Skopje - The Job Club at the Center for Employment in Prilep was today re-opened following assistance with renovation and equipping from USAID Youth Employability Skills Network Project. This is one of six job clubs that were renovated and equipped in the Centers for Employment in different municipalities throughout the country. USAID, through the Project, has provided resource materials and books, as well as IT equipment and new furniture with a total value of about 8.000 USD per Job Club, or more than 48.000 USD for all 6 job clubs.

“We applaud ESA Prilep for introducing a new service for local unemployed youth:  a five-day workshop entitled “Preparation for Work.” said Robert Wuertz, USAID Mission Director. We hope that with several more Job Club staff becoming trainers, ESA will continue to offer this regularly.  Several NGO representatives are helping to deliver the course in a highly interactive format, emphasizing “learning by doing.”

The main goal of the job club is to help the unemployed registrants in Employment Service Agency (ESA) gain the necessary skills to successfully enter into and find employment in the rapidly changing labor market in Macedonia.  Its resources and services will help the unemployed find their ideal jobs, as well as learn about different career opportunities and how these relate to their knowledge, personal attributes and skills. In the coming year, the USAID YES Network Project will continue to support renovation and equipping of job clubs in four additional municipalities.

NOTE 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