Young People in Search of Opportunities: Regional ILO Training Seminar in Tunis
From October 21 to 23, the vibrant city of Tunis will serve as the backdrop for a significant gathering orchestrated by the International Labour Organization (ILO). This important seminar will welcome 21 representatives from various stakeholders across the Southern Mediterranean, including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia. The primary focus? Addressing the pressing challenges facing young individuals who find themselves not in employment, education, or training (NEETs).
This initiative represents a step toward empowering the future of youth in these regions. The seminar aims to equip participants from ministries, public employment services, and both employers’ and workers’ representatives with valuable tools and policies designed to improve employment outcomes and education access for young people. It fosters an environment of peer learning and the sharing of best practices, crucial for building a supportive infrastructure for NEETs in the region.
The training program, meticulously developed by the ILO’s International Training Centre (ITC), delves into various aspects of engaging youth who are NEET. Participants will explore the underlying factors that contribute to young individuals transitioning into NEET status and the effective methods of support necessary to reverse this trend. The curriculum includes essential topics such as early intervention strategies, informative outreach efforts, and tailored support mechanisms that align with the unique needs of young people.
Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to learn from successful initiatives implemented in other regions, such as the European Youth Guarantee. They will discover existing tools for youth engagement, which include personalized action plans, guidance and mentoring resources, and incentives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and job placement support.
Notably, this in-person seminar builds upon previous online learning sessions, allowing participants to finalize contextualized action plans focusing on national programs and employment policies. The regional seminar is a crucial component of the ILO’s ‘YNEET in the Southern Neighbourhood’ project, which is funded by the European Union. The aspirations of this initiative are commendable, seeking to enhance public policies, practices, and services tailored to the unique challenges faced by NEETs in the Southern Mediterranean region.
Ultimately, this collaborative gathering in Tunis marks a proactive approach to ensure that young people are not left behind. By equipping them with the right tools and opportunities, the initiative lays a foundation for a brighter future in which youth can thrive, contribute to their communities, and foster sustainable growth across the region.
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