Shape the Future is the 3rd phase of the  Global Shapers Kandy Hub’s Education and employment programme. Building upon the 1st and 2nd phases titled ‘Skills Building Project’ and ‘Shaper Buddy Programme’ this programme aims to make youth aware, confident and employable. 

Problem Statement: 

To be employed and also  thrive in the workplace, it is essnetial for the youth to be equipped with the required employability skills intandem with their technical knowledge and skills. In a day and age where information as well as new opportunities are more accessible than ever through the internet, students with less awareness and exposure to find opportunities are at a greater disadvantage. Therefore, it is imperative that the youth in Kandy are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to cater to the future of work thereby reducing the rate of unemployed youth in Kandy.  

Target Group:

Youth in Kandy: 37 4th year undergraduates of the SANASA Campus, Kegalle.

Proposed Solution: 

Building on the success of the first two phases of the education and employment programme conducted by the Kandy Hub, "Shape the Future" is implemented to increase awareness, build vital skills, improve confidence, and reinforce the employability of youth in the Central Province. To that end, a comprehensive 5 week program structured and implemented  by the Global Shapers Kandy Hub is offered to 37 students from the SANASA campus this year, under the patronage of the Glenn Family Foundation [GFF], for to make them work ready. 

Hub Activities: 

1. Five week education and employment programme 

The five week programme, curated following a thorough beneficiary needs assessment consists of  15 sessions based on  11 thematic modules namely Discovering yourself, Confidence building and language proficiency, Mental Wellbeing, Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, Career guidance, CV Building and LinkedIn, Interview and etiquette, World and Local affairs, Responsible global citizenship, and Leadership & Team building.  

It is delivered by Skilled Shapers and professionals who are experts in the relevant thematic areas to ensure the programme is of high quality and high impact. 

2. Internship and job opportunities in selected organizations 

The top performing students of the programme will be directed to selected organization for internship and job opportunities and will be provided with recommendation letters based on their performance in the programme. 

3. Cash scholorships for top performer 

A cash scholorship will be provided for the top performer of the programme to pursue their career aspirations/higher studies. The top performer will be selected based on a pre-determined evaluation criteria. 

Short & Long-Term Goals/Results: 

• To develop the employability of the youth aged between 18-27 years.


• To improve confidence of beneficiaries to thrive in a work environment.


• To instil the importance of work-life balance.


• To reward talent and commitment.

Our long-term action plan includes the following:

• Continue this initiative once a year for undergraduate students who are preparing to enter the job market but lack the necessary skills.


• To recruit prospective and talented beneficiaries to the hub and provide them with opportunities for advancement.


• To work with possible partners in Kandy to assist the youth in Kandy

The goals above collectively aim to Reskill for the Future, to improve Health and Well-being and to Create Inclusive Communities in Kandy.

Available Metrics: 

Phase 1: Skills Building Project 

• The six half-day training sessions under each topic 


• 20 youth participant at each sessio (some of the participants participated in all sessions, some participated in selected sessions based on their interest and knowledge) 


• Two Shapers with the expertise on two of the topics, Financial Literacy and Building Networks conducted the two respective sessions thereby enhancing Shaper contribution.


• Thirteen Shapers were involved in planning and implementing the project thereby improving their skills.

Phase 2: Shaper Buddy 

Programme Delivery: 

• 19 Shapers commitment 159 days  


• 16 modules were developed with an aggregate of 67.5 man hours which covered 53 hours of module content


• 17 External  Resource Persons delivered the total number of sessions spending 265 man hours on module delivery


• 20.7 hours - commitment per beneficiary

Skills gained by the beneficiaries:

communication and collaboration, time management, financial literacy, mental and physical well being, information literacy, organizational skills, adaptability, technology literacy, goal setting, and leadership skills. 

Sustainability:  

• Take home assignments, case studies and templates  


• All recordings stored in a google classroomfor future reference


• Beneficiaries encouraged to seek guidance ofthe core team 

Phase 3: Shape the future  (Proposed Metrics) 

Development of Modules: 10 Comprehensive Modules will be developed

-Positive feedback on the effectiveness of modules assessed through the ‘Program Evaluation Survey’

Program Delivery : 14 sessions with an aggregate delivery time of 32.5 hours

• A minimum participation of 78% [11/14 modules] by 80% of beneficiaries.


• A resume and a cover letter developed by each beneficiary


• Assessment of each beneficiary via a mock interview.


• Participation of each beneficiary in a group presentation

Sustainability: Internships/Job Opportunities, scholarships

• No. of beneficiaries recruited by organizations for internships/jobs/contract basis.


• No. of beneficiaries rewarded with scholarships.


• Quantum of scholarships granted to beneficiaries.

Effectiveness: Recommendations and increase in applicants

• Recommendation of the program to the next batch of students by >80% of the beneficiaries.


• A 25% increase in the no. of applications for the next semester of the program.

Collaborators: 

Glenn Family Foundation and SANASA campus