Buchanan, Grand Bassa County – The Center for Dignity and Inclusion (CDI) is set to launch a transformative initiative in partnership with the YMCA Grand Bassa Chapter aimed at equipping young graduating secondary students with critical skills in human-centered design and public speaking.
This initiative comes in response to the high unemployment rate among youth in Liberia, particularly those graduating from high school and transitioning to higher education or vocational training. The scarcity of job opportunities exacerbates the challenges faced by these young individuals, making it crucial to provide them with the necessary tools to navigate their future careers.
CDI’s ongoing efforts in empowering children through digital literacy and leadership have garnered significant attention, leading the YMCA Grand Bassa Chapter to support their methodology. This partnership aims to bridge the capacity gaps among graduating seniors, who often leave secondary school without a clear career path or the opportunity to fully unleash their potential.
A recent needs assessment conducted in Buchanan City, Grand Bassa County, highlighted specific challenges faced by students, including difficulties in public speaking and a lack of clear career pathways post-graduation.
In response, CDI and YMCA will conduct a one-week training in Innovative Design and Public Speaking for 100 students who have completed their WAESC and final exams.
This training aims to equip students with confidence and innovative solutions that are scalable, viable, feasible, suitable, impactful, and address current societal challenges.
Additionally, the training will provide students with a theoretical understanding and the practical application of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address local community problems.
The training will be held at the Sustainable Innovation Lab in Buchanan City and will focus on balancing theoretical understanding with practical application and peer collaboration. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants gain a well-rounded skill set in both human-centered design and public speaking.
Through this initiative, CDI and YMCA Buchanan Chapter are committed to fostering an environment where youth can thrive, develop essential skills, and confidently pursue their career aspirations.
This partnership represents a significant step towards empowering the next generation and addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Liberia.
