Dulux Painter Academy teaching job skills to SOS Children’s Villages youth

Unemployment and a lack of decent work opportunities are challenges faced by many young people around the world. According to data from the International Labour Organization, the global number of unemployed youth is set to rise by half a million this year to 71 million, the first such increase in 3 years. 

Through its global partnership with SOS Children’s Villages, AkzoNobel is working to drive impact through education and the renovation of living spaces, and create more employment opportunities for at-risk youth. As part of this collaboration, AkzoNobel recently held a painting workshop by Dulux Painters Academy for 30 enthusiastic young people from SOS Children’s Villages Jakarta.

Dulux Painters Academy is pioneered by AkzoNobel to train the next generation of painters and drive local economic growth through painting training and business development knowledge. The program is originally designed to enhance and upgrade the skills of contractors and painters.

The painting workshop included color training and knowledge, as well as various painting techniques, from basic painting to decorative painting and texture painting. At the end of the day, the three students who had best mastered the techniques from the workshop were recognized.

Devita Natalia, 19, who is studying marketing, was among the winners. She said, “Joining the workshop was an eye opener for me and I am keen to explore this opportunity more, especially with my study in marketing. There is a lot to learn and do when it comes to color and paint.”

SOS Children’s Villages provides a loving home and family for children without parents, and supports the local communities around children at risk. As part of their mission they work to minimize youth unemployment, which leads to social exclusion and unfulfilled lives. So far, the partnership between AkzoNobel and SOS Children’s Villages has been rolled out in countries like Brazil, Nigeria, South Africa and Indonesia.

“At AkzoNobel, fostering the growth of the next generation is a key way we are working to make people’s lives more liveable and inspiring,” commented Anastasia Tirtabudi, Head of Brand and Consumer PT ICI Paints Indonesia (AkzoNobel Decorative Paints Indonesia). “We are proud to help the young people at SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia learn the skills they need to become independent adults and empower them to take responsibility for themselves and the communities around them.”