In August 2010, the International Labor Organization warned of a "lost generation" of over 300 million youth. These youth are eking out uncertain and unsustainable livelihoods on the margins of society and facing reduced life opportunities. Just $100, means Generation Enterprise and its social mobility enterprise, Zest, can provide 3 months of paid formal economy job training to a "lost" youth in Nigeria. If that youth is successful, they are guaranteed at least 1 years formal employmen
The "Lost Generation" of Street Youth are a group of over 300 million youth who are either eking out uncertain and unsustainable livelihoods in the informal markets on the margins of society or are completely unemployed. Their homelessness, underemployment and unemployment is an economic, social justice and international security issue. as they cost their countries billions in lost potential and are vulnerable to exploitation by criminals, gangs and terrorists.
Generation Enterprise creates a clear path for youth to go from poverty to self-sufficiency to community leadership. Unlike traditional microfinance programs or incubators, we design, own, and operate our ventures. Youth enter our enterprises as employees and receiving ongoing training, an income, assuming greater responsibility, and ultimately taking ownership of the entity. The money we raise towards their ongoing training will enable 1000 more youth to take steps along this path.
Youth are eligible to buy GEN out of their microenterprises at a preset level. As more youth pass through our program and into ownership they provide good examples and jobs for their peers. Since 2011, we have trained over 300 youth, incubated 25+ businesses that have created 50+ jobs, and provided income increases of 13x. We believe these youth can be agents of change and economic development for their communities altering the entire social fabric of our increasingly urban world exponentially.
