The Purposeful Youth Network International has opened in Strathmore with a mission to break down barriers faced by local youths.
The organization hosted its grand opening on Aug. 16 celebrating with visitors and cake.
With six core programs and five support services, the non-profit aims to help individuals aged 15 to 30 overcome obstacles to employment and education.
"Our main mission to let them know that they are made for more," said Sunday Adeola, founder and executive director, who has worked with youth for 18 years.
Adeola moved to Canada in 2017 and recognized the need for such a program in Strathmore.
"We are focusing on mentorship, coaching, mental health, and other areas," he said. "I know by having it in Strathmore, it will add to what Strathmore is already doing."
Adeola noted that youths in rural areas often struggle with employment due to disabilities or a lack of opportunities to develop the necessary workplace skills.
According to the Youth in Transition Survey, high school graduates in rural areas are less likely to enroll in and attend post-secondary education compared to those in urban centres. The nation-wide study found that 67 per cent of rural youths enrolled in college, and 46 per cent attended, compared to 76 per cent enrollment and 58 per cent attendance among urban youth.
Employment challenges are also significant. A YCharts report revealed Alberta's unemployment rate for those aged 15 to 24 was 16.4 per cent in June 2025.
"Many times, the employers want some of these young people to have what we call work experience," said Adeola. "A guy who just finished high school, for example, has not really done anything yet, so there's no way he is going to get the work experience."
To address this, the Purposeful Youth Network offers programs that provide employment skills, job coaching, computer literacy, life skills, post-employment support, and employment services. The organization also facilitates work experience and labour market information.
"We make them employment-ready so that, at the end of the day, no employer out there will say 'this person does not have the skill or appropriate [qualifications] for that job," said Adeola.
With government funding, the network also provides subsidized services such as daycare, dental care, food assistance, and laundry accommodations.
"The young people here in Strathmore have nothing to lose by participating in this program," Adeola said.
Guided by its motto, — belong, believe, behave — the Purposeful Youth Network International is working to create a clear and supportive path forward for youth in Strathmore and surrounding communities, empowering them to succeed in school, work, and life.