UN's World Youth Skills Day: Empowering the Next Generation Through Agriculture

The 15th of July marks the United Nations' World Youth Skills Day, dedicated to promoting skills development in youth worldwide. This year's theme, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," highlights the importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At Haller, we see this day as a global effort to bridge the gap between education and employment by fostering lifelong learning, productive work, informed decision-making, and active community engagement. Agriculture, and more specifically agritech, plays a vital role in this mission, providing opportunities for youth to engage in sustainable practices that benefit people, the planet, and the economy. And we have been continually developing The Haller Farmers App for four years to provide new possibilities for young people to engage with agriculture.

The Role of Agriculture in Youth Skills Development

Agriculture is a cornerstone of many economies, particularly in developing regions. It offers a unique platform for youth to acquire practical skills directly applicable to their community's health and well-being. Youth make up 63% of Kenya’s agricultural sector, however their involvement in this vital sector increasingly disadvantages them, economically and socially due to a lack of access to land, knowledge and education, amongst many other factors.

By integrating technology into traditional farming practices, with a focus on conservation, agritech can enhance productivity, sustainability, and economic viability, making agriculture an attractive career path for young people.

Training for Youth at Haller’s Nguuni

At Haller's Nguuni Nature Sanctuary, we are dedicated to empowering the next generation through holistic training programs. In the past year, we have trained hundreds of young school visitors in various skills essential for sustainable agriculture, community development, and entrepreneurship.

Our training covers several crucial areas:

• Sustainable Farming Techniques: Teaching youths the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture, including crop rotation, composting, and water conservation.

• Nutrition Education: Educating young people on the importance of nutrition and how to grow nutrient-rich crops.

• Income Generation Strategies: Providing skills and knowledge to help youths create profitable agricultural ventures.

• Health and Hygiene Practices: Promoting practices that improve health and hygiene, crucial for personal and community well-being.

• Environmental Conservation: Training on preserving and enhancing local ecosystems through responsible farming and conservation practices.

• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Providing practical skills on how they can navigate a changing world while looking after themselves.

These skills improve the livelihoods of young people and contribute to the planet's health and local economies. Our training initiatives have significantly impacted both the local community and the broader environment. By educating young people, we are creating a generation of informed, skilled individuals capable of driving sustainable development in their communities.

Our Nguuni Nature Sanctuary has been recognised for its work in providing skills and education with a nomination for the World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme in the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards! We are thrilled to share this with you and ask for your continued support by voting for us to win!

It takes 2 minutes to register and cast your vote! Please help us continue our mission to train and empower young people.

Please vote for Haller to win and support our mission to empower the next generation. Voting closes on the 2nd of August 2024.

Leveraging Technology with The Haller App

The launch of our new Haller Farmers App is designed to ramp up youth engagement in agriculture. With 85% of jobs Gen Z will perform by 2030 not yet invented (UNICEF), equipping youth with versatile, tech-enabled skills is crucial.

The app provides up-to-date information, learning modules, and a platform for knowledge sharing. This technology makes agricultural education accessible to more young people, especially those in remote areas. Farmers can use the notice board to connect with their peers, share experiences, and learn from each other. We are proud to include all education modules in Swahili, English, and now also in French in this new update. The app can also be used offline, ensuring that young farmers in remote areas can access vital information without internet connectivity.

By leveraging technology, the Haller model can make agricultural education more accessible and engaging, ensuring that young people are well-equipped to take on future challenges.

Youth Skills for Peace and Development

For young people to become successful lifelong learners, find productive work, make informed decisions that affect their lives, and actively engage in their communities, they need access to inclusive, relevant learning and skills development opportunities.

We understand the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive. The new Haller farmers app is designed to provide these opportunities, ensuring that the next generation is prepared for the future and to continue their work as stewards of our planet. By investing in youth skills today, and merging technology with conservation, we are paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous tomorrow.

Feel free to make a donation in support of our work across health, conservation and education.