Youth Unemployment Research Articles

Social Media Entrepreneurship and Youth Unemployment Reduction in Nigeria

This study focuses on social media entrepreneurship and youth unemployment reductions in Nigeria. It aims to analyze the impacts of social media content creation on youth engagement, to examine the impact of social media marketing on job creation and to find out factors affecting social media entrepreneurship in Nigeia. The study was domiciled in Rivers State and the population of the study comprises 2,796,276 Rivers State youths. A sample size of 400 youths was drawn using Taro Yameni formula. The study adopts descriptive sample survey method and the data generated through questionnaire items was analyzed using SPSS statistical tools. The results revealed that social media content creation has provided youths with opportunities to engage themselves in self-employment and that social media marketing has enabled youth to sale their goods and services virtually thereby creating more jobs. However, the study identified that inadequate networks and lack of digital skills hinder social media entrepreneurship. Ther

ThriveZA-Nurturing Sustainable Entrepreneurship for South African Youth: A Review

Recently, addressing entrepreneurship among South African youth has gained importance due to high unemployment rates and limited job prospects. Sustainable entrepreneurship offers a solution by generating employment, driving economic growth, and reducing poverty. This article outlines the current situation for South African youth, highlighting challenges and prospects related to entrepreneurship. It explores factors, strategies, and interventions that can foster a sustainable entrepreneurial spirit, emphasising the importance of an enabling environment through supportive policies and infrastructure. The article reviews recent literature on policies promoting sustainable entrepreneurship for South African youth, employing a semi-systematic content analysis approach. It focuses on improving the well-being of unemployed youth and the hurdles in educational institutions in fostering entrepreneurship. Preliminary findings emphasise the significance of funding access, business skills development, mentorship, and networking opportunities in nurturing sustainable entrepreneurship. The outcomes stress the need for comprehensive support mechanisms and policy actions to promote and sustain youth entrepreneurship. By cultivating an ecosystem conducive to entrepreneurial endeavours, South Africa can unlock the untapped entrepreneurial potential of its youth, fostering a more inclusive and prosperous future. Empowering young individuals to create job opportunities and contribute to the economy can yield significant benefits for individuals, communities, and society.

Analysis of the Influence of Demography and Education on Youth Unemployment in Indonesia

This study analyses the influence of demography and education on youth unemployment in Indonesia. The demographic conditions are examined based on the youth population, adult unemployment, and sex ratio. Education is measured by the percentage of the labour force that has completed at least high school education. The model used is panel data regression analysis, employing time series data from 2013-2022 and cross-section data from 34 provinces in Indonesia. The study found that demographic conditions significantly influence youth unemployment levels in Indonesia. The increase in the number of young people needs to be managed so that their entry into the labour force is more manageable, by increasing the promotion of education and expanding skills training for young people. Adult unemployment is a competitor to the youth labour force, reducing the opportunity for young people to find employment, and the results of this study highlight that the distribution of women entering the labour force is smaller, so an increase in the number of men entering the labour force has a positive effect on the increase in youth unemployment. Meanwhile, increasing the proportion of the labour force with at least a high school education can reduce youth unemployment in Indonesia.

Youth and Skill Development in Uttarakhand

Abstract: Youth unemployment is a serious economic and social issue in Uttarakhand. Unemployment among youth is around 20 per cent compared to all India average of 15 per cent. Joblessness among educated youth is quite acute – around 40% of the graduates are unemployed. The incidence of unemployment is disproportionately higher in the hill districts compared to the three plain districts. Joblessness is a major trigger for out migration from hills to the plains of India. This paper shows that the current design, delivery, and diffusion of vocational skill among youth has only partially succeeded in engaging and absorbing youth within the State’s economy. To improve employability of youth, major changes in formal and vocational education is needed.

