SOS empowers youths with employability, entrepreneurship skills

To prepare young people for the job market and lead independent lives, SOS Children Village has partnered with Johnson and Johnson Nigeria on her “Youth can Nigeria project”.

The National Director, SOS Nigeria, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, who announced this at a ceremony held at Radisson Blu Ikeja, said preparing the young ones for self-reliance and independence has become imperative as youth unemployment has become a threat with clear negative effects on national economy.

Erhumwunse said the initiative is to create uplifting and inspiring opportunities for young people to strengthen their employability and enable them gain relevant practical experiences, skills and knowledge.

Besides, he noted that the collaboration would create opportunities for corporate partners to make full use of their expertise, networks and experiences to create new avenues for young people to transit successfully into professional work life.

“ The Youth Can project “ was launched in Nigeria in May 2017 and has reached 665 young people who have benefitted from various programmes including career counseling, skills training, internship, mentorship, job shadowing and placement. SOS Children’s village is open to partnership with other corporate organisations who share our vision of empowering vulnerable young people towards independent life.”

Country manager, Johnson &Johnson Nigeria, Mr. Gabriel Ogunyemi said, “We are proud to associate with SOS children village and the partnership avail both organisations the opportunity to contribute to improving the quality of life of young people by increasing their chances of finding space in the job market.He added that the collaboration is a demonstration of a great sense of responsibility towards building a better society for Nigerian youths.