Why
The digital economy is rapidly transforming the employment landscape across industries, including financial services, health, entertainment, transportation and of course, information and communication technologies (ICT). Millions of jobs requiring advanced digital skills will be created in the coming decade, but many countries are projecting a shortfall of skilled workers to fill these jobs. While young people are often considered “digital natives”, the reality is that the majority do not possess job-relevant digital skills. In particular, jobs requiring coding and other advanced ICT skills are going unfilled.
HOW
The growth potential of the digital economy presents an opportunity for tackling the youth employment challenge. In June 2017, the ILO and the ITU launched a campaign to bridge the current skills gap. The goal is to equip five million young people with digital skills – both basic and advanced – by 2030. This will be achieved by mainstreaming digital skills into school curricula, establishing comprehensive on-the-job training systems and mobilizing job creators in the public and private sector to employ young people in digital-centric jobs. There will also be a strong focus on fostering youth-led digital entrepreneurship.
WHO
The ILO and the ITU are committed to leading on this thematic priority. Decent Jobs for Youth brings together a growing number of partners who are committed to identifying and scaling up effective strategies for equipping young people with digital skills.
Mainstreaming Digital Skills in Zimbabwe
The commitment aims to provide Digital Marketing and Graphics Design Skills Training for 1,000 unemployed youths. The Program will be run for six months covering key areas required for young people to implement and earn an income. The Project will start in Zimbabwe and be expanded to Zambia and South Africa. The Lead entity is TofaraOnline, a self-funded organization that empowers MSMEs, women, and youths to embrace digital marketing and Emerging Technologies for business and career development.
Improve youth’s confidence and leadership in China
The overall goal is to improve youth confidence and leadership skills through speech training and talk events. Our targeted group are students who are afraid of or failed to express themselves which made them miss good opportunities and students who want to improve their leadership skills. The geographic scope of the commitment is China. The lead entity is Shengma and our main source of financing will be from sponsorship and sales.