According to the International Labour Organization, as many as 73 million young people were estimated to be unemployed in 2013; and in developing areas, where 90 percent of the global youth population lives, stable, quality employment is especially lacking1. Children International has developed programs that prepare impoverished youth to enter the job market with valuable skills that will help them find employment.
Earlier this week, as part of the organization’s initiative to address the ongoing issue of youth unemployment throughout the world, Children International hosted a Career Readiness Expert Panel Presentation and Discussion. One of the expert panelists, Andrew Baird, who leads the Workforce and Economic Opportunities Division at RTI International, the largest nonprofit research institute in America, says, “The fact that Children International is engaging in career readiness initiatives is perfect timing in terms of where the field is going. The conversation of workforce development is growing in prominence on international and national agendas and there is starting to be an increase of resources for these kinds of programs.”
One of the programs Children International currently offers is Into Employment, which provides youth opportunities to escape poverty and find meaningful work that pays a decent wage. CI international agencies perform an analysis of the job market in their area to determine the most sought-after job skills. Based on that information, Into Employment provides training in a variety of trades, including computers and information technology, hospitality and administrative assistance. The program also hones the social skills and positive attitudes they’ll need to be effective at a job when they find it. Read more
