Youth for Causes (YFC) originated in Singapore and has been adapted by Osaka YMCA’s into a social enterprise training program currently run as core curriculum at its international business college in collaboration with the Global Department.  The program educates participants on how to create their own social business and then challenges them to work in teams to make their business plans a reality so they can support a cause they believe in.  The program culminates in a “Dragon’s Den” where participants present their team achievements and pitch to a panel of judges for an expansion of their business.  YFC will include non-YMCA schools and universities in the future.

• Contribute to the development of young socially conscious entrepreneurs in Japan and around around the world
• Build unique, sustainable social enterprise educational programs that positively impact young people and encourages them to engage with their community
• Provide meaningful opportunities for Osaka YMCA high-school & college students, Global Youth Conference delegates, Osaka YMCA young volunteers, local school and university students
• Achieve the strategic objectives on youth development according to its Vision 2020 - 2025 strategic plan

An organisation, entity or business which provides opportunities, social outcomes and/or training to disadvantaged people.

 
We feel that the above definition provides a framework for action, particularly for projects that arise out of our Youth for Causes, My Y Cafe and Global Youth Conference programs.
 
Social enterprise can be described as fitting in between the economic realms of business and charity. A social enterprise acts as a business in its setup and structure, and aims to generate a profit. However, it uses that profit to provide social services and outcomes to people in need, like a charity.

Osaka YMCA has 2 social enterprise projects. These are: 

Youth for Causes 

Our Youth for Causes program is currently run in collaboration with the Osaka YMCA International Business College.  It gives participants an opportunity to start their own social enterprise, learn business skills, support a community project or create their own.  It’s a practical, challenging and fun project that can bring about real change.
 
The good news is that the program will be open to young people in the Kansai area from April  2020. If you are interested in creating a Youth for Causes team contact us now and find out how you can get involved. 

My Y Cafe 

My Y Cafe - a mobile coffee stall - is Osaka YMCA Global’s very own social enterprise project which helps to raise funds to support other Global programs and provide professional training opportunities for young people interested in working in the hospitality industry.  When possible, My Y Cafe uses fair trade coffee beans to make its coffee products.