Juliana Andrade
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília - The government's youth inclusion program (Programa Nacional de Inclusão de Jovens) (ProJovem) could double and reach as many as 400,000 youths next year, says the secretary general of the Presidency, minister Luiz Dulci.

Projovem is an innovative project which works with youths between the ages of 18 and 24 who have only completed up to the fourth grade. First, it allows them to complete their elementary schooling in a year. Second, at the same time, they get professional training for the job market. And finally, during this period they receive monthly assistance of slightly more than US$43 (R$100).

"These youths are candidates for the government's First Job program. But in order for them to get a first job they have to be able to dispute a place in the labor market. That is what we are doing - preparing them," explained Dulci.

Translator: Allen Bennett