On 12.18.2013, USAID’s Youth Employability Skills (YES) Network established the Skopje Local Economic and Social Council (LESC). 

The YES Network has created LESCs in Strumica, Stip, Tetovo, Gostivar, and Bitola, and partners with the Economic Council from Prilep. LESC councils include as members representatives of employers, workers, Employment Service Agency, the education sector, and civil society. The councils facilitate public-private dialogue focused primarily on youth employment and labor market trends.  Each LESC advises their Municipal Council on these issues and makes locally-tailored recommendations.

“We know these are ambitious goals, but we also believe they are achievable. Reducing Macedonia’s unemployment rate is critical to our broader goal of helping Macedonia grow its economy,” said USAID Mission Director James Stein. 

USAID’s YES Network Project will support the Council and work on building its capacity to provide meaningful recommendations to the City of Skopje.   

NOTE TO EDITORS: 

The American people, through USAID, have invested over $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is working with the people of Macedonia to create jobs, strengthen democratic institutions and practices, enhance integrated education, and prepare students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov and USAID FB page http://www.facebook.com/USAIDMacedonia

The USAID YES Network Project is implemented by the Education Development Center, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing learning and promoting health. The Project collaborates with employment service agencies, vocational education and training schools, and youth-focused non-governmental organizations. It provides career guidance, work readiness skills training, and work-based learning experiences for final-year secondary school students and unemployed youth. All are designed to help young people enter into the world of rewarding and productive work.