The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), earmarked two million USD for building the potential of youth activity in selected higher institutions partnering with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Save the Children.
A one-year initiative which is being implemented by Save the Children, partner and six selected universities: Bahir Dar, Hawassa, Jigjiga, Jimma, Mekelle and Semera to equip graduates with the skills necessary to pursue and land appropriate job opportunities.
“The initiative helps our country to have competitive graduates in the market in compliance with the 15-year education road map to ensure quality education and jobs,” said Hirut W.Mariayam, from the Ministry of Higher education and science.
The capacity building will focus on high-order thinking skills, positive self-concepts, self-control and social skills to strengthen graduates’ employability. The activity will facilitate learning exchanges between universities at the national level as well as cross (inter) institutional peer exchanges while also developing a digital platform to link employers with educational institutes.
The support will address some of the existing gaps between the skill sets of university students and the demands of the job market they will face after graduation.
The six partner universities will in turn, create partnerships with Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions (TVET) in their geographic regions to address skills mismatches, improve graduates’ employability and create partnerships with the private sector and potential employers. Brandeis University from Massachusetts, USA will provide technical support during the implementation of this initiative in partnership with Save the Children.
“We believe investing in education is one of the best investments we can all make as this initiative will support Ethiopia’s Journey to self-reliance in line with the country’s education system reform,” said Sonjai Reynolds-Cooper, Director of USAID’s Education and Youth office.
Through this initiative, the partner universities and TVET colleges will be able to produce graduates with market relevant skills and experiences.