Urban Achievers

Globally, research has shown that a young person will be three times more likely to be unemployed than an average adult and predict that if not urgently dealt with, economic protest will worsen. In Nigeria, “Youth unemployment” is one of the biggest economic problems. Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative developed a program “Urban Achievers” aimed at engaging, encouraging and providing necessary skills needed for the job market. Urban Achievers program is a well-rounded program that creates a platform for graduates, undergraduates, skilled and unskilled unemployed youths to acquire skills to achieve success in their lives.

URBAN ACHIEVERS program was launched on the 1st of November, 2013. The courses are offered for free to coaches and are voluntary to attend.

Figure 1: GRS Coaches during a class

Vision and Goals

• Use innovative, volunteer-based models from other settings to overcome the challenges of unemployment and lack of relevant job skills among youths in Nigeria.
• Equipping the youth with skills and qualities that meet the needs of both the private and public sector.
• Promoting dialogue between the youths and other stakeholders to address the issues of unemployment and also creating awareness about the issues of urban youth employment in the context of Nigeria.
• Providing training for entrepreneurship development. 
• Provide adequate career information and guidance, employment counseling as well as job placement and business opportunities.