YLab partnered with the Victorian Government to develop the Festival of Learning, empowering young voices to shape Victoria's priorities for youth employment and mental health, resulting in valuable recommendations and skill-building.

THE CHALLENGE

With the long-term impacts of COVID-19 disproportionately affecting young people, the Festival of Learning was a platform for young people to share their employment and mental health experiences and inform the State Government's priorities for young people in Victoria.

The Metropolitan Partnerships, Office for Suburban Development partnered with YLab for the Festival of Learning virtual event.

WHAT WE DID

The Festival of Learning was developed by YLab and the Co-Design Committee to gather insights into young people's Mental Health and Employment challenges and opportunities. 37 young people aged 17-25 participated in the event. 10 YLab Associates co-designed and co-delivered the two-day event with day one focusing on skill building and community building with day two centring on learning opportunities (panels and workshops) and gathering insights.

THE IMPACT

Young people developed four principles for success to guide the Victorian Government's future work with young people as well as developing six priority recommendations for employment, mental health, and community building. This resulted in 380 hours of employment of YLab Associates with 33/37 Associates stating they learnt a new tech skill while partaking in the project. We also created an insights report with demographics, lived experience insights, stories, and detailed recommendations.