Save the Children, PADet along with key partners has colorfully celebrated the 10th GEW on Nov 17, 2017 at Raya Kobo town in North Wollo Zone, Amhara National Regional State. The event was attended by 106 participants (41 females) drawn from key government sector officials, SCI and PADet YIA staffs, YIA youth best entrepreneurs, and prominent local entrepreneurs.
The event was officially opened by Mr. Yohannes, North Wollo SC Acting Field Office Manager and SPM and Mr. Teferi, Zonal Deputy Chief Administrator and Head of the Zonal Technical, Vocational and Enterprises Development Department. In his key note, North Wollo Zone Deputy Administrator and Head of the Zonal Technical, Vocational and Enterprises Development Department noted that Youth unemployment has become a socio economic and political issue. He also underlined the crucial importance of strong integration of efforts and close communication to tackle the major challenges identified by youth entrepreneurs: lack of land access, migration and inadequate startup capital.
The official has also underlined that promoting entrepreneurship is among top government agenda and that the contributions of YIA in this regard is very encouraging. He added that Save the Children and PADet have gained the community’s and youth’s credibility, which is absolute achievement which other similar organization working in the Zone do not easily realize.
Following the briefing about GEW and YIA presentation by PADet Program Coordinator, selected youth entrepreneurs have presented their best achievements supported by video documentation and received strong appreciation from participants. Following this, a panel discussion led by Mr. Teferi, Zonal Deputy Chief Administrator and Head of the Zonal Technical, Vocational and Enterprises Development Department; Ms. Sheshege, Head of Zonal Woman and Children Affairs Department; and Mr. Shegaw, Head of Zonal Education Department was conducted. The panel discussion was received with active participation from participants and constructive discussions on YIA contribution towards entrepreneurship and the role of stakeholders for sustaining the achievements.
Participants have also appreciated YIA unique approach of blending learning with action, training approach and noted that youth has to be more proactive to benefit from packages like government revolving fund in order to grow their business. Government officials have also noted that Youth have to be organized in groups to get working space and loan. They have also vowed to support the program in recognizing YIA graduates and appeal similar program to sustain the practices and address more youth in the area.
Finally, YIA Entrepreneurs of the Year Award given for four youth selected by a YIA committee using criteria shared by national GEW partners Committee. The winners were awarded a smart phone (Brand New Techno N6) realizing the importance of communication in entrepreneurship. In general, the event was deemed a huge success as it brought all YIA stakeholders on board, gave opportunity for YIA young entrepreneurs to present their achievements and got wide recognition. Government officials have also renewed their commitment to support the program during the event.
GEW brochures, translated stories of entrepreneurs and other important information also distributed during the event. Save the Children YIA extends appreciations to Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC) – Ethiopia, GEW host in the county, for partnering with Save the Children in Ethiopia to celebrate GEW 2017 while the project was reveling its major milestone in successfully realizing its objectives.