ADDRESSING YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT IN PNG
By Pushpa Srinivas, DIGIKESEN Training & Consultancy
Youth unemployment is a critical issue that Papua New Guinea (PNG) currently faces. It not only hampers the economic growth of the country but also poses significant challenges to social stability and overall development. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that involves identifying the root causes, creating opportunities for skill development, and establishing pathways for employment. By focusing on these aspects, PNG can empower its youth and pave the way for a brighter future.
Several factors contribute to the high rates of youth unemployment in PNG. Limited access to quality education and vocational training programs often results in a mismatch between the skills possessed by young people and the demands of the job market. Additionally, a lack of employment opportunities, especially in rural areas, exacerbates the problem. Insufficient infrastructure, limited access to finance, and a scarcity of entrepreneurial support further hinder youth employment prospects. One of the main challenges faced by existing coalitions of government and non-government actors in PNG is the inability to effectively mobilize and sustain momentum on complex issues and problems. This lack of collective action hampers the progress of public policy reforms and hinders the development of the nation.
By enhancing the soft skills of young graduates through our training program, we will be equipping them with the necessary tools to become effective leaders and catalysts for collective action. Communication, teamwork, and leadership are key soft skills that are essential for mobilizing groups and building sustainable networks.
Through our comprehensive curriculum, which covers a wide range of soft skills including communication strategies, interpersonal skills, teamwork, leadership, and transitional training, we will empower the graduates to effectively collaborate, engage stakeholders, and drive positive change in their communities.
By developing their communication skills, the graduates will be able to articulate the importance of collective action and effectively convey their ideas and goals to diverse stakeholders. This will help in building alliances and garnering support for critical national and local development initiatives.
The training program will also focus on teamwork and leadership, enabling the graduates to work collaboratively with different actors and inspire others to join their cause. They will develop the ability to navigate complex problems, build consensus, and create a shared vision, which are essential for mobilizing collective action.
Furthermore, the transitional training component, which includes CV building, creating strong LinkedIn profiles, and mock interviews, will equip the graduates with the necessary tools to navigate the professional landscape and secure employment opportunities that will further support their efforts towards collective action.
By investing in the development of these soft skills, we are fostering a generation of leaders who are not only equipped with technical knowledge but also possess the interpersonal and leadership skills necessary for effective collective action. This will enable them to overcome the barriers that have hindered progress in public policy reforms and complex development goals in PNG.
We strongly believe that by empowering young graduates with these essential soft skills, the Local Leadership and Collective Action Program (LLCAP) will create a network of dynamic and capable leaders who can address the most challenging problems facing PNG. The training program will provide them with the confidence, knowledge, and skills to mobilize communities, engage stakeholders, and sustain momentum towards meaningful change.
In conclusion, this soft skills training program is a vital component of the LLCAP as it addresses the core issue of inadequate collective action in Papua New Guinea. By developing the leadership and communication skills of young graduates, we will create a strong foundation for effective collaboration and mobilization, ultimately driving progress in public policy reforms and the achievement of critical national and local development goals.
Learn more about the PDIA 2 Cohort here.