“We don’t want to live on handouts; we want to learn a trade and build a solid future for ourselves and our families.”

 

In a world where training and employment are key tools for social integration, Alhagi Ceesay and Abdelaziz Louastani stand out as examples of effort and perseverance. Both are part of the 4th edition of the Gazte On Programme, promoted by the Provincial Council of Bizkaia, a project that seeks to facilitate the integration into the labour market of young people between 18 and 23 years of age at risk of social exclusion.

 

A Road Full of Challenges

 

Alhagi, nacido en Gambia, llegó a España siendo un menor no acompañado, con la esperanza de construir un futuro mejor tanto para él como para su familia en su tierra natal. Tras alcanzar la mayoría de edad, como muchos otros jóvenes migrantes, quedó en una situación vulnerable, sin papeles ni apoyo. Sin embargo, su determinación le llevó a unirse al programa Gazte On a través de la Fundación Peñascal. Actualmente, se está formando en soldadura por arco sumergido, adquiriendo una habilidad clave para su futuro profesional en Haizea Wind Bilbao.

 

Por su parte, Abdelaziz, nacido en Marruecos, también se encontró en una situación similar al cumplir los 18 años. Orientado por un amigo que había participado en una edición anterior del programa, decidió unirse para dar un giro a su vida. Ahora se especializa en tratamientos superficiales, demostrando cada día su compromiso y ganas de aprender.

 

Commitment and Adaptation

 

What makes these two young men stand out is their ability to adapt to the demands of the labour market. From day one, both Alhagi and Abdelaziz have shown exemplary punctuality and responsibility, meeting the expectations of the factory and their trainers. Even on the few days they have been absent, they have always provided justifications and explained the reasons in advance, showing their seriousness and professionalism.

 

‘Both are an example for other young people. Not only have they learned technical skills, but they have also internalised values such as punctuality, responsibility and effort’, says their tutor Iñigo Montero.

 

A second chance 

 

For Alhagi and Abdelaziz, the programme represents not only a job opportunity but a second chance in life. Their goal is not only to regularise their situation in Spain but also to build a solid future to help their families in their countries of origin.

Next February, when they finish their scholarship internship at Haizea Wind Bilbao, they hope to be able to access a work contract that will allow them to continue progressing. In the meantime, the centre celebrates their efforts and congratulates them for being an inspiration to all.

These young people are a reminder that, with the right support and the necessary opportunities, it is possible to overcome any obstacle and build a future full of hope.

 

Gazte On goes on

 

The Gazte On programme was born in 2020 as an initiative by the Department of Employment, Social Cohesion and Equality of the Provincial Council of Bizkaia. With a biannual character, each edition is convened annually and runs for two years.

After the closure of the first three editions, the fourth edition is underway until September 2025. The fifth edition starts this November and will run until September 2026.

 

Gazte On in figures

• • • 107 young participants (between the first four editions).
    • 3279 hours of training given.
    • 4100 hours of accompaniment
    • 1200 hours of employment guidance.
    • 200 hours of labour intermediation.
    • 53 young people have obtained an employment contract in the first three editions already closed.