Empowering the Future Generation on World Youth Skills Day

Every year on July 15th, the world comes together to celebrate World Youth Skills Day to highlight the importance of equipping young people with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship. This day raises awareness about the challenges faced by young people to access quality education and training. By focusing on their skill development, we empower the future generation to overcome barriers and unleash their potential.

In 2014, the United Nations adopted a resolution declaring July 15th World Youth Skills Day. This initiative stemmed from the realization that youth unemployment rates were alarmingly high worldwide, reaching 13.1% in 2017 (International Labor Organization, 2018). This day aims to address this issue by bridging the gap between education and the labor market.

Here are just a few benefits of skill development in young people:

1) Increased Employability

Equipping young people with relevant skills enhances their employability and job prospects. In a rapidly evolving job market, possessing technical skills, such as coding and data analysis, can make individuals stand out from the crowd (World Economic Forum, 2020). 

2) Entrepreneurial Mindset

Developing skills for entrepreneurship fosters innovation, creativity, and self-reliance among young people. Entrepreneurship encourages them to identify opportunities, take risks, and create their own ventures (Iyanuoluwa, 2023).

3) Personal Accountability

Skill development helps young people learn how to deal with success, failure, communication, and perseverance on their own. This builds their capacity to be self-sufficient and to take responsibility for their own actions (Iyanuoluwa, 2023).

4) Higher Self-esteem

Skill-building provides young people with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to greater overall satisfaction in their lives. Acquiring new skills enhances self-confidence, resilience, and adaptability, empowering them to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential (International Labor Organization, 2018).

World Youth Skills Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role skills development plays in shaping the future of young people. Equipping them with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship opens doors of opportunity, fosters innovation, and builds self-confidence.

Let’s commit to investing in the development of young people, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Help equip the young people in your life and sign them up for Mercy Works’ upcoming fall programs today:

Digital Music Lab — Music production lab for high school students (Sep 21 - Dec 7)

BMB Vision Ventures — Entrepreneurism program with a philanthropic approach (Sep 18 - Nov 17)

Vision Velocity — Monthly mentorship program for young men (Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15)

PAL Project— Photography and literacy program for junior high school students (Sep 19 - Dec 12)



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Nati Torrence