Building economic strengthening programmes for youth in South Africa: determinants of success and failure

Africa, conceptually, geographically, politically, economically, religiously and socially is in bondage and this bondage is South Africa has one of the worst youth unemployment problems in the world. The high rate of youth unemployment results in multi-dimensional range of social challenges that negatively affect the wider community and economy. Social workers in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are adopting economic strengthening programmes (ESP) to empower unemployed youth. However, factors that are key to determining success of ESP are not precisely understood. The study utilised qualitative case study research design. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from 30 purposively selected youth aged 15–24 years, 6 NGO practitioners and 5 Department of Social Development (DSD). The Ubuntu philosophy was used as a theory for analysing and interpreting data. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Fort Hare. The aim of the study was to explore the determinants of youth’s success in ESP in South African NGOs. Findings established that lack of access to start-up finance, poor links to strategic partnerships and mentorship platforms were inhibiting factors for youth to establish successful enterprises. The study recommends social workers and NGOs to merge efforts and resources with other stakeholders to foster implementation of effective ESP in marginalised communities. How to reference using ASWNet style: Zibengwa, E. & Tanga, P. T. (2023). Building economic strengthening programmes for youth in South Africa: determinants of success and failure. African Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 325-332. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.6 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

Analysis Of Influencing Factors of Population Fertility Rate: A Case Study of China

Population fertility rate is one of the essential indicators to study the population size and trend of a country or region, which is of great significance for the government to formulate population policies, plan social development and optimize the labor market. China's total fertility rate has shown a continuous decline since 2014, falling to 1.30 in 2020, reaching the lowest level in history. Based on the relevant data of the National Bureau of Statistics of China and some relevant literature, this paper analyzes the main factors affecting the fertility rate and their specific influencing mechanisms with China as an example. This paper examines the factors from the perspectives of population, macro economy, macro policy and fertility concept. This study also discusses the reasons for the continuous decline of the fertility rate in China since 2014. The analysis found that the gender ratio, education level, aging, economic development, youth unemployment rate, fertility costs, fertility policies, fertility concepts, and COVID-19 all have a certain degree of impact on China's fertility rate.

Coaching Model To Build Entrepreneurship Among Youth Unemployment

Partners often try to start building productive business, but empowerment still weak due to limited knowledge, skills, health insurance capital, technology and markets. The purpose of this program is to create a new young entrepreneurs reliable, independent and competitive among the youth unemployment. The method that used to solve the problems of these partners through the facilitation of productive economic activity based micro-scale engineering model of coaching in the form of technological and social skills through training with a participatory approach, stimulus funding and mentoring (supervision, monitoring and evaluation). Result of the evaluation of the program show that the impact of the program on the social aspects of both partners is the entrepreneurial spirit is getting stronger which can be measured in absolute numbers with Likert scale indicates the value of a score of 3.5. so it can be concluded that both partners have an entrepreneurial spirit by 75%. The impact of technological engineering shows that partners have been able to increase the procurement of oyster mushroom baglog even by purchasing, increasing turnover and expanding their marketing reach and have even diversified their business in the form of selling oyster mushroom satay. As for the impact of other social engineering is both partners have started to master the techniques of business management reasonably well and being able to access market information, read the market opportunities, technology innovations through the internet facility and has begun marketing management including control of simple bookkeeping

Why does youth unemployment lead to scarring of depressive symptoms in adulthood? The importance of early adulthood drinking.

The aim of the paper is to analyse if alcohol consumption could explain the scarring effect of youth unemployment on later depressive symptoms. The analyses are based on the 24-year follow-up of school leavers in a municipality in Northern Sweden (the Northern Swedish Cohort). Four-way decomposition analyses were performed to analyse if alcohol use at age 30 years could mediate and/or moderate the effect of youth unemployment (ages 18/21 years) on depressive symptoms in later adulthood (age 43 years). Excessive alcohol use at early adulthood (age 30 years) mediates 18% of the scarring effect of youth unemployment on depressive symptoms in later adulthood. The scarring effect was seen among both those with and without excessive alcohol use. Youth unemployment leads to poor mental health later in life and part of these relations are explained by excessive alcohol consumption in early adulthood. Policy interventions should target the prevention of youth unemployment for reaching a lower alcohol consumption and better mental health.

Education-to-Work Transitions in Former Communist Countries after 30-Plus Years of Transformation

This paper reviews how young people’s education-to-work transitions have changed since 1989 in former communist countries that have subsequently become full members of the European Union (EU). The sudden collapse of the command economies led to an equally abrupt breakdown in earlier routes into working life. Subsequently, the new independent states have reconstructed their education and training, and their market economies have developed. They now exhibit similar variations in rates of youth unemployment, progression through higher education, and mixtures of academic and vocational secondary education as older EU member states. However, there are features that continue to set all ex-communist countries apart, irrespective of whether they have become full EU members. These are low local rates of pay and westward migration. Its new member states have joined the Southern countries in a European periphery. Yet, there may be sufficient winners in the European core and periphery to keep Europe united.

