In highly vulnerable situations, professional integration is a key lever for enabling young people to build their future. By offering tailored training, employment support, and concrete opportunities, Asmae fosters sustainable paths to self-reliance through the Jeunesses Actrices de leur Avenir and Cap Jeunesse programs.
When Vocational Training Paves the Way to Empowerment
The Youth for Change program, implemented by Asmae in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Egypt, the Philippines, Lebanon, and India, aims to bring about lasting improvements in the living conditions, education, and professional integration of the most vulnerable young people. Its second phase aims to amplify the impact of existing initiatives by strengthening access to quality education, vocational training tailored to sectors with high employment potential, and support toward self-reliance.
The program relies on partnerships with local businesses to facilitate integration or the creation of income-generating activities, while developing psychosocial skills, leadership, and the active participation of young people within their communities. Placing gender equality at the heart of its priorities, Cap Jeunesse combats stereotypes and promotes access for girls and young women to schooling and the careers of their choice, thereby offering young people a real lever to build a better future.
“Thanks to the program’s mentoring, I’ve clarified my career path, developed my skills, and improved my employability. I’ve learned to analyze problems, propose solutions, and work with other young people. Today, I feel more confident, motivated, and committed—I’m confident about the future.”
Mr. J. Karthick, participant in the “Youth for Change” program in India
Supporting young people on their path to economic and social independence
In Côte d’Ivoire and Madagascar, many vulnerable young people face major obstacles in accessing training and employment. Through the Jeunesses Actrices de leur Avenir (J2A) program, Asmae offers them personalized support that allows them to freely choose a profession, regardless of gender, and to build a concrete plan for their future. The young people are trained in promising trades such as hairdressing, sewing, carpentry, or plumbing, overcoming stereotypes and gaining independence.
Nearly 440 of them have already benefited from the program, with tangible results in terms of job placement and business creation. Beyond employment, these young people also become agents of change within their communities by engaging in awareness-raising and sharing their skills, thereby transforming their journeys into true catalysts for empowerment.
Aya, a participant in the J2A project trained in unisex hairdressing in Côte d’Ivoire