African Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (AYEDI)

Through the USDOL-funded African Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (AYEDI), the Bantwana Initiative of World Education, Inc. delivered an alternative education and workforce readiness and livelihoods service package to 4277 out of school adolescent youth (ages 14-17) to mitigate the risks and impact of child labor on adolescents' healthy growth and development. By project end, 90% of learners graduated from the program and 82% were earning money from decent work.

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world. High dropout rates, lack of opportunity, and persistent poverty create barriers for youth to access well-paying employment. Many youth end up working in hazardous conditions for minimal compensation.

Youth entered the pathway through Youth Empowerment Clubs, where they  learn to set goals, learn  basic literacy and numeracy, practical life skills, occupational safety training, study tours to local entrepreneurs, and career guidance. After completing the Club package, youth chose an educational and/or vocational pathway to learn and started up businesses in modern farming, entrepreneurship or return to formal school.

In addition to the Youth Empowerment Clubs, youth were supported to establish or join savings groups to build capital, increase their financial literacy skills, and practice saving. Savings groups foster strong peer support to help youth stay focused on career goals and address challenges. Parents and guardians of the youth are also supported in joining village savings and loan associations (VSLAs).

AYEDI was funded by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) and in partnership with local governments, Uganda Women’s Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), Straight Talk Foundation, and RECO Industries.

By the close of the program, a total of 4277 youth received programming in which 90% of youth had graduated from the program 82% were earning money from decent work, 82% of caregivers could provide for their children's basic needs, and 82% of adolescent youth were saving money through savings groups. 

Having spent more than ten years working in schools and communities in under-served districts in Uganda, WEI/B has built the trust of community members, rapport with young populations,  and expanded its reach in schools.  The AYEDI program seeks to build upon these strong relationships already formed and further advance skills and career options among young individuals near or entering the working class.

AYEDI was a 5 year project implemented by Bantwana in collaboration with the United States Department of Labor (USDOL) and in partnership with local governments, Uganda Women's Effort to Save Orphans (UWESO), Straight to Talk Foundation, and RECO Industries.