Perspectives are needed to break the vicious circle of poverty: in north-east India, most people now only make a living from agriculture. Since there is hardly enough land to feed the population, harvests are increasingly failing due to climate change and there are hardly any local earning opportunities, more and more young people are migrating to the cities. The rural exodus deprives the villages of important young leaders. But even in the city, young people often find themselves in misery because there is no good work to be found for the unqualified. Day laborer jobs and poverty prostitution are often the only way out.
The Schöck-Familien-Stiftung supports the project of Childaid Network and the local project management agency Aide & Action to support young people at four project locations in Meghalaya and Assam in the next few years through professional qualifications in such a way that they can find an adequate job or a good start in their careers independence succeeds. Young people from low-income households are trained in occupations of their choice. You will also be able to set up your own company. Predominantly female youth in self-help groups are supported by giving them entrepreneurial skills and access to credit.
To this end, “mobile” approaches have now been developed and tested. Teachers and equipment move to rented decentralized premises and meet the training needs of the young people there, also in line with the needs of the local job market.
Weekly community meetings are held by the local project staff at various locations in the districts to provide information about the program and mobilize youth. Local government institutions such as the municipal council, village councils and community organizations, youth panels, community advice centers are also mobilized.
The young people first receive advice and guidance on the possible professions, followed by the start of training in the following professions, among others: electrical repairs and house wiring, fashion design and tailoring, beauty & wellness and management & marketing. To better prepare young people, they will also be given life skills, including digital skills, banking skills and spoken English.
The project will seek to contribute to improving the business and entrepreneurial environment in the region and will work with government and financial institutions to promote rural entrepreneurship through entrepreneur-friendly programs and professional training at government institutions. The empowerment of youth and women brought about by the project is intended to ensure that they actively participate in decision-making in future activities in their states.
Project sponsor: Stiftung Childaid Network
Project partners: Aide et Action South Asia
Funding year: since 2020
Project no.: 106-20ro