USAID’s Youth Employability Skills (YES) Network Project, in cooperation with the Municipality of Gostivar, officially launched the Local Economic and Social Council (LESC) of Gostivar Monday, September 30.

Comprised of community leaders from both the private and public sectors, the LESC will serve as an advisory body to the municipality on issues related to local economic development, youth employment, and the connection between employer-defined labor market needs and the skills developed by students during their formal education.  USAID’s YES Network Project has also established Local Economic and Social Councils in Strumica, Stip, Tetovo and Bitola.

“By focusing skills-development on the needs of the current labor market, USAID is working to reduce the number of unemployed youth in Macedonia,” said Michael Stievater, Director of the USAID Democracy and Education Office. “Under the leadership of municipal authorities, the Gostivar LESC will work closely with a variety of partners to help young people gain the skills needed for employment in today’s market,” he concluded.

The event gathered representatives from the City Council, Federation of Trade Unions, Confederation of Free Trade Unions, Employers Organization of Macedonia, employment service agencies, as well as representatives from the business and NGO sectors in the Polog region and other stakeholders involved in strengthening public private dialogue on the issue of youth unemployment.

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 to help final year students and unemployed youth through career guidance, work readiness skills trainings and coaching and work-based learning experiences such as internships, practical work and entrepreneurial activities. All are designed to help young people enter into the world of rewarding and productive work.