Youth Development & Employability

Empowering Young People to Shape Their Own Futures 

 

 

 

 

Youth Development & Employability 

Empowering Young People to Shape Their Own Futures 

Burundi is a young nation, with more than 60% of the population under the age of 25. This demographic presents a powerful opportunity, but many young people continue to face limited access to decent employment, lack of practical skills, restricted access to finance, and ongoing socio‑economic vulnerability. 

SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi responds to these challenges through a results‑oriented Youth Development and Employability Programme, designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to transition safely and successfully into adulthood. 

Our Approach 

We support young people through a holistic and personalised pathway to autonomy, combining: 

  • Life skills development (including health, responsible decision‑making, and risk prevention), 

  • Employability and vocational skills, aligned with labour‑market needs, 

  • Entrepreneurship support, enabling young people to create their own livelihoods, 

  • Individual development plans, guiding each young person toward independence. 

Our approach strengthens both technical and behavioural skills, while actively collaborating with the private sector to improve access to employment, internships, and self‑employment opportunities. 

 

Our Impact 

Through this programme: 

  • Hundreds of young people have strengthened essential life and employability skills. 

  • Young participants follow clear personal development plans that support their journey toward self‑reliance. 

  • Every year, dozens of young people access jobs, internships, or self‑employment opportunities. 

  • A growing number of young entrepreneurs launch income‑generating activities with our support. 

  • Measurable improvements in autonomy and resilience enable young people to better manage resources and face economic risks. 

Looking Ahead

 

In the coming years, SOS Children’s Villages in Burundi aims to: 

  • Increase by 50% the number of young people supported through employability programmes, 

  • Expand access to decent work and self‑employment, 

  • Strengthen and diversify private‑sector partnerships, 

  • Extend youth empowerment initiatives to new geographic areas. 

By investing in young people today, we help build a more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous Burundi, where every young person has the opportunity to realise their potential. 

 

Network of global YouthCan! partners