Innovative social service provider DUO for a JOB seeks to link young migrant job seekers (mentees) with over 50’s (mentors) that want to help them move towards employment. Together they form a ‘DUO’ for a JOB. Through these duos and its innovative approach, the organization facilitates young migrants’ job market access, values the elderly, promotes their activity, stimulates mixed ethnicity and creates social ties that enhance local solidarity and combats xenophobia and discrimination.

Once the duos have been formed, the organization closely supports, trains and monitors the duo throughout its 6-month mentoring duration.

DUO for a JOB was established in Brussels based on a team of young Belgian’s motivation to tackle social divides and add value to those whose professional capabilities are insufficiently recognized.

Since becoming fully operational in September 2013, thanks to its selection for the first ever Social Impact Bond on the European continent, the organization has shown double-digit annual growth numbers of its innovative social services. Since its inception, the social service provider has recruited more than 300 mentors and created nearly 500 duos with young migrant job seekers.

The results are excellent. More than one on two mentees finds a job in short time. This is more than the double compared to ‘natural’ activation measures. Another 20% of mentees starts an internship or professional education and the remaining group clearly indicates a sense of stronger autonomy, self-confidence and skills for the further job searches. Among the mentors, no less than 95% opts for another duo after their first mentoring experience. Some mentors have already commenced their 7th duo.