Speaking during the oral questions session in the House of Representatives on “the implementation of government commitments in the youth sector“, Mr. Bensaid explained that this program, implemented in partnership with a set of departments governments and national and international companies, intervenes “with a view to filling the gap in the field of training which hinders the integration of young people into the job market”.
And to highlight economic dynamism, despite the persistent impact of drought for six years, a phenomenon which, according to the minister, pushes young people to leave the rural world and head towards the cities in search of opportunities of employment.
Among the initiatives launched by the ministry is the Motatawi3 “Volunteering” program, implemented for the second consecutive year for the benefit of 18-22 year olds, noted Mr. Bensaid, stressing that it aims “to offer young people the opportunity to engage in society.
On the other hand, the minister underlined the fundamental role played by the Regional Councils in the successful implementation of the “Youth Pass” project, noting the importance of taking into consideration the specificity and capacities of each region.
This pass, which includes all services intended for young people provided by government departments, is “a new method of communication with the rising generations”, he noted.
Also, the minister revealed that the government will organize, for the first time, a youth prize in several areas, notably culture and entrepreneurship, adding that the primary objective “is to encourage young people to succeed and their give the confidence necessary to live with dignity, whatever their social conditions”.
In this context, Mr. Bensaid affirmed that the government “is working seriously to strengthen the confidence of young people in the various institutions, in particular partisan and associative structures (…) and is also striving to make young people aware of a range of services and opportunities offered to them by the various government departments.
How can collaboration between government and industry improve youth employment opportunities?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Youth Empowerment Expert
Time.news Editor (T.E.): Good day, everyone. Welcome to this week’s deep dive into the essential topics shaping our world today. I’m thrilled to have with us an esteemed expert in youth economic empowerment, Dr. Sarah Al-Mansouri. Dr. Al-Mansouri, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sarah Al-Mansouri (S.A.): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
T.E.: Recently, during a session in the House of Representatives, Mr. Bensaid discussed a program aimed at addressing the skills gap affecting youth employment. Can you elaborate on why this gap is such a pressing issue?
S.A.: Absolutely. The skills gap has been a longstanding challenge, particularly for young people entering the workforce. Many graduates find that their education does not align with market needs, which creates a cycle of frustration and unemployment. Mr. Bensaid’s initiative, which involves government and private sector collaboration, is crucial to preparing our youth for jobs that exist today.
T.E.: Collaboration seems to be a key theme in this initiative. How important is it for different sectors to work together to tackle this issue?
S.A.: It’s vital. When government agencies partner with national and international companies, they gain access to real-time data about industry needs. This collaboration helps in crafting training programs that not only equip young people with the necessary skills but also ensures those skills are relevant and in high demand.
T.E.: In his remarks, Mr. Bensaid also pointed out the economic dynamism despite the challenges posed by ongoing drought conditions. How can economic resilience be built in such challenging environments?
S.A.: Economic resilience requires innovation and adaptability. Even in adverse conditions like drought, sectors like renewable energy, technology, and sustainable agriculture can thrive. Investing in training for these emerging fields presents young people with the opportunity to adapt creatively and effectively, turning challenges into pathways for growth.
T.E.: That’s a powerful perspective. What do you think are the most crucial areas where training should be focused to ensure that young people are prepared for the future?
S.A.: A few areas stand out. First, digital skills are non-negotiable in our technology-driven world. Second, soft skills—like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—are equally important. Lastly, there should be a focus on sectors related to climate change and sustainability, as these will likely dominate future job markets.
T.E.: Moving forward, what steps should be taken to ensure that these training programs are not only effective but also accessible to all youth?
S.A.: Accessibility is key. Online platforms can help bridge geographical gaps, but there needs to be a focus on outreach to underrepresented communities, ensuring that programs reach those who need them the most. Additionally, continuous evaluation and adaptability of programs based on feedback from participants can enhance their effectiveness.
T.E.: Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansouri, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that while challenges remain, initiatives like the one highlighted by Mr. Bensaid can pave the way for a more inclusive future for our youth.
S.A.: Thank you for having me. It’s an important conversation, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these critical issues.
T.E.: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay engaged and informed, as we continue to explore the world’s most pressing topics in the coming weeks.