Prince’s Trust International to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria

Prince’s Trust International, an organization founded by King Charles in the UK nearly 50 years ago, has been making strides in Nigeria to combat the issue of youth unemployment. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, the Chief Executive Officer of Prince’s Trust International, Will Straw, highlighted the organization's efforts to expand intervention programs in Nigeria with a focus on education, employment, and enterprise. The organization's mission is to support local partners globally facing youth unemployment challenges. In 2018, Prince’s Trust International made a commitment to launch programs in Nigeria in collaboration with local employers and government officials. Despite facing delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has been piloting programs for 18 months with impressive results. One of their key programs, the employability program, has seen 96% of participants securing employment within three months of program completion. Additionally, their enterprise challenge program conducted in schools has been successful in teaching young people basic business concepts and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit. The program has helped participants develop their skills, gain a better understanding of business operations, and even come up with innovative business ideas to address local social or environmental issues. Moving forward, Prince’s Trust International aims to expand its programs to reach tens of thousands of young people directly and indirectly support their families and communities. Through partnerships with local organizations like Field of Skills and Dreams and Junior Achievement Nigeria, the organization has been able to effectively implement and deliver its programs on the ground. These partnerships have played a crucial role in connecting young people with job opportunities and providing them with the necessary skills and experience to thrive in the workforce. Addressing Nigeria's unemployment rate, particularly among the youth population, Prince’s Trust International recognizes the need to tap into talent from grassroots levels and junior education. The organization is focused on bridging the skills gap by equipping young people with essential skills such as communication, self-confidence, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving. By offering work placements at the conclusion of their programs, Prince’s Trust International aims to bridge the experience gap that often hinders young people from entering the workforce. While their programs have traditionally targeted blue-collar job opportunities for disadvantaged youth, the organization is increasingly seeing success in transitioning participants to white-collar positions. The distinction between blue and white-collar jobs is becoming less defined, with a focus on addressing the need and opportunities available. Overall, Prince’s Trust International remains committed to empowering young people in Nigeria with the tools and resources needed to secure meaningful employment and build successful careers. By working closely with local partners and stakeholders, the organization is determined to make a lasting impact in the fight against youth unemployment in the country.