2017 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE

YEEI is the Global Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship Initiative is a free 2 month-long employment and entrepreneurship program launched by Focal Point Global. For 2017, Focal Point Global is partnering with Stanley Enow Foundation and YMCA The Gambia  to help secondary school youth in West/Central Africa. It is a selective program that will bring together up to 50 aspiring secondary school entrepreneurs from across Gambia and  Cameroon.

Throughout the 2 months, students will be trained in basic employment and entrepreneurship skills, engage with keynote speaker, Cameroonian hip-hop star Stanley Enow, and create a business plan with mentors. These activities will culminate in a business lunch where students will show off their newly acquired knowledge and network with potential business investors.

Rise in entrepreneurship and youth unemployment continue to grow as many African countries population become working age. In Cameroon, the unemployment rate is 30% while that of underemployment stands at 75% (International Labor Organization’s 2013 report). Access to entrepreneurship and employment opportunities via the internet have allowed youth to take a new and leading role in the economy. To stay competitive, youth should assemble virtual communities and dialogue to revolutionize the economic landscape. That is why an inclusive environment for secondary school age youth to learn about entrepreneurship and employment is so crucial.

This initiative is a part of a plan that proposes to employ 50 Cameroonian and Gambian youth.

YEEI is a 2 month long project that will involve youth from  Banjul, Gambia and Buea, Cameroon.

YEEI seeks to reach a diverse group of students who are committed to expanding their workforce exposure, employment opportunities, entrepreneurial ventures, and career development. If you are interested in be apart of this program, complete an application at /apply/