12/08/2016

Putting Youth at the centre of their development

Putting Youth at the centre of their development

As the world celebrates international youth day, SNV Uganda puts the spotlight on Ugandan youth and their journey towards becoming drivers of their own development.

Youth unemployment is a challenge in Uganda, currently standing at 80%. With an estimated 50% of the country’s 35 million people under the age of 15, we cannot afford to sit back. Unemployment is of particular concern in Northern Uganda, which remains the most economically depressed region in the country. The vast majority of youth in Northern Uganda have limited educational opportunities, lack the skills necessary to actively participate in the labour market and remain unemployed.

SNV Uganda, together with local partners AFARD and CEGED are implementing a three-year Youth Employability through Enterprise and Skills development (YES) project in the districts of Nebbi, Arua, Yumbe and Moyo in the West Nile Sub-region of Northern Uganda. The overall objective of this European Union funded project is to reduce poverty by creating sustainable economic opportunities for 5,000 youth (30% female) in West Nile by 2017. This is being done through technical and entrepreneurial skills development, apprenticeship, on-the-job training and coaching for the youth so that they are ready for employment or self-employment.

This newsletter gives an insight into the programme from the perspective of the youth being supported by the YES project.

Download the YES factsheet for more information about the YES project in Uganda and learn more about the SNV Uganda country programmes.

Brenda, one of the youth in West Nile shares her entrepreneurial journey

Brenda, one of the youth in West Nile shares her entrepreneurial journey