In Eritrea, carpentry has always been considered a man's job. However, Tsega Teklemenot, instructor Keren center for skills development of youth, is an example that women can excel in this area.

"While most women prefer to work as waitresses and earn easy money, I am confident that they will realize that the time invested in training really brings benefits when you start to work," he says.

 

Eritrea levels of youth faces large-scale unemployment, forcing many young people to venture out and migrate in search of better opportunities. To address these problems, with financial support from the Norwegian Government and UNDP, a project of the National Union of Eritrean Youth and Students (NUEYS) supports young people with vocational training and skills they need to find work.

Training sessions last six months, ranging from graphic design to metalwork, carpentry, beekeeping, hairdressing, ceramics and electrical installation; and they are held in the six regions of Eritrea. The selection of candidates is made taking into account gender balance and youth from households whose head is a woman, internally displaced persons and demobilized youth from military service or with special needs.

At 22, Tsega Mekonen chairs the Association for the Deaf in Anseba. This training offers new hope for the future, especially for people with disabilities. Of the 21 young people who are trained in pottery class, 10 are deaf. After completing the course, I would like to Tsega pottery classes so that more members of the association can benefit from the initiative.

"Many young [disabled] without work. For me this is an opportunity to learn a new skill and empower members of our organization, "he says.

Daniel Kitre, 18, just completed his training in metalwork semester. Training exceeded their expectations and hopes that the skills they just acquired one day will allow you to have your own workshop.  

"I would recommend this training to any of my friends who are looking for work," he says.

The draft youth employment skills reproduced on a larger scale from a pilot initiative undertaken between 2007 and 2011. More than 1,500 young people have participated in the program since it began in 2014. Of these, 38% are women and 63% he has managed to permanent employment.

Teare Bierhane participated in courses of carpentry and became an instructor for the project. Today is grateful to have a steady income, "I would have loved to start my own business, but did not have the necessary capital. I am happy to be using my skills to teach others, "he says. Most of the furniture manufactured in the workshop have been sold and there is constant demand for its products.

One of the challenges facing the project is the limitation of space, because schools can only admit 50 people at once. Training centers recently expanded to accommodate more students, while offering a new curriculum, modern equipment and training manuals updated.

In addition, the project has created a platform for open dialogue on youth and migration issues, and initial funding for youth is offered with potential, especially for those returning or residing in the country.