he Power of Community Initiatives in Addressing Youth Unemployment
In many developing countries, youth unemployment remains one of the most persistent socio-economic challenges. Traditional employment pathways—such as government jobs or positions in large corporations—are no longer sufficient to absorb the ever-growing number of school leavers and university graduates. In this context, community-based initiatives are proving to be effective alternatives for addressing this issue.
One compelling example is the “Youth Empowerment Through Skills” programme (YES), launched in a rural parish in Jamaica. Designed by a coalition of educators, local business owners, and community leaders, YES trains unemployed youth in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, digital marketing, and agro-processing. Participants receive not only technical skills training but also mentorship and entrepreneurship workshops. Upon completion, many of them start their own micro-businesses or are linked to employment opportunities through a local job placement network.
A key feature of this programme is its reliance on community resources. Instead of waiting for external funding, YES mobilises retired professionals, volunteers, and local institutions to deliver training and support. This model fosters a sense of ownership among community members and empowers them to become active participants in the economic development of their area.
Moreover, the programme builds self-esteem among youth by encouraging them to view themselves as creators of value rather than passive job-seekers. One participant, a 19-year-old named Shaquille, noted that he had never imagined himself as a business owner. Today, he runs a small but profitable organic farming venture, employing three others from his district.
While community initiatives like YES do not offer a universal solution to youth unemployment, they provide a sustainable and replicable model that aligns with local realities. By tapping into indigenous knowledge, fostering collaboration, and prioritising skills relevant to the local economy, such programmes can transform communities from within.
Ultimately, the success of community-based solutions lies in their adaptability and the empowerment they provide. When local actors are trusted to solve local problems, the results are often more effective and enduring than externally imposed interventions.
- What does the acronym YES stand for?
A. Youth Education Services
B. Youth Engagement System
C. Youth Empowerment Through Skills
D. Youth Employment Strategy
2. What is the main objective of the YES programme?
A. To promote tourism in rural communities
B. To provide government jobs to school leavers
C. To train and empower unemployed youth through skills development
D. To fund large corporations to hire more youth
3. Which of the following actions best reflects the model used by the YES programme?
A. Applying for international funding before starting training
B. Using local volunteers to deliver training programmes
C. Importing professionals to conduct workshops
D. Replacing academic education with entertainment
4. Why is the YES programme considered sustainable according to the passage?
A. It depends on private investors
B. It avoids involving the community
C. It builds internal capacity using local resources
D. It operates only in urban areas
5. If the YES programme were to be expanded nationally, which additional component would most strengthen its impact?
A. Encouraging competition among youth
B. Partnering with technology firms for advanced digital training
C. Limiting enrolment to school dropouts
D. Centralising all training in one urban centre
6. Which of the following best explains a potential weakness of relying solely on community-based initiatives?
A. They always depend on foreign aid
B. They may lack the scale to meet national demand
C. They are disconnected from local realities
D. They discourage innovation
7. How did Shaquille’s experience in the YES programme influence his life?
A. He became a teacher in his community
B. He decided to move abroad for better work
C. He started an organic farming business and hired others
D. He returned to school to study medicine
8. What role does mentorship play in the YES programme?
A. It helps participants write résumés
B. It provides emotional support only
C. It prepares youth for leadership, entrepreneurship, and employment
D. It substitutes for technical training