Local Skills Development for Youth

The aim of this project was for young adults to improve their life situation: 2 975 previously unemployed young adults were targeted to increase their income through income-generating activities or employment. In addition, 450 young entrepreneurs were going to continue to develop their small businesses, doubling their income.

Uganda with its young population must enable the labour market entry for thousands of young people every year. In the LSDY project unemployed young people from the Lake Victoria region, which is particularly affected by poverty, received access to modular, needs-oriented vocational education and training. Thanks to the training, they could earn their livelihood on their own as self-employed persons or employees and significantly improve their situation and that of their families.

The project worked with innovative vocational training approaches: To facilitate the transition of young adults from unemployment to work, the project relied on the interests and incentives of both sides of the market: On the one hand, the young adults looking for work and, on the other hand, the companies in growing sectors (tourism, agriculture and construction) that lack a good workforce. The young adults, who were divided into learning groups, were linked to companies through partnership models and trained in both practical and theoretical matters.

In the last phase, a further 3 500 young adults were undergoing vocational training courses in the three sectors of agriculture, construction and tourism. In addition, the target of supporting 500 young entrepreneurs in professionalising their small businesses was exceeded. A special focus was placed on access to coaching and financial services.
invalid
Mbale, Uganda
1.080115
34.174218
invalid
Busia, Uganda
0.4706692
34.0919803
invalid
Namayingo, Uganda
-0.2803575
33.75177230000001
invalid
Budaka, Uganda
1.1016277
33.9303991
invalid
Tororo, Uganda
0.6782273999999999
34.1865669
invalid
Mayuge, Uganda
0.4562893
33.48038890000001
invalid
Manafwa, Uganda
0.9063599
34.28660910000001
invalid
Bugiri, Uganda
0.5671364999999999
33.7461847
invalid
Butaleja, Uganda
0.8474921999999999
33.84112880000001
invalid
Kibuku, Uganda
1.0452874
33.7992536
invalid
Namutumba, Uganda
0.8360898
33.6860965
Project duration
2017 - 2020
Financed by
  • Happel Foundation
  • Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC
  • City of Zurich, Finance Department
  • Green Leaves Education Foundation
  • Canton Basel-Stadt
  • Donations

The project

In the Local Skills Development for Youth (LSDY) project, unemployed young men and women from the Lake Victoria region, which is particularly affected by poverty, received access to modular, needs-oriented vocational education and training. Thanks to the training, they could earn their livelihood on their own as self-employed persons or employees and significantly improve their situation and that of their families. Furthermore, young entrepreneurs, who have already completed their vocational training courses in the last phase, were supported in professionalising their small businesses. Special focus was given to the access to coaching and financial services.

The project made use of innovative vocational training approaches, whether through learning methods in a company (based on a dual vocational training) or work in learning groups. Young adults acquired practical and technical skills and were equipped with financial and life skills to take on their journey into professional life.

Project activities

  1. Vocational training: basic and further training courses
    The project primarily focused on vocational training and practical experience in companies.
  2. Promotion of entrepreneurship
    Apart from technical skills, the project developed the business acumen of the trainees. In advanced courses, young adults learned how to plan their business, analyse customer needs, calculate profits and set prices.
  3. Facilitate financial know-how and access to financial services
    The beneficiaries acquired basic financial literacy, which they can readily apply in savings and lending groups. The project also facilitated access to formal banks, savings and credit cooperatives and new innovative products, such as microleasing, tailored to the needs of young adults and entrepreneurs.
  4. Strengthening social skills and self-competence
    Through its courses, the project developed social skills and self-competence of the youth, who are often caught up in a vicious cycle of poverty and frustration. For example, they learned about health, hygiene, safety and communication.
  5. Networking young people with labour market
    Linkages between prospective employees with potential employers were facilitated through participation at fairs, internships etc.

Results

Results 2017 - 2020

  • 4 098 young professionals (38% women) were reached through the project activities.
  • 3 183 of them (43% women) received specific training in technical skills using the learning-by-doing methodology.
  • By the end of the last project phase, 1 871 of the young adults (34% women) have generated an income.
  • In addition, the project supported 672 young entrepreneurs (42% women) in professionalising their businesses, of which 458 people (39% women) received specific training in their activities.
  • Through these training courses as well as mentoring and business coaching, 461 young entrepreneurs (39% women) were able to improve their products and services and increase their income.