Youth Unemployment Continues to be a Global Problem

Youth unemployment has been recognized as a global problem. 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.

Where possible, CI’s international field locations partner with local businesses to create on-the-job training programs. Youth make important connections at companies they hope to work for, while learning the specific skills those companies need. Into Employment graduates are encouraged to engage with current participants to offer job-searching tips, encouragement and help them make valuable connections in their chosen fields.

Prentiss Earl III, another expert panelist and Manager of Entrepreneurship at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, says, “Community really is currency. It is imperative to connect and network with the broader community. And after being here, I can see that is something Children International is really able to do, especially with its staff and volunteers on the ground operating at a local level.”   

Alejandro Paredes Trapero, also on the panel and Executive Director of Project Metas/EDC Honduras, adds, “Children International has been very important for countries at providing infrastructure and programs for youth. CI has a good reputation, which gives governments, USAID, Project Metas and others a lot of confidence when it comes to working together.”

Through programs like Into Employment, Children International hopes to help impoverished youth become self-reliant with the job skills and drive to break free from poverty even in the midst of this global youth unemployment crisis. Children International is also looking ahead at how to further improve and strengthen its career readiness initiatives.   

Nancie Thomas, who was a special guest at the expert panel presentation and is currently Senior Programs Officer at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, says, “I think the challenges facing children are bigger than any of us are by ourselves. But with organizations like Children International and the Kansas City area pulling together, we can help address these issues on a global scale.”

Learn more about Children International’s Youth Employability programs.

About Children International

Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.

For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Christy Howard

Corporate Communications

Children International

Direct:  (816) 943-3730

Email: choward@children.org

Brittany Gelbach

Public Relations

Children International

Direct: (816) 943-3832

Email: bgelbach@children.org

¹ "Global Employment Trends for Youth 2013." International Labor Organization. http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---dcomm/documents/publication/wcms_212423.pdf