Towards Quality Education: An Entrepreneurship Education Program for the Improvement of Self-Efficacy and Personal Initiative of Adolescents

In recent decades, youth unemployment has been the focus of attention of international and community bodies in the area of social rights. Specifically, there is a need to promote attitudes and skills to access employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. The measures implemented have not been effective. In 2023, Spain had the highest youth unemployment rate in the European Union (29.6%). An improvement in the level and quality of education and training of young people would reduce their level of unemployment. Entrepreneurship education is, therefore, a necessary value in the society of the 21st century since it is a tool for the development and growth of the younger population. In the entrepreneurship education model proposed in this study for adolescents, we focus on the capacities of self-efficacy and personal initiative as precursors of entrepreneurial behavior. This paper analyzes the differences between the mean values of the variables before and after the implementation of the educational program and the influence or correlation between the variables. The main results are threefold: (i) the educational program implemented improves the mean values of the two variables analyzed; (ii) self-efficacy exerts a positive or direct influence on personal initiative, and (iii) the educational program improves or reinforces the positive influence of self-efficacy on personal initiative.

Youth Unemployment and Social Stability: Investigating the Linkages and Possible Solutions in the Context of Pakistan

This research explores the intricate relationship between youth unemployment and social stability in Pakistan. With a burgeoning youth population and limited employment opportunities, Pakistan faces significant challenges in maintaining social cohesion and stability. The study delves into the root causes of youth unemployment, including structural economic issues, inadequate educational systems, and mismatched skills. Furthermore, it examines the ramifications of youth unemployment on social stability, encompassing increased crime rates, political instability, and social unrest. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses, this research aims to uncover the nuanced dynamics between youth unemployment and social stability in Pakistan. Additionally, the study explores potential solutions to mitigate youth unemployment, such as policy interventions, skills development programs, and fostering entrepreneurship. By addressing these issues, the research seeks to offer insights and recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners to promote social stability and inclusive economic growth in Pakistan.

Dual form of education within the framework of contemporary educational trends in Ukraine

As a result of the reforms carried out in our society, great changes are taking place in the education system. Taking into account the prospects and priorities of the economic development, modern equipment and technological trends, the urgent problem is the fundamental improvement of the quality of personnel training necessary for the industries and sectors of the economy. Existing work experience of an employee is highly valued by companies, so its absence is the main obstacle for those who are looking for a job for the first time. Many young people fall into a vicious circle: they cannot find their first job, cannot get a job, because they do not have work experience. The practice of mentoring has a large-scale impact on promoting youth employment and is one of the main reasons for reducing youth unemployment. Purpose. The main goal of the research is to study the peculiarities of the organization of the educational process in the conditions of dual education of students. Methodology. Research methods can be divided into two categories – theoretical ones: systematic analysis, synthesis, generalization, analysis of philosophical, pedagogical, psychological, methodological and technical issues related to the research problem, and experimental ones: observation, conversation, monitoring, survey and testing, pedagogical experiment. Innovative methods are introduced into the research process; they are used during lectures, seminars, practical classes, business games, projects, simulation modeling of problem situations, thematic conferences with the participation of employers. Despite certain shortcomings, the dual system of training is one of the successful models of cooperative training and production, which can be used as an innovative type of organization of targeted training. Findings. The work considers the main aspects of the organization of specialist training in the conditions of interaction between educational institutions and enterprises. After all, the organization of the training process at the enterprise according to the dual form of obtaining education is aimed at the formation of special knowledge, abilities and skills necessary for the performance of qualified professional activities. Originality. The authors considered the concept of the development of the system of dual-form education in Ukraine in modern conditions, which takes into account the historical chronology of the formation of this process, formalizes individual stages and initiates the principles of planning the future development of this domestic system in institutions of higher education. Practical value. The results of this study can be applied by scientific and pedagogical teams of educational institutions of higher and vocational education, as well as by representatives of employers who implement a dual education system.

