It’s World Youth Skills Day! This is particularly important this year as the world grapples with uncertainty regarding the future.

In 2015, youth unemployment was recorded at 13.1%. That is a staggering 73.4 million 15 to 24-year-olds. Moreover, in 2018 one-fifth of the youth of the world were not in education, employment or training. Young women are more than twice as likely as young men to be unemployed or outside the labour force. This situation has only worsened due to COVID-19. Therefore, it is critical now more than ever that we intensify our support and continue to empower young people.

Youth unemployment has been steadily rising across the world over the last few years. Before the pandemic began to sweep across the globe of the youth employed in Africa almost 95% is informal. Informal employment is employment that provides no legal or social protection. Commonly this work is low-paid, has unpredictable hours, and hazardous working conditions. Above all, it comes with uncertainty over their employment status.

At Workaid our work primarily focuses on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, providing access to decent work and economic growth. WYSD aims to encourage youth to celebrate the acquisition of practical skills. In the long term contributes to personal success, growth and fulfilment. Our support of vocational training programmes has provided youth and marginalised members of the community with an array of skills. From carpentry to tailoring, masonry to computer skills and knitting to name a few. Beyond this, it has indirectly broadened their employment opportunities, economic security and built confidence among many other benefits.

How you’ve made a difference

In the wake of the pandemic UNESCO estimates that currently, more than 1 in 6 young people are out of work. Further projections suggest nearly 20 million jobs in Africa will be threatened by COVID-19. That is why we must continue to provide assistance to training programmes in Africa. All your support for Workaid whether that’s via donations, supporting our shop or volunteering helps us make a difference to the lives of young people. We have been so encouraged by everyone’s sheer generosity and want to thank everyone.

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