Did you know today is World Youth Skills Day? No? Well, no problem. We are to shed light on the importance of the observance of this day by the international community, highlight the work Kolektif Rivier Nwar does in respect of developing youth skills and supporting the overall development of youth in our community.
Youth are an integral and invaluable part of our societies. Youth contribute to their communities in meaningful ways that amplify a sense of ingenuity, innovation and creativity. Fostering and harnessing those unique skills significantly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. To highlight the importance of youth skill development for decent work, entrepreneurship and employment, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 15th as the international observance day of world youth skills day. Each year, this day is observed with a particular theme and 2024 is no exception. This year’s theme is all about youth skills for peace and development. It outlines the vital role young generations play in the maintenance of peacebuilding and resolving conflicts.
Also we at Kolektif Rivier Nwar (KRN) are proud to host multiple initiatives aimed at developing skills of youth in our communities, seeking innovative ways of collaboration. We are non-governmental association established under the UNDP Country Programme 2013-2016 for the management and monitoring of projects & critical and urgent social actions. While our work cover multiple areas ranging from education, housing and quality of life and personal development, this blog specifically focuses on the work we do around youth skill development which intersects across multiple of our focus areas. If you wish to learn more about KRN’s work, stay tuned for the next blogs and articles as they will shed light on the various thematic that we work on.
But coming back to today’s topic which is the power and development of young people for a sustainable future for people and planet, the below highlights some key initiatives that we host in which we work directly with and through youth.
Supporting Youth and Their Overall Skill Development:
The integration of youth into our projects, spanning from pre-primary education through to young adulthood with our Marine Technical School, plays a pivotal role in fostering skill development and community growth.
Our Specialized Education Programme targets young children and includes remedial classes, music lessons (Mizik Dan Lapo), sports activities led by a sports coach, psychological support that extends to parents, and various other engaging activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that children receive a well-rounded education that addresses their cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Early educational interventions, combined with extracurricular activities, nurture creativity, discipline, teamwork, and emotional resilience.
The Marine Technical School caters to older youth (16 to 19 years old), providing full-time education in mechanical boat engineering. By the end of the one-year course, students are equipped with specialized skills that enhance their employability. We ensure that graduates secure job placements, thus directly contributing to the local economy and reducing youth unemployment. This vocational training empowers young adults with practical skills, self-reliance, and a pathway to stable careers.
Importance for Communities and Sustainable Development:
Supporting youth through education and skill development is fundamental to fostering resilient communities and achieving sustainable development. By investing in the younger generation, we lay the groundwork for a skilled and knowledgeable workforce capable of driving economic growth and innovation. Education also promotes social cohesion by bridging gaps and creating opportunities for all children, regardless of their backgrounds.
Peace and Sustainable Development:
This year’s observance day theme emphasizes the critical role of peace in sustainable development.
Our programs contribute to this by:
1. Reducing Inequality: By offering educational opportunities to all children and youth, we address social disparities and create a more equitable society.
2. Promoting Social Inclusion: Activities such as sports and music foster a sense of community, collaboration, and mutual respect among young participants, helping to build a culture of peace.
3. Providing Employment Opportunities: Ensuring job placements for graduates of our Marine Technical School helps mitigate the risk of youth unemployment, which is often linked to social unrest and instability.
4. Fostering Emotional Well-being: Psychological follow-ups and parental involvement in our Specialized Education Programme support mental health, which is crucial for maintaining harmonious communities.
Why this matters
By focusing on these areas, we strive to contribute to a more peaceful, stable, and sustainable society. Our initiatives not only equip youth with essential skills but also cultivate values of peace, equality, and community spirit, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable development.
With a multitude of challenges our world faces, youth are particularly vulnerable to those. It is important to not only recognise the relevant role youth play, but also to support our young generations in acquiring the relevant skills to navigate these complex challenges in order to be agents of positive change and promote a culture of peace and prosperity.
KRN is proud to work with youth across our communities, and to support and host various youth initiatives aimed at supporting young people in their pursuit of sustainable and prosperous lives. If you would like to get engaged with any of our youth initiatives, please feel free to reach out to us via secretariatkrn@gmail.com.
