Vocational training must go hand in hand with basic education, says Y Care International

14 May 2001

Basic education is not enough to cater for the needs of marginalised young people in the developing world, says Y Care International, the international relief and development agency of the YMCA in the UK and Ireland – they also need vocational training to equip them with skills to work.

The charity says that although Britain has set aside £25m over three years for skills development, the British government and other donors need to go further.

“Basic education is not in itself enough to address the needs of children and young people,” said Y Care International’s Director, Dr Christopher Beer.

“They not only need to read and write, but to earn their living. Basic education and vocational training need to go hand in hand in the drive to eliminate poverty.”

Through its Target campaign, Y Care International is calling on governments to give higher priority to skills programmes, and, crucially, to give young people a voice in the formulation of policy which involves them.

“When young people have had the chance to speak out, education, training and employment have emerged as their main concerns,” added Dr Beer.