Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie

Published purpose

The project aims to increase vocational training for 1,200 youth with little or no schooling (30% girls) in Haiti, Mali and Benin through on-the-job vocational training. Training is provided by 115 master-craftspersons (20% women) in their own shops using a competency-based approach. Activities support the young trainees' integration into the labour market in order to reduce unemployment and poverty, and to allow them to participate in the economic development of their regions. It is expected that by the end of the project, thanks to capacity building, coaching, and provision of equipment, the local partner organizations are becoming the main players in charge of controlling the offer for vocational training, and that the developed model is being replicated and used in other regions in each of the three countries. A research study conducted at the beginning of the project determines the most promising vocational streams according to local market needs. In addition, a mid-term evaluation is conducted to ensure that the selected streams remain relevant. The youth benefitting from vocational training are later trained in entrepreneurship and gain access to microcredit that helps them start their own shop.