Youth employment & entrepreneurship

289 million young people worldwide are not in employment, education or some form of training, with young women twice as likely as young men to be affected. The transition to adulthood can be a daunting process for any young person. Becoming self-reliant means adapting to the loss of support networks and structures; learning how to cope alone with everyday challenges; entering the world of work and becoming financially independent. This can be particularly challenging for those leaving alternative care and for those in families struggling to stay together, who lack adequate support at home. In both scenarios, it is likely that the young person has experienced a childhood trauma.

 

Empowering young people

We work directly with youth to prepare them for this transition to independence through a special focus on youth empowerment.

In our direct work with young people, we offer psychosocial support and provide guidance on education and career options, and encourage them to develop their individual interests and talents.

To prepare young people for their transition to independence, we offer vocational, qualifications and social skills training to increase their employability and entrepreneurship prospects.

We work with partners, to set up employability and entrepreneurship initiatives; and with governments to improve aftercare provisions. Most importantly, we connect them with mentors and wider support networks to guide them on their unique path.

In 2023, SOS Children's Villages Nepal initiated the effective operation of the SOS Business Incubation Center (SOS BIC) in close collaboration with Antarpreana, a company dedicated to supporting Nepalese entrepreneurs through investment and mentorship programmes.

The SOS Business Incubation Center aims to provide guidance and support to young individuals aspiring to pursue entrepreneurship, creating a platform for ideas and creativity.. 

We also focus on digital access and learning for young people, helping them to stay connected, build skills for employability and entrepreneurship purposes, and navigate the internet responsibly.

Vocational Training Centre Pokhara

We are dedicated to empowering young people by providing them with the necessary skills and training to thrive in the job market. To achieve this, we have established the Vocational Training Centre Pokhara as a platform for honing their talents and preparing them for successful careers.

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