Helping youth achieve

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

Strathmore has welcomed a new initiative aimed at transforming the future of its young people. The Purposeful Youth Network (PUYON International) officially launched Aug. 16, promising mentorship, training, and pathways to meaningful employment for youth across the community.

The organization’s founder, Sunday Adeola, said the vision was both spiritual and practical.

“The inspiration behind the creation of Purposeful Youth Network International in Strathmore was first divine. Also, the Purposeful Youth Network International was inspired by a simple truth: our youth in Strathmore have so much potential,” he explained. “We created this network because we believe they deserve the mentorship, training and opportunities that will allow them to not just dream, but achieve.”

Adeola emphasized that the network was designed to fill a critical gap in the community.

“This network was created to fill a clear gap in our community: the need for structured mentorship, training and pathways to employment for Strathmore’s youth,” he said. “By addressing this, we are building not just careers, but stronger families and a stronger community.”

Among the flagship programs is “Nurturing Futures for Youth,” a federally funded initiative under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS). The six-week program offers employment skills, life coaching, computer literacy and certifications such as first aid and food safety. Participants earn $10 per hour, receive completion bonuses and benefit from supports like daycare, healthcare and wage subsidies for future employers.

Adeola noted that success is not only about statistics, but about changed lives.

“Success for me is seeing our young people thrive in meaningful careers, breaking cycles of unemployment and dependency,” he said. “The community will see our results not only in the numbers we publish, but in the transformed lives of young people who are now working, thriving and giving back to society.”

Looking ahead, The Purposeful Youth Network plans to expand its reach.

“Our vision is not just about one community, but about building a network of towns and organizations that share the same mission: empowering youth to step into meaningful employment and leadership,” Adeola said.