Skopje - The USAID Youth Employability Skills  (YES) Network Project today opened career centers in the Mirce Acev and Gjorce Petrov secondary schools in Prilep. These are 2 of the 25 school career centers that USAID has helped to renovate and equip in 6 municipalities. USAID provided new furniture, IT equipment, books and other resource materials valued at U.S. $5,000 per school. In addition, the YES Network Project and the Municipality of Prilep signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support the Economic Council of Prilep and enhance its role in exploring options and finding solutions for youth unemployment, and improving the prospects of success for job seekers in the future.

“We encourage the Council to reach out to school representatives to convey what employers are looking for in their future workforce.  Jointly, school career centers, employers and other members of the Economic Council can achieve greater impact on reducing youth unemployment,” said USAID Mission Director Mr. Robert Wuertz.

The main goal of the career centers is to help young people gain the necessary skills to successfully find and enter into employment.  Their resources and services will help students learn about different career opportunities and how these relate to their knowledge, personal attributes and skills, develop job seeking skills and then find and get their ideal jobs. In the coming year, USAID will continue to support renovations and equip career centers in secondary schools in four additional municipalities.

NOTES TO EDITORS:   
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.

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