EU4Youth in Armenia: over 1,700 young people supported in skills development and employment

On 23 June, a national event took place in Yerevan, Armenia, to mark the handover of the National Steering Group’s mandate and the closing of the grant projects under the EU4Youth programme. The event aimed to promote the exchange of results achieved within the different components of the initiative and to discuss paths for future collaboration and support. 

The National Steering Group structure aims to foster dialogue to improve youth employability in Armenia and serve as a recipient of the project’s outcomes and tools. The presidency of the Group was assumed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the vice-presidency by the Youth Organisations Union, and the permanent Secretariat role by the Unified Social Service, collectively forming the Managing Board.

“Our goal through EU4Youth was to equip young people with tangible tools to shape their future. Social entrepreneurship enables them to transform care for their communities into real, visible actions,” said Austėja Vilkelytė, representative of the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA), Lithuania. “This project demonstrates that Armenian youth have the energy, ideas, and courage needed to drive change. We are here to support them on their journey – from classroom ideas to initiatives that can inspire the entire region.”

In the last two years, three regional grant projects were implemented under EU4Youth in Armenia, engaging over 1,708 young people in opportunities to improve their capacities, develop professional and digital skills, take part in training courses, receive mentorship, and obtain financial support to implement their ideas:

• Of all participants, 68% were women and 62% came from vulnerable groups, reflecting the programme’s inclusive approach. As part of skills development, 65% of participants received digital training, while the rest joined sessions on social entrepreneurship and active citizenship.
• Career counselling was provided to 100 young people with disabilities, and 29 specialists were trained as career counsellors. 
• 10 youth NGOs received grants to support youth career development.
• 16 young entrepreneurs received funding to implement their business ideas, and 54 others received technical assistance.
• 10 young people had the opportunity to complete internships in social enterprises, gaining hands-on experience.
• 24 non-formal and 2 formal educational tools were developed and applied, contributing to participants’ academic and professional growth.

“Youth-focused initiatives are among the European Union’s strategic priorities. This particular initiative exemplifies the EU’s continued commitment to supporting youth, with a strong emphasis on fostering their economic development and promoting social inclusion,” said Davit Avagyan, representative of the EU Delegation to Armenia.

The EU4Youth Phase III Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship programme, funded by the European Union and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania, is implemented by the Central Project Management Agency (CPVA) in the Eastern Partnership countries, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The programme aims to provide technical assistance to governmental and non-governmental organisations to tackle youth unemployment and improve employability.

Find out more

[popular_posts columns_xl=”4″ columns_l=”4″ columns_m=”3″]