Seeking to expand the number of youth served under the original entra 21 program, this newly funded initiative aims to train 50,000 young people between the ages of 16 and 29 and help them secure decent work.   The initiative will reach youth through two types of grants.  One, focused on larger scale programs and in cooperation with government, private training institutions and employers, will reach an estimated 40,000 young people.  Through smaller-scale projects, approximately 5,000 youth who have had greater difficulties finding employment, due to such factors as having a physical disability or living in a rural area, will benefit.  

  

Entra 21 recently won the “Alliance of the Year” award from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for its youth employment program and creative partnerships with the private sector, NGOs, and training centers in 18 countries across the region. Over the past five years, entra 21 has benefited more than 19,000 young people, with the program offering participants IT and life skills training, internships at local businesses, and job placement services. The program surpassed its targets by placing over 50% of its graduates in jobs, most of which are in the formal sector with permanent contracts and paid benefits.