New charity, the OPERA Global Youth Foundation, held their official launch last week in a call to action to the Recruitment & Staffing Industry to be part of the solution to youth unemployment. Esther O’Callaghan OBE, OPERA’s Founder CEO welcomed over 80 recruitment and staffing industry leaders to galvanise support.
Sadly I couldn’t be there but I understand Esther talked candidly about her own experience and how this has motivated her to set up OPERA, “The question I am asked the most is why do I do this? The reason is simple. I believe good jobs give young people the means with which to work their way out of poverty. To earn and own their future whilst making a positive impact on society. I was one of those young people – and I have had the privilege of working with young people who have faced unimaginable challenges – but who given the right support, belief and an opportunity, grasp it with both hands. No matter how bright you are someone, somewhere has to be willing to give you a chance and to support you.
Challenging those present Esther said, “We have to go beyond corporate social responsibility and make a tangible, measurable difference to young people. In the UK alone there are nearly two million young people who face the disempowering prospect of unemployment. We have a real opportunity to truly unite our industry and make a difference to the lives of thousands of young people. This is exactly why OPERA have chosen their first UK partner, leading youth charity; The Prince’s Trust. Through this partnership, we are working together to support 2,500 young people into work next year”. La’Tifah, a young ambassador for The Prince’s Trust spoke movingly about how her own life has been transformed thanks to their support highlighting the importance of this new partnership.
The launch was a call to action for OPERA’s first major fundraising campaign to raise £500,000 by asking 1,000 industry leaders to pledge their support for OPERA. The pledge will enable OPERA to directly employ four young people and contribute toward our goal to support 2,500 young people into work next year.
Our very good friend Barry Cullen (along with James Osborne) is fundraising with a crazy ironman challenge – you can support him here
