Across the globe, youth unemployment remains a pressing challenge, with millions of young people facing limited job opportunities. Various countries are taking proactive measures to combat this issue by equipping their youth with relevant skills through targeted training programs. One notable initiative is the recent establishment of the Centre de Ressources et de Compétences de Djibouti (CRC), which aims to tackle the staggering unemployment rate among the country’s youth, currently close to 50%. Notably, around 70% of the unemployed are individuals under the age of 30, highlighting the urgency of addressing this demographic's needs.
The CRC recently opened its doors to provide training focused on port logistics and transport, strategically located near Djibouti’s main port. This cutting-edge facility, outfitted with advanced simulators, classrooms, and practical training spaces, not only aims to fill the demand for skilled labor but also responds to the significant opportunities within the logistics sector. Djibouti ranks as Africa’s leading port according to the World Bank and IHS Markit, evidencing the foundational role this industry plays within the local economy.
Starting its operations back in 2019, the CRC has already trained around 3,000 students, achieving impressive recruitment rates of approximately 70%. The center's director, Abdourahman Elmi, shared the commitment to adapt training programs according to market demands, ensuring the courses align with the needs of employers. "We work closely with port authorities and companies to understand their needs," said Elmi, emphasizing their adaptive approach.
This vocational training not only opens doors to employment but also empowers young people, instilling confidence as they transition from education to the workplace. Stories from graduates like Robleh Houssein, who trained to be a container carrier driver after working as a dock master, showcase the transformative potential of these programs. He expressed how the course represented more than just training; it was about fulfilling his dreams and responsibilities.
Meanwhile, efforts to promote employability are also underway elsewhere. For example, recently announced short-term courses for fire-fighting and disaster management by Goa’s Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant, aim to bolster employment opportunities for the youth in India. These courses target high-demand jobs both locally and across the globe, significantly focusing on the merchant navy sector. At the inauguration of the training center, Sawant highlighted how these initiatives would cultivate skills needed for effective disaster management and firefighting, which have seen rising global demands.
The Goa State Fire Force Training Centre will lead these programs, backed by the well-regarded Nagpur Disaster Management College. This partnership is geared toward ensuring the training delivers practical, real-world skills, having already attracted international candidates. The forward-thinking approach of such programs reflects recognition of the interconnectedness of today’s job market.
The CRC and Goa’s training initiatives reflect broader efforts throughout the global community to provide sustainable solutions to youth unemployment. By focusing on skills development tied directly to market needs, these strategies are laying down pathways to secure employment, expand opportunities, and thereby instill self-confidence among young people.
While challenges remain, the aspirations of programs like those seen at the CRC and the Goa training initiatives signal hope. They depict a collective recognition of the need to bridge the skills gap and boost employability amid rising global unemployment rates. Meanwhile, the stories of young people finding their paths and dreams through such training aren’t just statistics; they’re powerful testimonials of program success. Truly, investments in skill training for youth represent pivotal steps toward transforming lives, economies, and communities around the world.
