Making the world a better place begins with an individual, but it affects many lives. Remembering our youth have the power to run with the torch passed to them makes it our responsibility to provide them with the opportunities and resources needed to succeed. The youth are the future, and empowering them is the key to our ultimate success and the legacy we leave behind. 

The United Nations recognizes the importance of youth empowerment and has designated July 15 as World Youth Skills Day to raise awareness of the “strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.” Every year, events take place worldwide to highlight and create spaces for young people to interact and engage with educational institutions, companies, law and policymakers, and others in leadership positions. In addition, offering activities and programs that develop problem-solving, social skills, communication skills, information literacy skills, media literacy skills, and critical thinking are highly encouraged. 

We can all get involved! 

This year for World Youth Skills Day, support the skills development of youth. 

HHRD’s Skills Development and Livelihood Program offers training in areas such as sewing, handicraft, embroidery, detergent production, hairstyle, computer, and mobile phone repair classes, as well as entrepreneurial training and value-based education 

Your support opens the door for youth worldwide with opportunities they otherwise may never have access to.  

Other ways to observe and celebrate World Youth Skills Day: 

• Mentor a youth 

• Provide youth with information and/or access to scholarships  

• Attend/support a World Youth Skills Day event near you (the UN hosts a live stream as well) 

• Spread the word on social media! 

Empower youth, and change the world. 

By Nausheen Ahmed