Fatshimetrie, October 11, 2024 (ACP).- Vocational training is today at the heart of the concerns of young entrepreneurs in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Indeed, during the 7th day of the exchange fair organized by the “My Glory World” foundation, the benefits and importance of vocational training were discussed in an enthusiastic and informative manner.
Josée Lukusu Djamba, a renowned trainer, highlighted the crucial impact of vocational training in the empowerment of individuals, their active participation in the job market and their escape from extreme poverty. She recalled that many African governments are now focusing on strengthening human capital through the promotion of vocational training.
At the heart of this exchange fair on the theme of “project management and the development of financing to be granted to young Congolese people”, Ms. Lukusu highlighted the many advantages of vocational training. In addition to developing technical skills, it offers individuals the opportunity to be supported in their professional career, to continually improve themselves, to increase their expertise and to improve their ability to adapt and open up to others.
The importance of vocational training is not limited to individuals, it also concerns companies. Indeed, it helps to improve the skills of employees, to promote team satisfaction, to strengthen motivation and cohesion within the company, and ultimately, to increase collective performance.
Despite these undeniable advantages, a major challenge persists in Africa: that of the professional integration of young people who have been trained. Only few companies offer opportunities to young people who have completed vocational training, either because of prejudices about the quality of this training, or because of a lack of awareness of its real benefits for developing companies.
The youth unemployment figures in the Democratic Republic of Congo are not encouraging. According to a bloomfield report, the unemployment rate among young people aged 15 to 24 is constantly increasing, from 15.85% in 2017 to 19% in 2020. This segment of the population is the most affected by unemployment, accentuating the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Faced with this reality, it is imperative to redouble efforts to raise awareness among companies about the benefits of vocational training and encourage their commitment to the professional integration of young graduates.
In conclusion, vocational training appears to be an essential lever for meeting socio-economic challenges in the DRC and promoting the development of younger generations. It is essential to invest in this area to build a better and more prosperous future for all. This year’s edition of the exchange fair, which will end on October 18, constitutes a valuable opportunity to strengthen the skills and knowledge of young Congolese people and open up new professional perspectives for them. ACP/ODM