Our Intern, Adama Saidy, explains the importance of World Youth Skills Day, and why we must provide children with the skills and education they desperately need for a brighter future.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world???
– Nelson Mandela

[column width=”3/4″ title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

Over 70 million primary school-aged children aren’t enrolled in school today, according to the United Nations. Poverty plays a huge part in this unfortunate circumstance. Besides poverty, there are also many factors which affect the future of young children, including political and economic instability, living in remote areas where schools aren’t available and the constant care of children with disabilities. Girls are far less likely to attend school than boys, as they are often culturally taught to stay home, take care of siblings and engage in house work such as collecting water.

These children deserve an education to acquire the skills that they need to progress in life. It could pave the way out of poverty for so many children and open doors to new opportunities for them. Without education and skills, children will lack the basic knowledge which can help them grow into skilled leaders of their generation. Furthermore, the lack of opportunity for the youth to acquire these skills will only worsen their response to future challenges such as unemployment and under-employment. This would prevent better socio-economic conditions for the youth in their collective futures.

[/column]

[column width=”1/4″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column]

Education and skill acquisition is so necessary and essential, that its absence may lead to the stifling of potential – potential which could be used to change the world for the better. When children are educated they can make their mark in this world, a mark which can change their circumstances and that of their loved ones. They can learn how to prevent illnesses or even find cures in which they can give back, not only to their communities, but to the entire world. Education doesn’t only help prepare a Child for life, education is a part of life itself.

The UN’s World Youth Skills day was established by the UN General Assembly on November 11, 2014 and was actually initiated at the UN by Sri Lanka. They highlighted that youth skill development should be a priority on a global level, especially in developing countries. It was therefore concluded that we must not only recognise this issue, but also enhance the youth’s ability to make informed life and work choices. We can do this by organising different activities which can help young people to overcome any obstacles regarding their employment and improving their skills, so they feel secure and ready for what the future holds.

[column width=”1/3″ title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

[/column]

[column width=”2/3″ last=”true” title=”” title_type=”single” animation=”none” implicit=”true”]

Al-Khair Foundation aims to be at the forefront of empowering youth through education – with our International Education Programmes focusing on helping the youth to access greater opportunities. AKF has built schools in the most rural of areas, where the least amount of opportunities are available – ensuring no one is left behind. We have schools here at home in the United Kingdom, as well as in Somaliland and Pakistan. We help schools in India, Gaza, and Bangladesh – with more education programmes across many more countries. We focus on providing our students a holistic education, teaching life skills such as time management, looking after their spiritual well-being and teaching how to present themselves and their work. We teach them skills that will benefit their futures, including the ability to debate, reflect and engage in critical thinking. These are life-long skills that will help foster and develop them into the type of professionals or academics who can contribute positively to the world that they will inherit.

On World Youth Skills day this year, we urge you to support our Education programme and spread awareness of those children desperately in need of educational empowerment for a brighter future. For more information on our Education programme click here.

[/column]

by Adama Saidy