Top on the International agenda to-date is the promotion of youth entrepreneurship. For a long time economic programs have targeted the adults ignoring the young people. Many feel young people are not focused or unable to run an enterprise.
It is even more scary to suggest that financial services be extended to young people. The first thing that comes to mind could be that; Young people are fraudulent, they can not work; and can not save; or they are idol and unwilling to work! I s this true?
Currently a number of international organisations are championing youth targeted programs. Indeed youth can be economically active and can save. One of such has been Making Cents International of Washington D.C. in the U.S.A.
The recent Global youth Enterprise and Livelihood Development Conference 2010 that was held between 14th -16th September 2010 at the Inter-American Development Bank in the center of Washington D.C brought together hundreds of believers in this new venture from aver 69 countries.
The conference featured 5 tracks namely:-
1.Work force Development
2. Youth Inclusive Financial Services and financial capabilities.
3. Youth Enterprise Development.
4. Monitoring, Evaluation and Impact
5. Adolescent Girls and Young women.
The different discussions presented a list of thoughts such as;-
- It is important to use market research findings or results to design products for young clients.
- Young people are different from adults and it is vital to know the differences and employ mechanisms that work well for youth.
- Youth entrepreneurs just like adults need funding. Players should thus mainstream Youths as clients in Adult Oriented Microfinance Institutions.
- Youth programming requires a holistic approach for instance considering cross sectoral youth enterprise development and HIV Prevention.
- Youth programs need to be monitored as well as evaluated just like other programs.
- Adolescent girls can be empowered through integrated programming.
- Gender affects youth access to services.
- We can use micro-franchising as a tool for youth livelihood development.
- Innovative youth lending models can enable youth access financial services.
- Employing a value chains can improve the lives of Young people.
- Adopt multi-component approaches to youth workforce development.
- Entrepreneurship education has a role to play, in building a critical mass of Young entrepreneurs.
What is your contribution, in Youth Economic Empowerment? Please Join the Move!!
