Sofie grew up in Copenhagen and dreamed of being a hairdresser, but her childhood was full of challenges. She was raised in residential care and had limited contact with her family. Caregivers, educators, schoolteachers and caseworkers passed through her life. Many helped her, but sooner or later the ‘system’ fell short, and each time Sofie was left feeling abandoned and lost. 

Backed by the European Social Fund and based on close collaboration between municipalities and educational institutions, 'Youth on the Edge' helps vulnerable young people like Sofie to access work and education in Denmark’s capital. When Sofie came into contact with the project, her future began to take shape.  Now she dreams of owning her own salon. 

Youth on the Edge focuses on vulnerable youth, between 15 and 29 years old, who are not involved in education, training or employment.  It is estimated that between 6 % and 8 % of Danish youth fall into this category. Despite a number of political initiatives to reduce this figure, it has remained the same for around 25 years. 

‘For this group, there is no quick fix, but a need for long-term and sustainable individual efforts,’ says the project’s creator, Pia Vigh. Youth on the Edge has made a difference: during the project's first three years, 438 vulnerable young people started employment or education – or moved closer to it. The project received additional support in 2021 in order to reach out to another 240 people.

To achieve this, the project partners with municipalities, vocational colleges and schools for preparatory basic education. It also works with upper secondary schools, social housing initiatives and companies. All of the young people participating in the project have the opportunity to co-design their individual pathways, and there is a particular focus on difficult transitions (for example, from preparatory basic education to vocational education) where young people meet peers and teachers, and enter new environments. Educational guidance counselors, job counselors, social workers, educators, teachers, mentors, and other professionals all provide guidance and support along the way. 

‘Many vulnerable young people have very difficult living conditions. But at the same time, these young persons have experiences, abilities and dreams that can become their driving force to achieve a life of self-sufficiency and the life they desire,’ notes Project Manager Regina Lamscheck-Nielsen.