The Global Significance of World Youth Skills Day
On 15 July, the world observes World Youth Skills Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the critical role that youth play in shaping a better future. This year’s theme, "Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills," highlights the growing importance of equipping young people with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world. However, for millions of Sudanese youth, access to education, vocational training, and digital resources remains severely limited due to ongoing conflict and displacement.
Despite global efforts to support youth development, many young people in Sudan are being left behind. Prolonged instability has disrupted their access to basic learning opportunities, leaving them without the skills necessary for self-reliance and future employment. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), over 17 million children in Sudan are currently out of school, which accounts for 90% of the country's school-age population. In many regions, schools have been destroyed, repurposed as military bases, or remain inaccessible due to insecurity. This crisis has led to warnings of a “lost generation” if urgent action is not taken to restore educational and skill-building opportunities.
Innovative Approaches to Skill Development
Amid these challenges, some initiatives are making a difference. One such example is the UNITAR Rapid Assistance Programme for Sudan (2024-2025), a Japan-funded online training initiative designed to support displaced youths and women. Launched in August 2024, the first phase of the programme enrolled 250 participants, offering training in business modeling, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation. The goal was to help young people build resilience and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
Khadija Adam Ahmed, one of the participants, shared her experience: “Leaving my home due to conflict was incredibly difficult, and I felt lost and uncertain about the future. This programme helped me regain my footing. I realised there are opportunities beyond traditional government jobs. The training gave me practical business skills and a renewed sense of hope.”
Phase two of the programme, launched in early 2025, provided the top 40 graduates with mentorship, pitch sessions, and a virtual hackathon involving Sudanese and regional entrepreneurs. By March 2025, Phase three brought 20 finalists before international business panels for potential funding and collaboration. This initiative demonstrates how targeted, inclusive, and tech-driven models can empower displaced youth despite the challenges posed by war.
Expanding Access Through Vocational Training
In addition to digital programs, other organizations have focused on practical, location-based vocational training. For instance, UNESCO, in partnership with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), launched two vocational training centres in Port Sudan and Kassala in 2024. These centres aim to provide displaced learners and youth with disabilities with essential skills in trades and digital literacy, tailored to meet the needs of crisis-affected communities.
Such initiatives are crucial for addressing the urgent need for skills-based recovery and inclusion in underserved areas. However, according to the UNICEF Youth Skills report, significant barriers still hinder progress. Many youths face multiple displacements, lack legal documentation, and live in conflict-affected or inaccessible areas. Additionally, digital skills, while increasingly important, remain largely inaccessible in much of Sudan due to limited connectivity, security risks, and economic instability.
The Path Forward
Despite the emergence of various training programmes since the start of the conflict, their reach remains limited compared to the scale of the need. Access to vocational and digital skills development in Sudan continues to depend on factors such as security, displacement status, infrastructure, and available funding. As long as these challenges persist, widespread access to skill-building opportunities will remain uneven.
The situation in Sudan underscores the urgent need for sustained investment in education and training for youth. Without targeted interventions, the gap in employability skills will continue to widen, limiting the potential of an entire generation. International cooperation, local partnerships, and innovative approaches will be essential in ensuring that young people in Sudan and other conflict-affected regions have the tools they need to build a better future.
Komentar
Posting Komentar