Livelihood Development
IDD’s livelihood development programs begin with the needs of youth. They complement workforce development programs, which are based on the assumption that the private sector is growing and has jobs for qualified applicants. However, in many countries the number of youth is increasing at a faster rate than the number of new jobs. In response to this need, IDD supplements workforce development strategies with livelihood development programs for young people from marginalized backgrounds. Our projects cater to young people’s specific needs, build upon their existing knowledge and experience, and help them progress to employment in the informal or formal economy.
Flexible “learning while earning” programming allows young people to complete school, earn an equivalency certificate, or develop specific technical skills and cultivate cross-cutting work readiness skills, while continuing in part-time or full-time work. Some of IDD’s youth livelihoods projects train youth to develop their own microenterprises, an emerging practice that helps poor people earn money through small-business development or other entrepreneurial activities. Through access to microfinance and microenterprise development products, youth have the chance to improve their livelihoods capabilities. IDD’s livelihood development programs help improve the short-term well-being of youth while helping them accumulate key sustainable livelihood capital and livelihood capabilities.
Information on the IDD projects involved in Livelihood Development.
