World Youth Skills Day

World Youth Skills Day, which is observed on 15 July every year, presents an opportunity to come together and recognise the importance of youth skills development, giving youth the chance to contribute to the sustainable development of their communities and countries, as well as the world at large.

Young people are almost three times more likely to be unemployed than adults and are continuously exposed to a lower quality of jobs, greater labour market inequalities, and longer and more insecure school-to-work transitions. In addition, women are more likely to be underemployed and underpaid, and to undertake part-time jobs or work under temporary contracts.

That is why education and training are key determinants of success in the labour market. Unfortunately, existing systems are failing to address the learning needs of many young people, and surveys of learning outcomes and skills show that youth have low levels of achievement in basic literacy and numeracy.

The Australian Government recognises that education contributes to improved social and economic outcomes for young people and is vital for economic development. As a result of an Australia Awards – Africa Scholarship, African professionals can use the skills and knowledge they have gained during the program to make a change in their home countries, like:

Joyce Ocansey – Ghana

Arnaud Tonang Zebaze – Cameroon

Ncedo Ludada – South Africa