Youth Empowerment Program (Advancing Inclusive Skills Development and Decent Work for Young People)

CIDO’s Youth Empowerment Program strengthens youth skills, employability, and economic inclusion to support sustainable livelihoods and long-term resilience. The program responds to labor market demands while prioritizing equity, inclusion, and opportunities for children and youth in vulnerable and underserved communities.

Program Focus Areas

Market-Relevant Skills Development

We deliver demand-driven skills development programs that prepare youth for employment, self-employment, and entrepreneurship. Our approach emphasizes practical, competency-based training that supports smooth transitions from learning to earning.

TVET, Digital, and Green Skills for the Future of Work

CIDO strengthens Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), digital literacy, and green skills aligned with evolving labor market needs and climate-resilient economies, enabling youth to access sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Inclusive and Gender-Responsive Programming

We promote equitable access to skills development opportunities for girls, vulnerable children, and youth with disabilities through inclusive, gender-responsive, and rights-based approaches.

Community-Based and Informal Training Linked to Livelihoods

We support community-based and informal learning pathways that connect skills acquisition to income-generating activities, entrepreneurship, and local economic development.

Partnerships for Scale and Sustainability

Through partnerships with communities, training institutions, government actors, and the private sector, we strengthen skills ecosystems and promote coordinated, scalable, and sustainable youth development outcomes.

Intended Outcomes

• Improved employability and income-generation opportunities for youth
• Increased access to inclusive and quality skills training
• Enhanced resilience to economic and environmental shocks
• Youth actively contributing to community and national development