The Jobberman-Young Africa Works (YAW) project is a key initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment across Nigeria, with a focus on empowering young people, particularly women, by equipping them with essential skills to thrive in the workforce.
Launched in 2021, this ambitious project aims to train 5 million young people (ages 18-35) and help 3 million of them secure dignified, fulfilling work by 2025.
The project focuses on key states including Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Edo, Imo, Adamawa, and Ondo, and stands as a significant collaboration between Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation. The initiative’s core focus is on reducing youth unemployment through soft skills training, ensuring that participants are prepared for success in both formal and informal work settings.
Project Overview and Objectives
The Jobberman-Young Africa Works Project targets youth who face barriers to employment, whether due to limited education, lack of skills, or the challenges posed by the dynamic Nigerian labor market. With a strong emphasis on women, the initiative strives to offer comprehensive training opportunities that support gender equality and empowerment.
Key Goals:
The Role of RUDERF in Imo State (2021-2022)
In Imo State, RUDERF led the charge in implementing the Jobberman-YAW Project from 2021 to 2022. During this period, we successfully trained 1,280 young people in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and state tertiary institutions. The training programs were designed to prepare youth for the workforce post-graduation and youth service by equipping them with employable skills. These young individuals are now better positioned to thrive in the job market.
Despite facing significant challenges such as communal clashes and logistical difficulties, including attacks on youth gatherings and disruptions in transportation, the project achieved its objective of training youth for better employment prospects.
Feedback from beneficiaries has been tremendous, with many participants sharing how the skills and knowledge gained from the training programs have improved their employability and increased their confidence. In addition, RUDERF partnered with local government officials and state agencies to provide tailored training for employees in various ministries, further contributing to workforce development at the state level.
Challenges and Learnings from the Project
The project faced several challenges, primarily due to security issues in the region, including sporadic shootings and violence, which led to the suspension of the project after two years of operation. Despite these hurdles, the project’s impact on participants was significant, with many gaining the skills and confidence they needed to secure employment or further educational opportunities.
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At Ruderf, we believe true development starts at the grassroots. We empower communities to lead their own development, ensuring our initiatives align with their unique needs and aspirations for sustainable impact.
