HR experts discover mentoring in Ghent

A look back at our event dedicated to mentoring to employment in Ghent with YouConnect

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On February 26, DUO for a JOB and YouConnect brought together business leaders, HR professionals, and local stakeholders in Ghent with a clear ambition: to make mentoring a true catalyst for employment for young people from immigrant backgrounds.

A central question guided the discussions: how can companies contribute to creating more professional opportunities for young newcomers through mentoring and concrete partnerships?

Why is corporate support essential?

"Decent work for all is a core belief of ours. That is why we are committed to an inclusive labor market," explains Birgit De Smedt from YouConnect. "Mentoring for employment is a sustainable solution that benefits everyone: young people, companies, and society."

An inclusive labor market adds value for both companies and society. When everyone has access to opportunities, the economy as a whole is strengthened.

Mentoring for employment is a sustainable solution that benefits everyone: young people, companies, and society.

During the event, companies were able to discover exactly how they can make a difference

‍✅ As an employer : by offering opportunities to young people from diverse backgrounds.
‍✅ As a mentor : by encouraging their employees to share their knowledge and experience on a voluntary basis.
‍✅ As a partner : by financially supporting DUO for a JOB as part of their "Corporate Social Responsibility" goals.

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➡️ More info on our mission here.

A unique funding model

"The support of companies like YouConnect is essential to continue strengthening our impact in East Flanders," emphasizes Isabelle Poppe, Director of DUO Oost-Vlaanderen.

DUO for a JOB does not generate any direct revenue from its youth mentoring services and operates on a unique hybrid funding model: 60% public funding and 40% private support.

Murad launched his career thanks to a mentor

During the evening, a duo also shared their story. Marleen and Murad recounted how mentoring profoundly transformed Murad's job search.

At 16, Murad fled Chechnya to come to Belgium. He studied law and earned his degree, but then faced a series of rejections: "I didn't have a network."

Thanks to his mentor Marleen, he rediscovered his strengths and regained his self-confidence: "Marleen always spoke in terms of 'we.' She made me feel like I didn't have to fight for my future alone. That really made the difference."

She made me feel like I didn't have to fight for my future alone.

He landed an internship at a law firm, where he still works today. "Without Marleen, I wouldn't be where I am today."

How mentoring works for young people and society

Since 2013, DUO for a JOB has been connecting young people from immigrant backgrounds with experienced volunteer mentors over the age of 50. For six months, they work together toward a concrete goal: sustainable integration into the job market.

The results speak for themselves: 70% of the young people we support find a job, an internship, or a training program.

The value of mentoring

Mentoring for employment doesn't just foster a more inclusive job market; it also generates real economic value.

✅ It increases the employment rate of young people
✅ It reduces the societal cost of long-term unemployment
✅ Diverse companies are more innovative and higher performing

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Mentoring creates much more than just access to employment. It builds bridges between generations, strengthens businesses, and helps build a more inclusive society.