Highlighting Proven Results in Youth Employment
The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) recently welcomed a delegation from the Africa-America Institute (AAI) on a learning visit to assess the impact of PIND’s Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) initiative, a workforce development program funded by the Ford Foundation. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase YEP’s tangible results in reducing youth unemployment and explore potential collaborations to scale economic opportunities in the region.
Since its inception, YEP has empowered over 11,000 young people with market-driven skills, directly linking over 4,565 beneficiaries to wage employment, income-earning opportunities, and entrepreneurship, while 3,000+ have secured apprenticeships or internships.
Understanding YEP’s Model and Achievements
The delegation, led by AAI President, Mr. Koffi Appenteng, and Program Architect, Ms. Felicia Appenteng, was received by PIND’s Executive Director, Mr. Tunji Idowu, who emphasized YEP’s role in creating sustainable employment pathways.
PIND’s Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) Project Manager, Mr. Patrick Ekpe, provided an overview of YEP’s workforce alignment strategy, highlighting key milestones achieved between 2018 and 2024, including policy engagements with state governments and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Mrs. Ruhuoman Kejeh, Permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Youth Development shared insights on how the state ministry adopting NDYEP model and framework has transformed the process of their engagement with the youths and how impactful the NDYEP program has been to youth development in the state. This adoption is reflected in the transition from a Training-to-Dump (TTD) model to a Training-to-Engage (TTE) model. She outlined TTE’s four phases:
- Awareness & Mobilization
- Behavioral Modification Workshops
- Vocational Training
- Internship Placement
This approach has significantly enhanced workforce development efforts, ensuring that trained youth transition into meaningful employment.
AAI Delegation Visits YEP Training Centers
To experience YEP’s impact firsthand, the AAI delegation toured three training centers:
- Aqua Green Integrated Farms (AGI) – Agriculture Training
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (E&I) Centre, Rivers State University – Building Construction
- Meranos Ltd – ICT Training
At each location, YEP’s implementing partners demonstrated how the initiative integrates technical training, industry linkages, and entrepreneurship support to drive sustainable employment outcomes. Beneficiaries shared testimonials on how the program helped them secure jobs and launch businesses, further reinforced by a documentary screening of success stories.
Exploring Opportunities for Scale and Sustainability
Discussions between PIND and AAI delegates focused on expanding YEP’s impact through:
- Increased access to finance for youth entrepreneurs
- Exploring impact investment opportunities
- Strengthening public-private partnerships to institutionalize YEP across more states
AAI representatives commended PIND’s structured approach to youth employment, emphasizing the need for sustained investments in workforce development.
Advancing Sustainable Youth Employment in the Niger Delta
The visit reaffirmed PIND’s commitment to evidence-based solutions for tackling unemployment. By strengthening partnerships and leveraging innovative funding mechanisms, PIND aims to expand YEP’s reach, ensuring that more young people in the Niger Delta gain access to sustainable career pathways.
For more updates on PIND’s impact-driven programs, visit www.pindfoundation.org.
