Yoel Hagos (24) had many challenges in his life, and struggled, among other things, to find a permanent job to enjoy. After he became one of several young participants in the Gnist project at NAV Drammen, his life has changed in a positive direction. Now he has a permanent job and a “heavenly” place to live.
Last changed: 29/04/2024
The 24-year-old from Drammen had the hood of his sweater pulled tightly over his head and his arms crossed during the first conversations with Gnist.
– At that time it was a bit like “I don’t care if you take it seriously, but if you can only understand what I’m trying to say”. I am 24 years old and have been through a lot of shit. I want a peaceful place, a new start and a stable life, says Yoel Hagos (24).
When the problems piled up, the 24-year-old spoke to someone in the outdoor team in Drammen municipality. The employees of the outdoor team seek out young people where they are, for example in the school yard or at the leisure club, and help young people who want it.
– We tend to say that we can help young people with everything, and if we can’t, then we know who can, says Elisabeth Nordby Andersen, who works in the outdoor team.
The outdoor team is also part of the youth square, which is based at Strømsø. People from various services and businesses work there, including NAV.
– That is why we are lucky to have a shortcut to NAV, if young people contact us about jobs or finances.
That’s how Yoel came into contact with NAV, and eventually got a place at Gnist.
Was understood
In Gnist, the 24-year-old met two employees of NAV Drammen, Sølvi Samuelsen Myhre and Per Christian Orby. NAV Drammen is municipal and works to provide financial social assistance to residents of the municipality.
Together with eleven other young people, Yoel received close follow-up. Not least, he experienced being met in the right way. After a while, Yoel no longer needed a hood on his head.
– They understand what is going on and find solutions, the 24-year-old boasts of the two NAV employees.
A new start
When this interview is done, Yoel is sitting in his work uniform in the back room at Rema 1000 in Mjøndalen. First he had an internship. Since 1 March, he has had a permanent job in the store.
Store manager Ablayhan Bastas says that there are only advantages to collaborating with NAV to offer jobs to job seekers. NAV pays the salary during the internship period, it is not binding and you get the opportunity to get to know each other well.
– Why did you choose to hire Yoel further?
– I could see in his eyes that he wanted it. He went the extra mile, wanted to learn and asked lots of questions.
Troubled road
Although Yoel is now smiling and happy with his new job, it has cost him to get to where he is today. The 24-year-old has a certificate in warehouse and logistics, but struggled to find a job to stay in.
At the same time, the young Drammenser had debts to pay off. At one point before he got a place at Gnist, he had nowhere to live. Yoel then lived in emergency housing through NAV.
Through Gnist i NAV Drammen, he has received help to sort out his finances and find a suitable job. Yoel finally found his own solution to the housing situation. Now he lives with a good friend and enjoys it.
– It is heavenly.
Sølvi Samuelsen Myhre and Per Christian Orby in NAV Drammen are happy to see how Yoel is doing now. In Gnist, they also follow up the participants after they have started work.
– We will not let go. You are most vulnerable when you start a new employment relationship. Sounds, smells and all the impressions you take in during the first weeks are very demanding, and you get very tired, explains Sølvi.
We try to say that “you have to want this”. Changing attitudes and routines takes a few months.
Sølvi Samuelsen Myhre, NAV Drammen
The whole person
The target group the Gnist project will help are young people between 18 and 30 years old who receive financial social assistance and who are struggling to get a job. Figures from NAV show that 40% of 18-year-olds who receive social assistance also do so when they turn 25. It is to meet this challenge that NAV Drammen has started Gnist.
The young people who have been given a place at Gnist have completely different starting points and life experiences. Some have a bachelor’s degree or other education, while others have barely attended secondary school.
Sølvi Samuelsen Myhre and Per Christian Orby work to see the whole person and the situation the individual is in. Three days a week, the participants have the opportunity to meet Sølvi and Per Christian at the Strømsø hub.
– Then we eat lunch together. There is a lot of learning in that, smiles Sølvi.
Some of the participants have challenges with social gatherings, and therefore some are only followed up individually.
In addition to helping the young people find work, Sølvi and Per Christian also spend a lot of time on financial problems. Gnist has its own debt advisor who can guide the young people.
– There are several people who have debts, and who may not have paid their electricity bill or doctor’s bill. Having financial problems takes up a lot of space in life, and we’ll get it sorted.
Visits employers to get a good match
Sølvi and Per Christian probably spend most of their time changing the habits of the young people. They call around to the participants in the morning to make sure that everyone shows up for appointments.
– We try to say that “it is you who must want this”. Changing attitudes and routines takes a few months.
The two employees of NAV also spend a lot of time out in the labor market, where they seek out potential employers.
– We spend a lot of time finding the right match and find that working life is positive about collaboration.
There is an obligation to work in Gnist, in the same way as with other social assistance you receive from NAV. Sølvi and Per Christian help the young people to gain more work experience, but they also guide them in applying for studies, if anyone wishes.
– There are many opportunities to increase one’s competence. We also talk a lot about informal skills, and that experience from one industry can be transferred to another.
I have realized that if I manage to challenge myself, then I will be satisfied. Then I learn more about myself.
Yoel Hagos, participant in the Gnist project
Work training at BUA
Through cooperation with Drammen municipality and citizens’ square, Gnist has, among other things, become involved in BUA Mjøndalen. There is an equipment base where residents can borrow a wide range of outdoor equipment, such as cross-country skis, skates, rucksacks, fishing rods and life jackets.
The participants in Gnist helped to get BUA ready for opening, with all that entailed by mounting shelves and organizing the equipment. Those who wished also participated when the BUA was opened by the mayor in December last year.
The participants must also follow up the lending and maintenance of the equipment. In this way, the participants gain valuable work experience to take with them further.
Likes to work with colleagues
Back at Rema 1000 in Mjøndalen, Yoel is satisfied with the direction life has taken. Although he enjoys the job he has now, he does not neglect to look for new jobs in due course.
– I have realized that if I manage to challenge myself, then I will be satisfied. Then I learn more about myself.
He quickly got into the job as a shop employee at Rema 1000, and he has a lot of experience with him from the jobs he has had in the past in warehouse and logistics.
– I just like that I have some colleagues I can work with. I have a very good team that I can talk to.
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