Yes Tanzania | © Helvetas / Stella Oguma

Skills, Jobs & Income

Access to basic education, vocational training, and income-generating opportunities is essential to lift communities out of poverty.
© Helvetas / Stella Oguma

Lack of education perpetuates inequality around the globe, and poor countries cannot compete without a skilled workforce. As education becomes more accessible, Helvetas works to enhance the quality of education and to address the next requisite for prosperity: building a labor market that is diverse, fair and stable.

Creating bright futures for youth

More than 40 percent of the world’s population is under age 25. Future generations can only reach their full potential if a quality basic and vocational education is available to all – regardless of gender.

Youth unemployment is on the rise and has reached staggering levels during the Covid-19 crisis. Education and skills must be met with a robust labor market with sustainable job opportunities. Providing support for local private sector development, strengthening financial inclusion, and investing in digital transformations is crucial for creating new economic pathways.

© Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
«Children learn a lot about botany and environmental protection in our newly created school garden. And together we have built up a school library.»

Anthony Marloa, teacher, Dumbeta village, Arusha region, Tanzania

Our work

Helvetas’ work in basic education is focused on teacher training to enhance learning at school, helping out-of-school children catch up on learning, and reducing gender disparities. We also support vocational schools in teaching technical and life skills to disadvantaged youth and adults, readying them to seek employment and embark on entrepreneurial endeavors.  

Helvetas collaborates with the private sector to promote inclusive and sustainable market systems that can keep pace with labor force growth. As the populous younger generation prepares to enter the workforce, we help agricultural economies explore new technologies and expand into non-farm sectors such as manufacturing, construction and tourism.

Explore our working fields

Education and Vocational Skills

Lack of education perpetuates inequality because poor countries cannot compete economically without a skilled workforce.

Private Sector Development

Youth need access to reliable, fairly paid jobs to break the cycle of poverty. Helvetas creates partnerships and promotes policies that build more inclusive economies.

Partner with us

Ready to make a tangible impact in skills, jobs and income? Let's drive meaningful change together. Contact us today!

Check out our blog for the latest updates

© Mauricio Panozo

Youth

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© Simon Opladen

Education

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© GMB Akash

Sustainable economy

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Selected Projects: Skills, Jobs & Income

© Fatoumata Diabate
Private Sector Development

Dynamizing Agriculture for the Youth

© Helvetas / Patrick Rohr
Laos Private Sector Development

Good Tea Fetches Good Prices

© Helvetas / Simon B. Opladen
Nepal Private Sector Development

Riverbed Vegetables

Mozambique Education and Vocational Skills

Training for the Real Working World

jeune formation carrelage Haïti | © Helvetas
Haiti Education and Vocational Skills

Training young people for the working world

Guatemala Private Sector Development

Women´s Agro-entrepreneurship in the Highlands

© Helvetas
Vietnam Private Sector Development

Fighting Poverty with Responsible Tourism

© Helvetas
Bhutan Education and Vocational Skills

Building Trades with a Future for Young Men and Women

© Helvetas / Christian Bobst
Kosovo Education and Vocational Skills

Jobs for Young People

© Helvetas/Stephane Brabant
Benin Education and Vocational Skills

Making Up Lost Years of School

Vietnam_Biotrade_Woman | © Helvetas
Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar Private Sector Development

Ethical Trade in Botanicals

© Helvetas
Kyrgyzstan Private Sector Development

Creating Jobs to Escape Poverty

© Helvetas / Patrick Rohr
Bosnia-Herzegovina Private Sector Development

Making Markets and Jobs

© Helvetas
Bangladesh Private Sector Development

A healthy diet for women and children

© Helvetas / Simon B. Opladen
Bolivia Private Sector Development

Cocoa harvesting, protecting forests

Anfanni 2023 | © Simon B. Opladen
Benin Private Sector Development

Encouraging Rural Youth to Become Entrepreneurs

© Helvetas
Tajikistan Climate & Disaster Resilience

For a Self-Determined Life in Dignity

Albania Private Sector Development

Making Markets Work for the Youth