The impact of poverty and ill-equipped education are challenges limiting youth development in Africa. Experts are of the view that the difficulties have resulted in the squandering of untold talents, hindered economic and social progress, and as well created a dearth of skilled workers in various sectors.
They argued that to unlock the potential of Africa’s youth and usher in lasting development, it was imperative to address the issues comprehensively.
Speaking at a physical symposium for the Nigeria chapter of the African Youth Mentorship Project(AYMP) birthed by Primacy Youth Development Initiative(PYDI), under the Supervision of the United Nations Foundation, founder, PYDI Esther Ajudeonu, said that the organisation is embarking on an ambitious outreach programme spanning over 12 African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Zambia and South Africa, to impact the lives of over 7000 young people throughout the African region, by 2025, setting them on a trajectory towards a brighter future.
She said as the youth of Africa face daunting economic hardships, they find themselves navigating treacherous waters in search of opportunities that align with their talents and aspirations.
According to her, the cruel irony is that opportunities remain elusive for many, leading to a staggering youth unemployment rate that eclipses 30 per cent.
She stressed that the consequences are far-reaching, as a growing number of young people turn to illegal activities as a means of survival, contributing to a rise in crime rates and social instability.
Noting that one of the casualties of the harsh reality was access to quality education and training, she said the lack of resources and opportunities had created a gaping skills gap among young Africans. She said many of them emerge from their formative years without the competencies needed to thrive in today’s dynamic world.
According to her, this vicious cycle of poverty, poor education and unemployment perpetuates a cycle of despair, inhibiting the potential of a continent brimming with talent and ambition.
She said PYDI is a Nigerian non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young people across Africa through a range of initiatives designed to foster mentorship and skill-oriented education.
She said the PYDI recognises the unique struggles faced by African youth, including the harsh realities of poverty and limited access to quality education and training, believing that mentorship could serve as a potent catalyst for youth development in Africa.
Ajudeonu stressed that the organisation’s theory of change centres on the crucial investment in youth development through the African Youth Mentorship Programme was designed to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive, nurturing essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership.
“This mentorship is not just a lifeline; it is a pathway to self-discovery and success. By empowering young minds to make informed career decisions at the foundation of their journey, PYDI aims to address the pressing issues of unemployment, underemployment and the mismatch between skills acquired and those demanded by the job market.
“The African Youth Mentorship project has been designed to equip young people with the tools they need to succeed through three phases of programme support; which include the physical symposium, outreach to secondary school and the peer mentorship/internship placement.”
Speaking on the theme ‘Building Young Leaders: Technological and Entrepreneurial Skills for the Advancement of the African Region’, Chief Executive Officer of Zetile Oil and Gas, Dr Yvonne Ofodile, highlighted key tools that would aid the advancement of the African region.
According to her, investment in education, youth empowerment, gender equality, mentorship, personal development and culture preservation by the future generation.
At the panel session, the youths were urged to be innovative and always seek ways to become entrepreneurs, be consistent, build the right networking skills and be more knowledgeable in whatever field they are.
