SEE Solutions - Social and Economic Empowerment

Youth Empowerment and Employment

Needs

It’s estimated that young people aged 14-29 make-up almost 50% of the population of Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands. Youth in Honiara are confronted with many challenges – high unemployment rates, limited access to education and changing social roles. Other problems include substance abuse, gender-based violence, conflict and crime.
Goals

To empower young people in Honiara to make better career and life choices by equipping them with life skills, as well as vocational and job hunting skills, and supporting them to operate sustainable small businesses.
Activities

Working with existing youth groups, the project will provide life skills training covering topics such as: gender, leadership, conflict management, functional literacy, financial planning, substance abuse and basic health messages. Where possible, life skills training will be linked with sports, art, music and cultural activities to maintain young people’s interest.

At least 150 men and women from participating youth groups will learn job interview skills, and how to prepare a resume and complete job applications, to prepare them for the job market. The project will also help to organise apprenticeships and job placements.

In the second year of implementation, a number of participants will be offered small business management training. They will be selected based on their motivation and willingness to contribute their own resources to a business. Participants will be supported to develop a business plan and World Vision will facilitate the supply of essential, non-local materials for small business start-up.
Beneficiaries
300 men and women aged 14-29 who are unemployed or underemployed. Specific attention will be given to young women who are often the most marginalised and at greatest risk of gender-based violence.

The Situation

Updates

Update: July 2011

Community facilitators are now working closely with community elders and youth groups in the five target communities. A baseline study involving 208 young people aged from 14-29 has identified their skills training needs as well as their knowledge, attitudes and practice on key social issues.

The project team has been consulting with representatives from local NGOs, government agencies and businesses in Honiara and identified potential partners who can provide employment and technical skills training as well as support for job seekers.

Next steps will include an employment survey to the identify skills required by the job market and how the project can support young people in gaining these skills. The plan is to engage 150 motivated young people in an employment and skills training program that will be held on a quarterly basis.