The Foundation P&V combats the exclusion of young people. Numerous researchers in Belgium and abroad have concluded that the lack of skills and employment qualifications are significant sources of exclusion and a cause of future social marginalisation. Early school leaving and a lack of qualifications generally result in precarious work situations and long-term unemployment, as well as ever longer transitional periods between education and employment. This is a major social problem in Europe and Belgium, particularly in certain regions and major cities and among some minority groups.

Accordingly, the Foundation P&V has launched a far-reaching multi-annual Research/Action programme, to be implemented from 2012 to 2014 and covering various stages:

• The sharing of scientific knowledge and ideas on the causes of and possible solutions for the lack of suitable skills, unemployment among unqualified young people and, in particular, long-term youth unemployment.
• An increase in this knowledge based on expert opinions and experience, plus the identification of policies and projects able to contribute effectively to resolving the identified problems.
• The promotion of these policies and sharing of the initiatives and projects thus determined.

Our objectives:

• Compile the most recent and relevant knowledge on the subject.
• Identify and analyse the causes and processes of youth exclusion, define the extent of the problem and establish hypotheses.
• Propose specific projects and solutions to be implemented and provide these with support.
• Encourage the social integration of the young via suitable qualifications and employment.