In order to learn about “Why is World Youth Skills Day Celebrated?”, we need to be aware concerning to its meaning, history and the significance that it has been holding over the course of several years.
World Youth Skills Day is an annual celebration held on July 15th, dedicated to highlighting the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. It serves as a reminder of the crucial role skill development plays in empowering the youth and fostering their participation in socioeconomic development. In this blog post, let us explore the significance of World Youth Skills Day, the purpose it serves, and how organisations/ NGOs are making a difference in the lives of young individuals through various interventions.
What is World Youth Skills day?
World Youth Skills Day was first established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014 to raise awareness about the need to invest in the development of skills among youth. The day aims to promote a better understanding of the importance of technical, vocational, and digital skills, as well as entrepreneurship, in addressing the challenges of unemployment and underemployment among young people. The theme for World Youth Skills Day 2023 is skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future.
Purpose of World Youth Day
The purpose of World Youth Skills Day is multifold:
Firstly, it aims to advocate for youth skills development to enhance their employability, productivity, and creativity. By equipping young individuals with relevant skills, they can overcome barriers and improve their chances of finding decent work, contributing to economic growth, and building prosperous societies.
Secondly, the day encourages policymakers, educators, and organisations to prioritise youth skills development by creating inclusive and accessible learning opportunities. It also calls for bridging the gap between education and industry, ensuring that young people acquire skills that align with the demands of the job market.
NGO Working for Skill Development in India
There are numerous NGOs which work towards promoting skill development in order to uplift the condition of under-privileged people and youth to make their lives better. The Govt. has also initiated ways to uplift underprivileged families with the help of schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), etc.
Delhi based NGO Wishes and Blessings is one such organization which is dedicated to creating a brighter future for underprivileged people through their cause “Education for All” which includes projects like “Sponsor a Childhood” and “Street to School Programme.” These programmes aim to support and empower children by providing them access to quality education. By doing so, Wishes and Blessings helps equip young individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to build a better life for themselves and their communities.
Through the Sponsor Childhood program, Wishes and Blessings identifies children from underprivileged backgrounds who lack access to education. These children are then provided with financial assistance, educational resources, and mentorship to ensure they receive a well- rounded education. While, the STSP bridges the gap between the street and the school by providing children with a foundational education and counselling to make them school-ready.
By focusing on skills development, the NGO goes beyond traditional classroom education. The NGO recognises the importance of nurturing practical skills, such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy. These skills not only enhance employability but also empower young individuals to become active participants in their communities and drive positive change. Through this, young individuals connect with real-world experiences, they gain practical skills and insights that help them transition into the workforce successfully.
The NGO also has a skill development wing called “Sahas,” which is an initiative to provide opportunities to the lesser-privileged women to learn the art of stitching. This project also serves as an instrument to break the taboo of “it’s too late to learn.” The goal is to empower the less fortunate by giving them the chance to develop their abilities and build a better future for themselves and their loved ones. It also aims to encourage independence and financial security.
Why is World Youth Skills Day Celebrated?
Importance of World Youth Skills Day
Youth Skills Day recognizes the pivotal role of skills development in promoting social inclusion and reducing inequalities. By providing young people with access to quality education and training, it becomes possible to break the cycle of poverty and empower them to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Skill- building initiatives that target vulnerable groups, such as girls, refugees, and persons with disabilities, can contribute to creating a more equitable society.
This day serves as a reminder of the critical role skills development plays in empowering young people and enabling them to thrive in today’s world. These organizations are making a significant impact on the lives of young individuals through their education programs and skill development initiatives. By equipping youth with both academic and practical skills, they are preparing them for a brighter future, breaking the cycle of poverty, and fostering socioeconomic development.
On this World Youth Skills Day, let us recognize the importance of investing in the skills development of young individuals and supporting organizations in their efforts to empower the youth. Together, we can build a world where every young person can realise their potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
About the Author
Prajakta Bedarkar, a geology graduate, is currently a Social Media Officer at Wishes and Blessings. Despite having a varied academic background, she has always had a strong proclivity towards social work. She considers herself a creative person and attributes her growth as the person she is today for it.