USAID Youth Advance Program: Work Ready Now Training for Pathway 1 in Liberia

(EDC) in partnership with Plan International and Resonance Global. The program aims to develop the foundational skills of youth aged 15-29, strengthen employment skills for improved livelihoods, and support the creation of an enabling environment for improved youth productivity. The program will support three pathways of youth in Liberia, with a focus on developing the basic education and foundational skills of youth, strengthening employment skills for improved livelihoods, and supporting the creation of an enabling environment for improved youth productivity. The program will target three different groups of youth, with Pathway 1 (P1) focusing on 13,000 youth with marginal literacy skills. This pathway will provide foundational skills including basic literacy and numeracy, as well as work readiness and soft skills through the Work Ready Now (WRN) curriculum. Additionally, participants will have access to work-based learning, entrepreneurship training, and health education through EDC's Healthy Actions curriculum. Pathway 2 (P2) will support 5,400 youth with a moderate level of basic education, providing access to WRN work readiness curriculum, youth-friendly financial services, and participation in VSLA groups. Pathway 3 (P3) will target 3,200 youth who are approaching college graduation or who recently graduated but are unemployed, providing access to WRN with a digital literacy component, on-the-job training, and job intermediation services. The Work Ready Now Training is a key component of the program, designed to provide youth with the foundational skills and knowledge necessary to become healthy, productive workers and participants in civic and community affairs. The program is socially inclusive, ensuring that all youth can fully participate and live up to their potential. The WRN curriculum integrates Work-Based Learning (WBL) and entrepreneurship training, providing youth with hands-on experience and the opportunity to practice and enhance new skills. The program also includes a unique feature of integrating WRN with other components, such as VSLA groups and health education, to provide a comprehensive approach to youth development. The program will be implemented through a partnership with the Government of Liberia and Youth Serving Local Organizations (YSLOs), with EDC providing technical assistance and support. The program will be customized to meet the needs and aspirations of the three different target groups, with a focus on developing the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for youth to become healthy, productive workers and participants in civic and community affairs.