Power and vulnerability: Re-reading Mark 6:14–29 in the light of political violence in Zimbabwe

This article examined the story of the beheading of John the Baptist according to the Gospel of Mark (6:14–29) and drew lessons for the situation of politically motivated violence perpetrated by the youth in Zimbabwe. Politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe is a well-documented problem that negatively impacts on human rights. The article used the historical-critical method in its re-reading of the text in question and the ‘youth bulge theory’ as theoretical framework. Documentary analysis was employed to solicit data from various reports, documents and the Internet. Results showed that it was mostly the poor and unemployed youth who engaged in acts of politically motivated violence and did so on behalf of political parties and leaders. Based on these findings, it is argued that just as both Herod and Herodias abused their power by manipulating the daughter of Herodias in their plot to eliminate John the Baptist, so did powerful Zimbabwean politicians and leaders manipulate economically and socially vulnerable youth for their own political expediency.Contribution: Drawing from Mark 6:14–29, this article presents an application of the New Testament text of Mark 6:14–29 to the politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe in order to promote responsible leadership for a peaceful and tolerant Zimbabwean society. It also contributes to the argument that New Testament texts are intrinsically political documents, which scholars should try to unpack.

Revenue Strategies that Encourage Graduates’ Funding Initiatives in South African Public Universities

As a result of the increasing unemployment rate amongst youth in South Africa, this study sought to investigate revenue generating strategies aimed at sustaining universities financially in the long run whilst focusing primarily on placing graduates in employment opportunities emanating from business start-ups or business partnerships led by universities.Under the theme of developing university revenue strategies that create graduates’ work opportunities, two research questions aimed to address the role of universities in supporting graduates’ business start-ups. The study examined how university-led graduates’ initiatives could serve as a significant contributor to the university’s third income strategy, whilst simultaneously reducing youth unemployment, which is currently one of the biggest challenges in the South African economy. The focus was on all twenty-six South African public universities using secondary data that was already publicly available. A positivist epistemology, using a quantitative research method, was used when statistically testing the first key research question which was conducted by demonstrating the strength of statistical association between two variables through applying the Pearson’s correlation test. Thereafter, in the second research question forecasting technique determined how universities can realize benefits aimed at generating extra revenue from investment contributions made towards graduates’ investment initiatives through forecasting anticipated targeted Returns on Investments. Key findings demonstrated that there was a significant association between each university’s net profit and the graduates produced, and the funding subsidy from the South African government in higher education also confirms this practice. The forecasting approach using the Excel Solver equation was possible to apply in addressing the target return on investment. This implied providing positive guidance in solidifying executive decisions to strategize allocating a university profit proportion as the basis of financing capital resources supporting university-led graduates’ initiatives for creating work opportunities. Keywords: Revenue, Funding, South Africa, Publica Universities.

The Effect of Population Growth on Unemployment Youth in Somalia

The Effect of Population Growth on Unemployment Youth in Somalia

Innovative Social Solutions: Social Entrepreneurship For Youth Unemployment

Innovative Social Solutions: Social Entrepreneurship For Youth Unemployment

Factors Affecting Criminal Behavior of Afghan Youth: A Case Study of Kabul Province Afghanistan

One of Afghanistan's primary challenges is its high rate of criminal activities. The alarming rise in the number of crimes committed across the country is becoming a matter of great concern. It is popular to relate criminal activities with the poor physical, psychological, social and economic situation of the impoverished part of the population. The most prominent factors contributing to youth criminal behavior in Afghanistan are the country's high levels of poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Keeping all of these facts in mind, the major objective of this study was to analyze the factors affecting youth criminal behavior in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this study quantitative research approach was used. Field surveys were the primary method for collecting the data. A multistage random sampling technique was used for collecting the data. Firstly, two districts were chosen at random from central Kabul. The Kabul Children's Reform and Education Center was a deliberate choice for the second stage. the third stage involved selecting a sample size of 300 responders in a way that was purposeful. A questionnaire was designed as a data collection instrument, and collected data was analyzed using version 25 of the SPSS program. According to the findings of the survey, the majority of the respondents who were involved in criminal activities were between the ages of 21 and 25, and they were married. Univariate analysis revealed that, the primary factors contributing to youth criminal behavior include poverty, unemployment, lack of socializing and peer pressure. Bivariate analysis revealed that youth unemployment and excessive use of social media were factors that contributed to criminal activities. Hence, this study suggested that government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should work together to raise awareness and foster youth empowerment in order to ensure that individuals have the skills and knowledge necessary to engage in the job market and become productive members of society.

