Generation Unlimited “YuWaah” Programme Kicks Off in Karnataka
Bengaluru: A multi-sector partnership programme aimed at expanding the education, training and employment opportunities for young people, called “YuWaah”, was kicked off in Karnataka today.
The Karnataka Skill Development Authority and UNICEF jointly organized a state-level consultation in Bengaluru at which partners from various sectors converged to develop a roadmap for implementing the programme in the state. Experts in child rights’ and skill development domain, including noted government and civil society members, as well as young people participated in the consultation and presented their views.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson KSDA, Ratna Prabha, said, “It is the motto of the Government of India under the leadership of Sri Narendra Modi and the Karnataka state government led by Chief Minister Sri Yediyurappa to focus on empowerment and skill development of youth. I am pleased that UNICEF has joined hands with us in this initiative. The report on today’s proceedings will be placed before Government for further action. It is vital to focus not only on urban youth, but also rural youth especially in North Karnataka and the Aspirational districts in Hyderabad-Karnataka”.
“It is also suggested that to concentrate on special training programs apart from traditional training program post which leads to the more opportunities of employment. It is also observed that apart from the traditional education there are lot more talents in the youth. Which we have to support for their growth and also to bring the people to mainstream with informal education.”
Shalini Rajneesh, ACS and Secretary Planning, said, “YuWaah programme brings an opportunity to build on the existing programmes on youth in Karnataka, including fostering innovations and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable youth.”
Meital Rusdia, UNICEF Chief of Field Office Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka & Telangana said, “Preparing young people for the world will not only make them thrive, but will also benefit national and global economies, increase security, advance the Sustainable Development Goals and improve the well-being of millions of families and communities all over.”
“YuWaah” is the Indian name of a global programme called Generation Unlimited, or GenU, targeting young people that was launched at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly, in September 2018. GenU has globally generated interest from government, development partners and industry leaders alike.
“YuWaah”was formally launched in India on 1st November 2019, in the presence of Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smriti Irani, UNICEF’s Executive Director, Henrietta Fore, and a host of national and international partners.
The mission of ‘YuWaah’ is fully aligned with the government’s ongoing efforts towards education, skills, empowerment, and economic opportunities for the young people in the country. Since its launch in India in November 2019, three states have been initially identified for implementing the YuWaah programme – Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka.”