All,
Many thanks for sharing your experiences particularly those on peri-urban/urban challenges and opportunities (Dr. Diana Lee-Smith and Ms. Veronica Kirogo), the need to examine the barriers faced by young men and young women (mentioned by Ms. Goemans in her description of the IFAD project in Niger), and the disconnect between elders and youth as described by Mr. Rabiu Auwalu Yakasai.
Mr. Chris Manyamba stated "The interventions for this age bracket with regards to accessing decent work may vary geographically depending on the economic status of a country." I'm sure, Mr. Manyamba, you would agree that there are also variations between regions of the country as well as between communities and households. Context is an important factor to consider as well as targeting. As pointed out by many contributors, young women will have different needs and goals compared to young men. Youth with little formal education will have different skills than those who have completed schooling and vice versa. Interships and other types of on-the-job training, as discussed by Ms. Anna Yeritsyan, provide the hands-on experience those with formal education may lack.
With regards to access to finance, the YouthSave program has yielded positive results but not without its challenges. Save the Children was part of the consortium, working with partners in-country to bring savings products to youth. A 2015 research report outlines data on youth savings habits: http://csd.wustl.edu/Publications/Documents/RR15-01.pdf
Many thanks,
Ms. Kristi Tabaj
Mme Kristi Tabaj