Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie

Published purpose

This project aims to increase economic opportunities for vulnerable youth, particularly young women, in 2 border regions in southeastern Senegal, namely Tambacounda and Kédougou, which are affected by unemployment, low agricultural productivity exacerbated by climate change, and deeply rooted gender inequalities. Project activities include: (1) strengthening the capacities of communities, educational actors, and authorities to reduce gender and age-based barriers and to maintain them in educational programs at the middle and secondary levels, technical and vocational training; (2) developing and delivering academic and technical and vocational training programs adapted to the specific conditions of markets and the climate-smart green economy; (3) strengthening employment hubs and professional integration cells to prepare and guide young people towards educational pathways and green economy jobs; and (4) implementing a literacy and financial literacy support program that takes into account the differentiated vulnerability factors of young people. This project aims to train and strengthen the capacities and means of action of more than 43,800 youth (including 24,550 young women), focusing on education, technical and vocational training, and entrepreneurship in the promising sectors of the green economy. Overall, the project seeks to reach indirectly 258,000 people by improving national policies and mobilizing green financing for the socioeconomic empowerment of young women and women.