World Youth Skills Day, celebrated on 15th July every year is a day dedicated to recognizing the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. As the global economy continues to evolve, the demand for skilled workers increases. This makes it imperative that we invest in our youth, ensuring they are prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

More than 50% of the working population in Sub-Saharan Africa is comprised of youth, aged 15-29. With an average unemployment rate exceeding 12%, youth face difficult odds of finding a job in the formal workforce and are most likely to find employment in informal jobs or start marginally sustainable businesses to provide for their families. Employers and governments have identified key areas where youth need 2st-century skills to succeed. Those areas are life skills (leadership, work ethic, communication), job readiness (problem-solving, teamwork), and entrepreneurship

Asante Africa Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people in East Africa through education and skills development programs. The foundation believes that students who are engaged learners will remain active in school and seek extra-curricular experiences. As a result, we work closely with partner schools and their communities to deliver 21st-century skills to rural youth and support the advancement of their education. 

One of the key programs of Asante Africa Foundation is the Youth Livelihood Program (YLP). The YLP Program supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically, “To promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.” Our mission is to educate and empower the next generation of change agents, whose dreams and actions transform the future for Africa and the world. By focusing on holistic education, we equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

The impact of the Asante Africa Foundation’s work is evident in the success stories of its beneficiaries. Many alumni have gone on to pursue higher education, secure meaningful employment, and even start their own businesses. These achievements not only transform individual lives but also contribute to the development of their communities and the broader society.

Hear from our alumni: 

Monica – “My name is Monica and I am a student in Uhuru Girls High School and a vegetable vendor. During the covid 19 pandemic, my mum lost her job and decided to start a small grocery. I helped her with the business until I joined high school. This ignited my passion for business. In school, my best friend and classmate is an YLP alumni. She used to teach me what they had learned about entrepreneurship. This further fueled my dream and inspired me to start my grocery. I started with a capital of 1000 shillings which was my saving from the pocket money I always get. I bought my first stock of vegetables and fruits and the business has been open for one year now. Being a current member of YLP I have consistently learned skills that have helped me to improve my business.” Read her story

Another success story comes from Riziki Poultry Farm. This is a story of resilience, determination, and hard work beating all odds to convert an idea into a Project. Riziki Poultry Farm is a business in operation and managed by seven young entrepreneurs who are alumni of YLP. After attending all the sessions they gained entrepreneurship skills and decided to Pay-it-Forward. They came up with the idea to start a poultry farm after doing market research and identifying a gap in poultry farming.

 They engaged in Enterprise Challenge competitions and successfully won in the 2022 national competitions. They were given a seed fund of 50,000 shillings to start their project. Their goal is to sell eggs and meat for now. They plan to expand their business with their first profit by adding more chicks and buying an incubator to hatch eggs and expand their market base. Read more

As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, it is essential to acknowledge and support the efforts of organizations like the Asante Africa Foundation. Their work is a testament to the power of education and skills development in changing lives and building a better future. By investing in our youth, we are investing in a prosperous and sustainable world for all.

On this World Youth Skills Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to empowering young people with the skills they need to build a life they can be proud of. Together, we can create a world where every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to the growth and prosperity of their communities.

WRITTEN BY: Mayuri Goswami