Happy World Youth Skills Day!
This day, observed on July 15 each year, highlights the essential role of skills development in empowering young people for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2024 is “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” which aims to raise awareness of equipping young people with culturally relevant skills and underscores the critical role youth play in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
World Youth Skills Day supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all.” Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) plays a crucial role in achieving SDG 4. TVET is defined by UNESCO as an educational approach that supplements general education through “the study of technologies and related sciences as well as the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding, and knowledge related to occupations in various sectors of economics and social life.” TVET not only prepares individuals for decent work in the workforce, but also contributes significantly to socio-economic development and the achievement of broader sustainable development objectives.
As defined by the International Labour Organization, “decent work” refers to employment that is productive and delivers fair income, security in the workplace, protection for families, and prospects for personal development and social integration. Decent work is a fundamental component of sustainable development and social justice.
Studio Samuel strives to encourage decent work and TVET through offering programs in culturally relevant entrepreneurial skills. For example, embroidery is a top program for students at our school. Embroidery is deeply embedded in the local community and economy of Ethiopia. Families often commission embroidered items such as curtains, table runners, and scarves.
Another program offered by Studio Samuel is sewing, which like embroidery, is not only a craft but also a profession that holds significant potential in Ethiopia. The success story of a Studio Samuel graduate who opened her own sewing business, which was so successful that she was able to buy a car for herself and her mother.
By teaching skills such as embroidery and sewing to our students, Studio Samuel ensures that these girls not only learn a valuable skill, but also can earn income through part-time jobs. This income can be crucial in supporting their education and families. Studio Samuel’s programs highlight the importance of aligning educational initiatives with local contexts to maximize their impact and relevance.
By promoting skills development tailored to local contexts and fostering entrepreneurship among youth, World Youth Skills Day, and organizations like Studio Samuel play pivotal roles in advancing inclusive education, economic empowerment, and sustainable development globally. These efforts equip individuals with practical, culturally relevant skills to build resilient communities and contribute positively to a more equitable and prosperous future.
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