic stability.
For example, a refugee like Ahmed can find a job, improve language skills, and access mental health support, rebuilding his life. Similarly, a low-income individual can secure better-paying and break the poverty cycle.