Kita Labs Pilot: Engaging Upstream NEET Youths
A growing number of youths (aged 15-24) in Singapore are not in education, employment or training (NEET), and are at risk of being left behind in society. The Ministry of Social and Family Development reported that this figure rose from 3.7% in 2013 to 4.1% in 2023, equating to about 17,000 NEET youths in 2023¹.
Within this group, not all present the same level of need. Some are facing more acute challenges – a run-in with the law, serious mental health challenges, or the need for social work intervention. Upstream NEET youths, while not yet displaying risk behaviours, are quietly disengaging from society. They may lack confidence, feel uncertain about their purpose, or gradually drift into social isolation.
For these youths, having a community that believes in them and a safe space to explore who they are and where they might go can make a meaningful difference. With the right relational support, they can begin to build a sense of belonging, purpose, and agency – and develop the readiness and self-direction to embark on an education or employment pathway.
Within this group, not all present the same level of need. Some are facing more acute challenges – a run-in with the law, serious mental health challenges, or the need for social work intervention. Upstream NEET youths, while not yet displaying risk behaviours, are quietly disengaging from society. They may lack confidence, feel uncertain about their purpose, or gradually drift into social isolation.
For these youths, having a community that believes in them and a safe space to explore who they are and where they might go can make a meaningful difference. With the right relational support, they can begin to build a sense of belonging, purpose, and agency – and develop the readiness and self-direction to embark on an education or employment pathway.
We are partnering with Kita to pilot a four-month programme that aims to support upstream NEET youths by providing community, scaffolding, and relational support. Through creative processes, youths are invited to reflect on who they are, what may be holding them back, and where they hope to go.
While existing interventions to facilitate employment or re-entry into education are available, participation often requires a level of readiness and self-direction that many upstream NEET youths may not yet have developed. The Kita pilot, therefore, complements ongoing efforts in the landscape by engaging youths before they are ready for more formal education or employment pathways. As part of the pilot, Kita will also facilitate connections to its wider programmes and support systems where relevant.
We also seek to gain a clearer understanding of upstream NEET youths, including what engages them, the barriers they face, and the forms of support they need to progress. Insights from the pilot can inform how to strengthen and scale effective engagement strategies for these youths.
While existing interventions to facilitate employment or re-entry into education are available, participation often requires a level of readiness and self-direction that many upstream NEET youths may not yet have developed. The Kita pilot, therefore, complements ongoing efforts in the landscape by engaging youths before they are ready for more formal education or employment pathways. As part of the pilot, Kita will also facilitate connections to its wider programmes and support systems where relevant.
We also seek to gain a clearer understanding of upstream NEET youths, including what engages them, the barriers they face, and the forms of support they need to progress. Insights from the pilot can inform how to strengthen and scale effective engagement strategies for these youths.
Intended Outcomes
The pilot was launched in June 2026 and aims to achieve the following outcomes:
The pilot was launched in June 2026 and aims to achieve the following outcomes:
- Individual outcomes: Youths develop increased confidence, a sense of purpose and belonging, and readiness in moving towards a self-directed pathway
- Sector outcomes: The sector develops a clearer understanding of what works in engaging and supporting upstream NEET youths
Our Partners:
- Kita