Poverty and youth unemployment is driving numerous Eswatini young people to crime, too many of whom end up in prison. This project provides youth convicted of minor crimes with a holistically designed program that includes life skills education, psycho/social support, vocational training, and entrepreneurial skills development.
A UNICEF analysis of Eswatini youth highlights high instances of poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, vulnerability, and exploitation. As a result, too many young people resort to crime, often leading to imprisonment. And, with few options available to them upon release, these young people often become repeat offenders, 80% of whom are under the age of 35. They simply do not have access to the life and vocational skills required to turn their lives around.
High rates of youth crime and incarceration in Eswatini is best addressed by providing vulnerable youth with the education and skills required to end their cycle of poverty. Our Skills Training Academy will provide 70 incarcerated youth with classroom instruction and practical vocational fieldwork, equipping them with market-driven vocational skills, business management understanding, entrepreneurial experiences, computer literacy skills, psycho/social support, and mentoring.
Adolescents make up a quarter of Eswatini's total population. Far too many of these young people are at risk due to poverty, unstable family units, inadequate education, and violence. We address this situation by empowering 70 disadvantaged and incarcerated youth with the education and skills required to make good decisions, successfully enter the labor market, and access entrepreneurship opportunities.
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