Skills and work
We increase young people’s access to financial services, financial literacy and entrepreneurship and employment skills training.
Young people have big goals for their futures, but often, they don’t have the resources, networks, agency and access to pursue them.
Plan International provides programming that prepares young people, especially young women, for a fast-paced and ever-changing employment and business landscape. Our programs are designed for young people to learn, practice and master skills needed for workplace success. This includes an entrepreneurial mindset, self-confidence, vocational technical skills, interpersonal skills, technology acumen and financial literacy.
Young people don’t just deserve to get a job — they also have the right to decent work. So, Plan engages with employers to promote supportive workplaces, working closely with national and local governments and private sector partners to develop gender-inclusive policies and practices that uphold the rights of workers and implement systems for responsible recruitment, safe migration and ways to report violations if their rights are infringed upon.
Plan’s programming approach is girl-centered and strives to be girl-led, because we believe that girls are our most important and valued partners in driving program design and content. The best way to identify the challenges that girls and young women face and define the path forward is to ask the experts: the girls themselves. Girls are eager to learn about career options and the steps they need to take to reach their professional goals, knowing that they can rely on Plan as a trusted ally and coach to help them navigate challenges along the way.
I got the sewing machine and other materials I needed to start my business. I was sewing in my home, but I was able to expand my business and now I rent a commercial space where I have set up a small workshop.
— Aua, Guinea-Bissau
After participating in a vocational training program in Guinea-Bissau, Aua received a sewing machine and kit from Plan. Photo: ©️ Plan International Guinea-Bissau
Your impact in
skills & work
- 600,517
- girls with improved skills and work opportunities.
- 3.9m
- people reached with skills and opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Your gift to Plan International USA will be used where needed most, to help create sustainable change and address the root causes of poverty and inequality. Donations can support programs, innovation, and infrastructure required to deliver our programs to girls and children worldwide, in areas such as protection, education, health, sanitation, disaster relief and economic empowerment.