06 Feb International Development Week 2017: Celebrating A Year of #YouthForward Impact
Our goal to propel 100,000 youth forward by 2020 is well underway as EQWIP HUBs comes together to celebrate International Development Week in 2017.
When Canada World Youth and Youth Challenge International launched EQWIP HUBs almost two years ago, it became apparent that this could become a truly novel approach to youth development. With 72 million young people around the world lacking a livelihood, the need for innovation had never been greater.
Today EQWIP HUBs operate youth innovation spaces in six countries, spaces where thousands of young people, especially young women, come to participate in hands-on employability and entrepreneurship programs, and where volunteers from across Canada come to connect and share their skills.
As we celebrate International Development Week – a time meant to demonstrate the impact that international development can have – we’re excited to highlight some of the proud #YouthForward moments we’ve experienced this year.
Gender Equality: A Cornerstone For Sustainable Youth Livelihoods
Young women face a host of barriers to accessing an equal and sustainable livelihood, and that’s why EQWIP HUBs focuses on inspiring a new generation of ambitious young women with the specialized skills, resources, and opportunities to find a job or launch a new business.
From the archive: Our Pledge For Parity this International Women’s Day
Volunteers: Impacting Lives and Livelihoods
In two years, over 105 Volunteers from across Canada have applied their skills in everything from communications to facilitation; helping shape each EQWIP HUB into a dynamic and innovative environment for youth. We are proud to announce that Farah Kammourieh, a volunteer at the EQWIP HUB in Tamale, Ghana, was recently awarded a Top 30 Under 30 Award by the Alberta Council for Global Cooperation.
See Farah’s story in the Top 30 Under 30 Magazine
Technology: Connection is Key
Today, youth are more connected than any generation in history, but EQWIP HUBs has worked tirelessly to make sure that digital connection is more meaningful. This year we launched our E-Hub platform to help youth connect across continents, share their insight from our employment and entrepreneurship programs, participate in interactive learning, and spark collaborative ideas.
From the Archive: My First Days In Bolivia
Entrepreneurship: A New Way Forward
Entrepreneurship provides a path for young people to enter the economy and build their own livelihood; however, the road can be challenging. This year EQWIP HUBs piloted a brand new curriculum to help youth create and implement sustainable business plans using tools like the Business Model Canvas. Together with the support systems offered at EQWIP HUBs, we hope to see the launch of many small ventures in the years to come.
From the Archive: The long awaited Entrepreneurship Training Program is almost complete!
Collaboration: It Takes A Global Community
Launching a network of 12 innovation spaces in 6 countries takes the commitment and collaboration of many. EQWIP HUBs is powered by Canada World Youth and Youth Challenge International and works in partnership with local organizations in each city that we operate. A network of specialized organizations spanning tech, education and global cooperation also help to elevate the experience for our youth, volunteers, and staff around the globe.
From the Archive: Training the Leaders of Today in Zanzibar