Pristina, November  27, 2017– The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced today two new programs to help build the workforce skills and capabilities for Kosovo’s youth. Through these programs the United States Government has allocated approximately $1.5 million to achieve this goal.

Partnering for Impact in Apparel Sector and Partnering for Impact on Information Technology will provide skills for young Kosovars entering the workforce. High youth unemployment is one of the key issues facing Kosovo as young people are currently twice as likely as other adults to be unemployed. The numbers are tough to turn around, with half of Kosovo’s population under 25 years old, and an education system unable to equip youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the demands of the labor market, especially in the private sector.

As USAID Kosovo Director James Hope said - “To make it in the workplace or as entrepreneurs, youth need to develop the requisite communications, writing, and critical thinking skills that make for confidence, poised, and successful employees in any field.”

The two components of Partnering for Impact provide training for youth by facilitating self-employment opportunities in the information technology and apparel sectors.

USAID is working directly with two private sector partners to implement the programs: the Kosovo Apparel and Marketing Association (KAMA) and Cacctuss Education.  Partnering for Impact in the Apparel Sector focuses on internships, primarily for young women, to improve their skills and expand access to employment in apparel companies.  Partnering for Impact in Information Technology focuses on facilitating self-employment opportunities through incubation and entrepreneurship combined with internships and job placements.