Training and supporting 500 young people to help tackle poverty

Although Africa has the youngest population in the world, with huge potential for growth, rising unemployment is leading to widespread hopelessness among young people. This growing unemployment problem has caused the younger generation to dream of leaving Africa for new opportunities in America and Europe, despite the continent’s rich natural resources and its capacity to create employment for its youth.

Just £50 could help change the lives of young people

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Building on what the Bible has to say about work and creativity, Scripture Union will train, coach, and inspire young people in Burundi, Uganda and Kenya to respond to what the Bible says and become entrepreneurs, pursuing their business ideas, contributing to economic growth, and making a positive impact for themselves, their families and society at large.

Bible engagement and mentoring which leads young people to break free from poverty and discover new hope and purpose is the heartbeat of this project. As they are equipped with biblical values, positive attitudes, knowledge and skills, the young people will be enabled to reverse the trend of unemployment and enjoy lives full of purpose and hope.

Focusing on one of Scripture Union’s heart values of holistic ministry, implementing this program will enable young people to become confident to engage authentic sources of income and provide answers to their problems rather than waiting for their governments to do so. We have already developed the training resource and pilot tested it in Burundi with very positive results.

The aim is to take 500 young people through the training over a two-year period, with those trained forming small Young Entrepreneurship SURGE (Scripture Union Releasing Godly Entrepreneurs) Groups and start small businesses, as well as meeting for weekly Bible study. Start-up grants and ongoing coaching and monitoring will also be part of the program.

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