From program inception to date, a total of 4172 young people in Lagos have participated in the ongoing USADF-LSETF employability enhancement program. Out of that number, 3478 successfully graduated from various training courses and have been empowered with trade-relevant and job-readiness vocational skills to either launch their SMEs or take up available employment opportunities. A total of 2074 representing 50% per cent of the graduates have been placed in paid post-training internships where they will further hone their skills and expand their network.
Background: The USADF-LSETF Employability Enhancement program, is funded by the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) in partnership with the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
With the USADF-LSETF program, Diamond Development Initiatives (DDI) as the Implementing Partner of USADF in Nigeria, is currently facilitating the provision of globally competitive and sought-after skills to young people in Lagos State, contributing to the reduction of unemployment amongst youth in Nigeria. The program seeks to empower 3,000 young people per year for a five (5) year period by equipping them with relevant skills which cut across technology, creatives, education, health and beauty, hospitality & tourism, business support, financial services and construction sectors. It also seeks to provide paid post-training internships for a minimum of 50% of these young people in jobs within their chosen sectors.