© Helvetas / Arben Llapashtica

Skills, Jobs & Income

Access to basic education, vocational training, and income-generating opportunities is essential to lift communities out of poverty.
© Helvetas / Arben Llapashtica

Lack of education perpetuates inequality around the globe, and poor countries cannot compete without a skilled workforce. As education becomes more accessible, Helvetas works to enhance the quality of education and to address the next requisite for prosperity: building a labor market that is diverse, fair and stable.

Creating bright futures for youth

More than 40 percent of the world’s population is under age 25. Future generations can only reach their full potential if a quality basic and vocational education is available to all – regardless of gender.

Youth unemployment is on the rise and has reached staggering levels during the Covid-19 crisis. Education and skills must be met with a robust labor market with sustainable job opportunities. Providing support for local private sector development, strengthening financial inclusion, and investing in digital transformations is crucial for creating new economic pathways.

© Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
«Children learn a lot about botany and environmental protection in our newly created school garden. And together we have built up a school library.»

Anthony Marloa, teacher, Dumbeta village, Arusha region, Tanzania

Our work

Helvetas’ work in basic education is focused on teacher training to enhance learning at school, helping out-of-school children catch up on learning, and reducing gender disparities. We also support vocational schools in teaching technical and life skills to disadvantaged youth and adults, readying them to seek employment and embark on entrepreneurial endeavors.  

Helvetas collaborates with the private sector to promote inclusive and sustainable market systems that can keep pace with labor force growth. As the populous younger generation prepares to enter the workforce, we help agricultural economies explore new technologies and expand into non-farm sectors such as manufacturing, construction and tourism.

Explore our working fields

Education and Vocational Skills

Lack of education perpetuates inequality because poor countries cannot compete economically without a skilled workforce.

Private Sector Development

Youth need access to reliable, fairly paid jobs to break the cycle of poverty. Helvetas creates partnerships and promotes policies that build more inclusive economies.

Check out our blog for the latest updates

Youth

Young people are a tremendous asset, but also a possible threat when denied access to labor markets, services and decision-making. Almost every second unemployed person is aged between 15 and 24.

Selected Projects: Skills, Jobs & Income

© Helvetas / Arben Llapashtica
Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, Montenegro Education and Vocational Skills

Building Economies Where All Can Prosper

Ukraine Private Sector Development

Fair Opportunities for a Fresh Start in Business