Youth Enlightenment: Transforming Lives Through Education
In the urban areas of Addis Ababa, many young people face significant challenges in accessing quality education and developing the skills needed for meaningful employment. Our Youth Enlightenment Program is changing this narrative by providing comprehensive educational support and skills development.
The Challenge
Youth unemployment in urban Ethiopia remains persistently high, with many young people lacking the education and skills needed in today's job market. Limited access to technology, inadequate career guidance, and few opportunities for practical skills development leave many youth feeling hopeless about their future prospects.
For young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, these challenges are even more acute. Many are forced to drop out of school to support their families, creating a cycle of limited opportunity that is difficult to break.
Our Approach
In 2019, we launched the Youth Enlightenment Program with a comprehensive approach to youth development:
Education Support
- Tutoring and academic support
- School supplies and uniforms
- Scholarships for higher education
- Literacy programs for out-of-school youth
Skills Development
- Computer literacy and digital skills
- Vocational training in high-demand fields
- Entrepreneurship education
- Financial literacy
Mentorship & Leadership
- One-on-one mentoring with professionals
- Leadership development workshops
- Community service projects
- Peer support networks
Career Development
- Career counseling and guidance
- Job readiness training
- Internship placements
- Job search support and networking
"Before joining the Youth Enlightenment Program, I had dropped out of school and was working odd jobs with no clear future. The program gave me a second chance. I completed my education, learned computer skills, and now I work as an IT assistant at a local company. I can support my family and I'm saving for university."
The Impact
Since its inception, the Youth Enlightenment Program has achieved remarkable results:
Program Participants
Young people have participated in the program
Education Completion
Of participants complete their secondary education
Employment Rate
Of graduates secure employment or start businesses
Higher Education
Of graduates continue to higher education
Meron's Journey
Meron grew up in a low-income neighborhood in Addis Ababa. Her parents, both working long hours in low-wage jobs, struggled to support the family. When Meron was 16, she considered dropping out of school to help earn income.
A teacher referred Meron to our Youth Enlightenment Program. She received a scholarship to continue her education, along with tutoring support that helped her excel in her studies. Through the program's computer training, Meron discovered a passion for graphic design.
With mentorship from a professional designer and access to our computer lab, Meron developed impressive skills. The program helped her secure an internship at a local marketing firm, which later hired her as a junior designer. Today, Meron is pursuing a degree in digital media while working part-time, and she mentors younger participants in the program.
"The program didn't just give me skills – it gave me confidence and a vision for my future," says Meron. "Now I know I can achieve my dreams, and I want to help other young people do the same."
Looking Forward
Building on the success of the Youth Enlightenment Program, we are expanding to reach more young people in Addis Ababa and beyond. Key initiatives include:
- Opening a second youth center in another neighborhood of Addis Ababa
- Developing advanced digital skills courses, including coding and web development
- Creating a youth entrepreneurship incubator to support business startups
- Establishing formal partnerships with employers for internship and job placement
We're also working to document and share our model with other organizations, creating a network of youth development programs across Ethiopia.