Youth Unemployment in Uganda

This research showcases the difficulties Uganda faces with their increasing youth unemployment, such as school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, and lasting consequences of the Covid-19 outbreak. It compares how different demographics have an augmented risk of dropping out of school and contrasts policies from other east African countries that helped them decrease their youth unemployment. Particularly, Kenya’s and Tanzania’s programs in different sectors, such as Kazi Kwa Vijana and Building a better Youth Initiative for Agriculture businesses. The paper also analyses Uganda’s previous attempts in decreasing youth unemployment and why they remained unsuccessful. Finally, the paper recommends solutions to different drawbacks Uganda faces. One of those suggestions is by making contraceptives more accessible to reduce the teenage pregnancy rates. Furthermore, by having inmates aid in building new infrastructure like schools could help increase jobs that were lost during the 2020 Covid outbreak. Uganda could also implement training facilities to help certify more primary and secondary school teachers, as well as advertising more job opportunities. In addition to that Uganda can carry out a similar program to Tanzania to get more youth interested and competent in agriculture.

Skill Acquisition for Youth Empowerment and Reduction of Unemployment in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

This study aims at investigating the effect of skills acquisition and youth empowerment on the reduction of youth unemployment in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The Economic Survival-Based Theory was adopted. Data for the study were gotten from both primary and secondary sources. The research was conducted in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A total of 371 questionnaires were administered to respondents using purposive sampling techniques and on the spot filling and collection. The data obtained from the field were subjected to descriptive statistics and correlation analysis, particularly, using Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient, Microsoft SPSS (version 21). The reliability of the instrument was established using Cronbach Alpha reliability coefficient method. A total of 30 respondents who were not part of the sample were used in testing the reliability of this instrument. The reliability coefficient stood at 0.672. The results of the Mean and Standard Deviation and the testing of the four alternative hypotheses indicate that skills acquisition and youth empowerment have the potential to create employment opportunities and reduce youth unemployment in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Findings from this study reveal that skill acquisition in the areas of carpentry, fashion design/tailoring business, barbing saloon and handset repairs have empowered the youths meaningfully to generate employment and reduce unemployment in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study also reveals that most youths accept political appointment as empowerment owing to the fact that they lack requisite skills and startup capital to be independent and self-reliant. The study show that most youths prefer skills acquisition and startup capital to start a venture of their own and be self-reliant than political appointment. The study concluded that the strategies of empowerment adopted by government through the offering of political appointment to young graduates without skills is erroneous and same does reduce unemployment per se. Based on the findings, the study recommended, amongst others that, skill acquisition should be made compulsory from secondary school to tertiary levels, such that every graduate irrespective of one’s course of study should possess one skill as a prerequisite for graduation. The centre for the skill acquisitions in each institution should certify the student before graduation. It is also recommended that technical and vocational devices, machines and tools necessary for takeoff of every graduate with a requisite skill should be made accessible and supplied free of charge. Also, that there is need for reorientation of the youths in line with the present economic realities in order to obviate self-pride and shame and avail themselves with the skills acquisition opportunities available to them.

자립준비청년 사회보장제도 이용의 영향요인 분석

Objectives: This study aims to examine the predictors on welfare receipt among youth in out-of-home care (youth preparing for independence) by using administrative data including the Social Welfare Facilities Information System and the Social Security Information System. Methods: The study analyzed 12,280 youth in out-of-home care, and the logistic regression models using Stata 15.0 was employed to examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics, out-of-home care characteristics, and welfare receipt including self-reliance allowance, Child Development Account (Didim Seed Account), and the National Basic Livelihood Security benefits.
 Results: First, the study found that the younger youth, who stayed for a longer period at out-of-home care, youth in foster care, youth with higher educational level, and unemployed youth were less likely to receive self-reliance allowance when compared to older, youth who stayed for a shorter period at out-of-home care, youth in childcare facilities, youth with lower education, and employed youth. Second, female, the older, youth who stayed shorter period at out-of-home care, youth in foster care, and youth with higher education level were less likely to open the Child Development Account when compared to male, the younger, youth who stayed for a longer period at out-of-home care, youth in childcare facilities and group homes, and youth with lower educational level. Third, male, the older, youth who stayed for a shorter period at out-of-home care, youth in foster care, youth with higher educational level, and employed youth were less likely to receive the Livelihood Benefits including medical and housing assistance when compared to female, the younger, youth who stayed for a longer period at out-of-home care, youth in childcare facilities, youth with lower educational level, and unemployed youth.
 Conclusions: Based on the findings, the study suggests implications for promoting the use of welfare receipt among youth in out-of-home care.