Starting in 2025, ROCK YOUR LIFE! will establish a new mentoring program for adolescent refugees in the Zurich area. The Vontobel Foundation is supporting this program from 2024 to 2029.
ROCK YOUR LIFE! (RYL!) is a network of young adults, adolescents, companies, local coordinators, and the RYL! umbrella organization, all working together to promote educational equity and equal opportunities for young people. The non-profit organization has been operating as a social enterprise since 2013.
With ROCK YOUR LIFE!, adolescents across Switzerland, regardless of their social, economic, or family background, are accompanied by students and young professionals during their 8th and 9th school years, aiming to ensure a successful transition from school to vocational training.
The mentoring program includes one program for upper secondary school students transitioning to vocational education and another for adolescents who came to this country as refugees. ROCK YOUR LIFE! views mentoring as a central pillar for the integration of young refugees into society. The RYL! program for adolescents with refugee backgrounds allows underage asylum seekers to participate in the mentoring program. Mentors support these adolescents, answering questions about life in Switzerland, school, and career-related topics, and help them improve their language skills. They also go on excursions or otherwise spend their free time together.
"We want to contribute to more equal opportunities and educational justice for young people."
Gabriel Abu-Tayeh, Managing Director, ROCK YOUR LIFE! Switzerland
"Targeted integration projects like those of ROCK YOUR LIFE! Switzerland empower people to live independently and contribute to society."
Dr. Martin Sieg Castagnola, Board Member, Vontobel Foundation