In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, Young Africa International has initiated the Youth Employability Booster (YEB) program in Nigeria. This comprehensive effort aims to equip 18,300 Nigerian youth with essential skills for both daily living and employment.
This initiative marks Young Africa’s debut project in West Africa, scheduled to continue up until July 2028. It aims to tackle youth unemployment via expandable and long-lasting vocational training programs, specifically focusing on marginalized areas throughout the nation.
At the event, Dorien Beurskens, who serves as both the CEO and Co-Founder of Young Africa International, remarked that this initiative signifies the start of a fresh era for their organization. This entity was established more than 27 years ago in Southern Africa.
“We have faith in the potential of young Nigerians. Their enthusiasm is incredibly dynamic. All they require is an avenue to make a difference within their communities,” she stated.
Today signifies the official launch of the Youth Employability Booster in Nigeria; however, the actual commencement took place discreetly several weeks prior, with the initiation of youth training sessions.
Beurskens emphasized that this initiative goes beyond an ordinary skill-building program; instead, it combines vocational education with essential life skills, entrepreneurial training, psychological assistance, digital proficiency, and guidance for entering the workforce. The YEB project plans to introduce roving TVET centers into underprivileged regions, extend Young Africa’s UNESCO-approved Franchise Business Model (FBM) approach, and offer specialized business mentoring to 5,000 women operating small-scale enterprises.
Wellington Muchechetere, who serves as both the project coordinator and Grants Manager for Young Africa Nigeria, stated that this initiative will involve cooperation with local partners such as Don Bosco, spanning four regions: Abuja, Lagos, Ondo, and Onitsha.
He mentioned that the franchise approach will guarantee that associated vocational centers become financially independent, thereby decreasing their reliance on financial support from donors. “Our aim is to assist women in obtaining both training and access to loans, as well as facilitating genuine business expansion,” he stated.
Dr. Obinna Ebirim, serving as the Senior Technical Advisor for Youth Health and Policy Research, spoke on behalf of Minister of Youth Ayodele Olawande. He stated that the ministry aligns closely with the objectives of the program and will provide all required assistance.
“The positive aspect of this program is its inclusivity. It guarantees that ten percent of the participants will be individuals with disabilities, and approximately 75 percent are anticipated to be women,” he stated.
This is in line with our initiatives such as the Nigerian Youth Academy (NIA), where young individuals receive training in various competencies, including digital literacy.
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