Sharing experiences from Second Chance Schools: Towards a multi-stakeholder approach to labour market integration

RABAT (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Mediterranean New Chance Network (MedNC) and the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD), is organizing a two-day regional workshop on 24–25 April 2025 in Morocco to develop concrete recommendations and action plans to strengthen initiatives aimed at reintegrating young school dropouts across the region. The event will bring together key stakeholders from the education, vocational training and employment sectors to facilitate exchanges on different Second Chance School models from Morocco, Tunisia, Portugal and Spain.

The workshop is being held under the regional Youth NEET programme, “Improving the situation of young people not in employment, education or training in the Southern Neighbourhood through better employment and training opportunities”, funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The programme aims to design and prepare a pilot initiative based on innovative, multi-stakeholder policy approaches and interventions to identify, reach and support underserved young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET) in the Southern Mediterranean region.

The workshop has three main objectives:

• Share experiences and successful initiatives: Showcase existing national and international programmes and projects that have demonstrated their effectiveness in reintegrating young school dropouts into education, training and employment, while facilitating the exchange of good practices and lessons learned.
• Promote dialogue: Provide a platform for stakeholders to exchange views on existing needs, strategies and potential solutions adapted to the specific contexts of Morocco and Tunisia.
• Develop recommendations: Formulate concrete recommendations and action plans to strengthen initiatives supporting the reintegration of young school dropouts in the target countries, with particular emphasis on (i) establishing effective partnerships between Second Chance School networks and the private sector, and (ii) initiating a certification and quality labelling process for these schools.

The situation of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET) remains one of the most persistent challenges facing countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. On the one hand, it highlights the limitations of public policies and strategies relating to education, training and employment systems, as well as the economic inclusion of young people, particularly those facing the greatest barriers. On the other hand, as the challenge becomes increasingly structural and resistant to existing policy interventions, it creates additional risks for regional economies, including missed opportunities to harness national human capital, widening inequalities and growing risks of socioeconomic instability.

Addressing this challenge contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. Internationally, the issue has become a major priority in public policy strategies. Current evidence highlights the need to integrate new approaches and perspectives into strategic planning, including consideration of Youth Guarantee schemes, such as the European Youth Guarantee.

With NEET rates reaching up to 30 per cent in some countries across the region, and significant gender disparities, policy priorities have evolved in recent years. Public employment services are gradually broadening their focus beyond the traditional category of educated unemployed youth to include early school leavers and young women with family responsibilities.

Workshop Focus: Sharing Experiences from Second Chance Schools – Towards a Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Labour Market Integration

The Y-NEET project provides a valuable opportunity for target countries to build synergies with existing initiatives supporting young people at risk of dropping out of school. Such a collaborative approach would not only help optimize ongoing efforts but also ensure continuity of support for young people as they work towards better prospects.

The workshop will explore this specific issue through practical solutions. It will bring together stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society representatives, to share experiences, good practices and innovative initiatives aimed at reintegrating young people into the education system and improving their future opportunities.

Through this regional workshop, the Y-NEET project seeks to establish effective coordination between the private sector and Second Chance Schools by fostering strategic partnerships and developing a competency framework aligned with employers' needs.

The workshop programme includes a range of activities, such as presentations, panel discussions, working groups and testimonials from young people who have successfully reintegrated into education, training or employment.

Field visits to Second Chance Schools will be a key component of the programme. These visits will enable participants to observe how the schools operate and engage directly with the young people benefiting from their services. They will also provide first-hand insights into the educational environment, teaching methods and support approaches used to help young people reintegrate into society.

About the Organizations

International Labour Organization (ILO)

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is dedicated to promoting social justice and internationally recognized human and labour rights, pursuing its founding mission that social justice is essential to universal and lasting peace.
As the only tripartite United Nations agency, the ILO brings together representatives of governments, employers and workers from 187 Member States to set international labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men worldwide.

European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD)

Established in 1988, the European Institute for Cooperation and Development (IECD) is an international solidarity organization recognized as being of public benefit. It supports human, economic and social development in the countries where it operates.
Working with partners across sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Mediterranean Basin and Southeast Asia, the IECD implements projects in education, vocational training and entrepreneurship.

Mediterranean New Chance Network (MedNC)

Coordinated by the IECD, the Mediterranean New Chance Network (MedNC) is an international network that brings together and strengthens training and labour market integration stakeholders across 10 Mediterranean countries.
The network aims to develop innovative, sustainable and inclusive solutions for 52,000 young people with fewer opportunities. It brings together 18 civil society organizations.