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UNICEF takes on Nigeria's jobs & education challenge with GenU initiative
A United Nations backed platform aims to reach 20 million Nigerian youths in 10 years with opportunities that range from education, employment and entrepreneurship. Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative for Nigeria joins CNBC Africa for more.
Mon, 26 Jul 2021 14:11:34 GMT
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AI Generated Summary
- The GenU initiative by UNICEF aims to reach 20 million Nigerian youths in the next decade, providing opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
- Collaboration with stakeholders such as young people, private sector entrepreneurs, and major corporations is central to the initiative, focusing on skills development and problem-solving.
- Technology and data accessibility play a crucial role in preparing youth for the future, with a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all Nigerian youth being a core principle.
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is embarking on an ambitious mission to transform the lives of Nigerian youth through its Generation Unlimited (GenU) initiative. The initiative aims to reach 20 million Nigerian youths in the next 10 years, providing them with opportunities in education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF Representative for Nigeria, discussed the details of this groundbreaking project in an interview on CNBC Africa.
Hawkins expressed his optimism about the initiative, emphasizing that it presents a tremendous opportunity rather than a challenge. He highlighted the collaboration between young people, private sector entrepreneurs, and large corporations to support the 65 million young Nigerians aged 10 to 24. The primary goals of the GenU initiative include providing education, skills training, matching skills with employment opportunities, and fostering entrepreneurship. Central to the initiative is the engagement of youth in problem-solving and co-creation efforts to improve their own future and that of the broader community.
With a specific target of reaching 20 million youths in the next decade and 2 million within the next two years, Hawkins outlined the strategic approach to achieve these goals. The collaboration with influential figures like musician Banky W and major businesses signals a commitment to tangible action in supporting youth empowerment. One key focus area emerging from discussions is the importance of technology and data accessibility for young people. Ensuring widespread access to digital platforms is essential for preparing youth for the technological advancements of the future.
Addressing the concept of the 'last mile' in reaching marginalized populations, Hawkins underscored the commitment to inclusivity in the GenU initiative. Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, the project aims to provide equal opportunities for all Nigerian youth, regardless of their location or background. Progress has already been made in cities like Lagos and Kano, where initiatives such as school connectivity programs have been implemented, benefiting hundreds of thousands of young Nigerians.
Measuring the impact of the GenU initiative is a crucial aspect of its success. Hawkins emphasized the importance of accountability and partnership in tracking outcomes. By bringing together the private sector, government, UN agencies, influencers, and the international community, the initiative seeks to create a collaborative ecosystem that empowers youth and drives sustainable development. Celebrating achievements while focusing on continuous improvement, the GenU initiative is poised to make a significant difference in the lives of Nigerian youth, setting them on a path towards a brighter future.
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