The project will develop the entrepreneurial potential and increase employability of disadvantaged youth in three Neighbourhood countries, ensure their increased access to education and training opportunities and advocate for development and implementation coherent and cross-sectorial youth policies at local and national levels.

The project will establish and/or support youth networks in all three countries. In Armenia 300 young people will be trained an additional 100 will receive comprehensive training and coaching on entrepreneurship. 60 internships will be organised for young people in private businesses, the public sectors and CSOs. 13.000 young people will be reached by awareness raising campaigns and 40 youth workers, educators and liaison persons will be trained and supported. The project will rely on three pillars: youth participation, special focus on the needs of disadvantaged young people and gender-sensitive approach.

Actions in Brief

The project builds on efforts to improve vocational education, employment and youth development strategies and includes comprehensive efforts to boost formal and non-formal education for greater quality workforce and youth employability.

The project will start with a comprehensive labour market analysis to identify the gaps that hinder effective feedback between demand and supply. The findings will guide development of formal and informal education curricula so 300 young men and women to gain skills beyond professions and specialisations. This will include the YouthPass learning evaluation framework.

Young Armenians' entrepreneurial capacities and young entrepreneurship opportunities will be promoted through trainings, small-grant support and coaching by professional consultants. On the advocacy and policy front, the project will bring various stakeholders on issues of youth employability together in joint visibility events, job fairs and online platforms.

Duration:  01/02/2018 – 31/01/2020 (24 months)

Total project budget: EUR 1,534,717.00

EU contribution:  EUR 1,457,981.00

Budget for Armenia:  EUR 740,000.00

Location:   Armenia, Ukraine and Georgia

Coordinator:  Stichting Save the Children Nederland (NL) 

Implemented by:  Stichting Save the Children International (NL), Oxygen Foundation for Protection of Youth and Women Rights (AM), Children And Youth Development Fund (GE) and CF Slavic Heart (UKR).

Local Coordinator:    Save the Children Armenia (AM)