Skills and work
Creating opportunities for young people to grow their skills and work potential.
Creating opportunities for young people to grow their skills and work potential.
Ongoing conflict. The climate crisis. Unemployment. Lack of access to education. All these make it harder for young people around the world to learn skills and find work.
It's most challenging for young people in low- and middle-income countries. That's because they are often disproportionately affected by issues like the climate crisis. And because 90% of the world's young people live in these countries.
Supporting young people to learn vital skills helps them navigate life. Skills that boost their confidence and wellbeing. Skills that set them up to earn a sustainable income.
This is especially important for young women who still find gender norms limit their options. And young parents who missed out on the chance to learn and now have children to care for.
When children and young people learn new skills and take up new roles in society, it has a ripple effect. On their families, on their communities and on future generations. It helps break down inequality and end the cycle of poverty – for good.
of countries have laws restricting economic equality for women.
of young people are not in education, employment or training globally.
of jobs in science, engineering and IT are held by women globally.
The power of peppers
The peppers Kwame, 17, holds in his hands are helping to send his six sisters to school in Ghana.
After his mother died, Kwame became head of his household. Applying what he learnt through smallholder farming training with Plan International, he can now support his family.
“I get excited when I see the girls walking to school every morning,” says Kwame. “I didn’t get to stay in school but I will make sure they get an education to bring honour to my mother.”
Give opportunity
Help create more opportunities for young people to thrive through skills and work.
From obstacles to opportunities
We work together with communities around the world to create opportunities that will make a difference to the children and young people there.
It might be learning a completely new profession. Or topping up existing skills. Or simply developing soft skills that build traits like resourcefulness.
Together more young people are getting the chance to live a life that brings them joy. And more young parents can meet their children’s needs.
Smashing gender norms
People like Jennifer, 20, in Kenya are breaking gender norms by taking up previously male-dominated work.
Jeniffer took a technical training course in welding through Plan International which kick-started a new career for her:
“I had never seen or heard of a woman welder. I realised that I would be a resourceful person. The welding journey has not been an easy one for me, especial as a young woman. But I know what I want, and I know where I am going. These courses are for all of us and not just for men.”
Jeniffer will be busy. There is a surge in demand for welders in Kenya as it grows its infrastructure. And as she works, she inspires other girls too.
Funding bright futures
Luz Aurora, 21, applied business skills she learned through Plan International to grow her vegetable garden in Paraguay:
“I acquired skills and was supported so that I could go ahead and achieve my dreams. My biggest dream is to become a surgeon, and to grow my business. Not only did I change my life but also that of my parents. It would be great if more people had the same opportunity that I received.”
