Learning

The challenge of youth unemployment in low and middle-income countries is well-known. This topic was front and center at the Global Youth Economic Opportunities Summit supported in part by USAID and held in Washington D.C. from October 1-4.

Until recently, Vietnam had an agricultural-based economy, with a higher education system catering to a small percentage of the population. Engineering soon emerged as a field which could play a key role in supporting further growth and development. 

In Morocco, it’s often the more educated people that are most likely to be un- or under-employed. In fact, the unemployment rate among those with degrees is 17.1%. 

Many providers now run programs to bridge the gap between young jobseekers and paychecks. Initiatives range from small, local efforts to bold, worldwide initiatives. One of the more ambitious youth workforce development initiatives is Generation.

In an effort to improve the quality of life for youth in the Western Highlands of Guatemala—as measured by employment, education, development assets and hopefulness indicators—USAID funded Puentes.

Youth workforce development is many things to many actors. Understanding how to program for it begins with knowing what it is.

Government and development actors are increasingly understanding the value of higher education investments. Higher education plays a unique and catalytic role in developing individuals and societies. And yet, myths about how USAID defines higher education, as well as its benefits, access, and financial strain abound.