Empowering Youth: 5 Best Livelihood NGOs

India’s workforce is growing! According to the India Employment Report 2024, the working-age population increased from 61% in 2011 to 64% in 2021, and it is expected to reach 65% in 2036. Despite this growth, recent data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) indicates a high unemployment rate of 9.2% in June 2024. This challenge is present in both rural (9.3%) and urban (8.9%) areas.

These trends of high unemployment rates in India create a ripple effect with devastating consequences:

• Financial Strain: People lose income, making it difficult to afford basic needs, leading to debt and a decline in living standards.
• Negative Health Impact: The stress of unemployment can worsen mental health and increase the risk of physical health problems.
• Outdated Skills: Long-term unemployment can lead to a decline in skills and work experience, making it harder to find a new job.
• Suffering Economy: Reduced spending from unemployed individuals weakens economic growth. Additionally, the government may need to provide more social assistance, straining social programs.
• Hinders Societal Progress: A large pool of unemployed workers represents a waste of human potential that could benefit society.

As World Youth Skills Day approaches on July 15, it is a chance for all of us to unite in addressing employment challenges. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, this day highlights the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need to be successful in the workforce and contribute to a more peaceful and developed world. The focus is on raising awareness about the need for quality training that equips young people with relevant skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

At HelpYourNGO, we prioritize partnerships with reliable NGOs that work tirelessly to address pressing issues. Many NGOs in India are dedicated to skill development and livelihood, and one of the easiest ways to support them is to donate to a reputable organization. To make life easy for you, we have shortlisted the 5 Best Livelihood NGOs in India:

SGBS Unnati Foundation (SUF):

• SUF provides free vocational training to underprivileged youth aged 18-25. This training equips them with essential skills like spoken English, computer literacy, life skills, and industry-specific knowledge, making them more employable.
• The curriculum includes life skills, presentation and communication skills, and general awareness of technology use, preparing students to perform well in interviews and secure good jobs.
• Guarantees job placement upon completion of the program with social security benefits for all students in various corporate companies, thereby removing a major hurdle for young people seeking employment.

Antarang Foundation:

• Antarang’s CareerAware and CareerReady programs empower youth to discover their strengths and interests, explore diverse career options, and make informed career choices aligned with their aspirations.
• Builds an aspirational environment for students through a comprehensive curriculum, supported by resources such as a knowledge portal, a 24/7 career chatbot, and student helplines.
• The NGO tracks students’ academic performance and progress post-grade 12, providing a continuous support system to help them successfully pursue careers of their choice.

Yuva Parivartan:

• Yuva Parivartan offers technical, business, and life skill training programs focused on providing sustainable livelihood opportunities for school dropouts.
• Provides livelihood training for both urban and rural populations, offering farm-based and non-farm-based skills training. The aim is to generate new income opportunities and integrate these individuals into the national economic mainstream.
• Focuses on agriculture, animal husbandry, water resource management, women’s empowerment, and skills training to improve the overall standard of living and create income streams.

Etasha Society:

• Etasha offers business education, management training, funding assistance, and mentorship to support entrepreneurial success among youth.
• Provides vocational training in manufacturing and service sectors, focusing on essential job-linked skills, preparing youth for immediate employment.
• Initiatives for 8th to 12th graders include life skills workshops, individual counselling, and a supportive helpline. Remedial education is provided in language and numeracy, computer training, confidence-building workshops, and personalized career planning.

New Resolution India (Bright Future):

• Step to Livelihood – Buniyaad focuses on creating a conducive learning environment by developing life skills, providing educational guidance, identifying career pathways, and turning passions into employment.
• Livelihood – Bulandi engages young adults in training and employment, teaching career and life skills, supporting informed career decisions, aiding in job retention, and promoting family well-being.
• Entrepreneurship Development – Badi Soch equips youth with the skills to turn ideas into businesses, offering three years of support including awareness building, counselling, mentoring, and business guidance.

Supporting these initiatives not only empowers individuals but also contributes to the overall progress and prosperity of our society. Together, we can make a significant impact on reducing unemployment and unlocking the potential of India’s youth. Click on the names of the Livelihood NGOs above to learn more and donate directly to these impactful initiatives.

Visit HelpYourNGO’s NGO Search & Compare Tool to find more organizations working towards your favourite cause and make a difference today.

Please note that the above list is not an exhaustive list of the best Livelihood NGOs and have been selected from the HelpYourNGO database.

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