Rising youth unemployment is one of the most significant problems facing economies and societies in today’s world, for developed and developing countries alike. The latest Global Employment Trends for Youth 2020: Technology and the future of jobs shows that since 2017, there has been an upward trend in the number of youth not in employment, education or training (NEET).
The World Youth Skills Day, celebrated on July 15, is an opportunity for young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, and public and private sector stakeholders to acknowledge and celebrate the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship.
Here’s what you can do to mark this day:
- Discussion Groups: Share your Story
Discussions and storytelling can not only help you learn from other people’s stories and struggles but also help you reflect on your own journey. You will be able to learn from other’s mistakes, ask for advice and explore multiple perspectives of any situation. World is full of perceptive people and putting a few of them together for exchange of stories and respectful discussion will only help you grow and improve your skills.
- Exchange of Ideas
Many of the times, we don’t share our ideas thinking it might get stolen or replicated. We need to normalize sharing ideas and accepting advice and partnerships. When a pool of ideas are created, there is a source of uncountable opportunities, so don’t shy away from sharing your ideas and be open when other people do the same. It helps to create an environment of critical thinking and mutual understanding – which are important skills to have if you have an entrepreneurial goal.
- Skills development trainings
If you have a set of skills, they will be with you for life. Training others or imparting your skills upon the younger generation won’t reduce them. So, as educated, skilled and intelligent adults, we can provide skills development training for our younger generation so that they can empower themselves and create opportunities for themselves. They can also become our allies and we can work together by putting our diverse minds and ideas to a project.
- Financial literacy training
One of the most important skills the young generation requires is financial literacy. Many of the times, we don’t talk about money or finances because we are scared, shy and unaware. Being financially literate not only means learning how to manage money but also learning to openly discuss about financial matters.
World Youth Skills Day marks a special day assigned for activities that will help you grow in terms of employment, skills development and opportunities. Let’s start from today and make space for our skills to improve.