Youth Empowerment & Skills Development

Program Overview

The Youth Empowerment & Skills Development program aims to equip young people with the skills, opportunities, and confidence needed to become active contributors to sustainable development in their communities and beyond.
Led by youth and designed for youth, the program addresses gaps in access to opportunities, leadership development, and practical skills—particularly for young people in underserved communities.

The Challenge

Across the Global South, millions of young people face:

Limited access to quality education and training
High unemployment and underemployment
Lack of mentorship and professional networks
Few platforms to express ideas and lead initiatives

We envision empowered young people who:

  • Possess relevant skills for impact and employability
  • Act as leaders in their communities
  • Contribute to social, economic, and civic development
  • Participate meaningfully at local, national, and global levels

We focus on:

  • Youth leadership development
  • Practical skills for social impact and employability
  • Global citizenship and civic engagement
  • Access to networks, fellowships, and opportunities

Key Activities

The program includes:

Capacity-Building & Training

Workshops and learning sessions on leadership, project management, communication, and digital skills.

Opportunity Access & Navigation

Supporting young people to access scholarships, fellowships, internships, and global programs.

Mentorship & Peer Learning

Connecting youth with mentors, facilitators, and peer networks.

Youth-Led Initiatives

Supporting young people to design and implement their own community projects.

Global Engagement

Facilitating participation in international dialogues, programs, and advocacy initiatives.

Who We Support

  • Students and young professionals
  • Emerging youth leaders
  • Community-based youth groups
  • Young people from marginalized or underrepresented backgrounds

Impact to Date

  • Supported young people to access leadership programs and global opportunities
  • Facilitated youth engagement in international fellowships and dialogues
  • Built youth-led networks across countries
  • Strengthened leadership and advocacy skills among participants

SDGs Addressed

We welcome partnerships in:

  • Youth leadership and skills development
  • Training and capacity-building
  • Mentorship and professional development
  • Fellowship, internship, and scholarship programs

Partners can support:

  • Program funding
  • Training delivery
  • Mentorship and expertise sharing
  • Opportunity sponsorship

Looking Ahead

With increased funding and partnerships, this program aims to:

Expand training and mentorship reach
Develop structured youth leadership curricula
Support more youth-led initiatives
Strengthen monitoring and impact measurement