• Wednesday, 15 January 2025

Nelt Group and UNICEF partner to equip adolescents with green skills

Nelt Group and UNICEF partner to equip adolescents with green skills

Skopje, 6 September 2024 (UNICEF/MIA) – As part of the global partnership, Nelt Group and UNICEF in North Macedonia officially marked Friday the beginning of a new partnership aimed at equipping students in vocational education with hands-on learning opportunities focused on building green skills. The initiative will bolster the employability of VET students and ensure they are better prepared for the job market.

The local initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership aimed at equipping children with essential skills for the 21st century. This initiative sees Nelt Group committing US$ 1.3 million over three years on strengthening education systems in Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and extending to Angola in 2026 - regions where Nelt Group operates. In North Macedonia, the partnership will help students develop green skills and gain valuable practical experience, enhancing their employability to meet new job market demands, while in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the focus will be on empowering students with enhanced digital skills. North Macedonia will receive US$ 330,000 for a period of three years.

“We provide environmental and climate action education through which students will strengthen their capacities for learning, action and future leadership”, said Izet Mexhiti, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning.

Young people face more challenges than adults when entering the labor market due to their lack of work experience and the mismatch between the skills they possess and those required by employers. As the global shift towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy transforms job requirements, it is crucial that students acquire both technical and transversal green skills to meet new job demands and contribute to a sustainable future.

"We live in a world exposed to unprecedented environmental challenges and the need to adapt education to building green skills among young people is understandable. That is why I am very happy with the signing of the cooperation agreement between UNICEF and Nelt group, to support the development of green skills among students from secondary vocational education. This initiative will allow students to gain valuable experience and knowledge, which will make them more competitive on the labour market, and at the same time will contribute to a more sustainable future for all of us," said Vesna Janevska, Minister of Education and Science.

In North Macedonia this initiative aims to provide over 500 vocational education students, who are preparing for careers in natural sciences, environmental sustainability, and climate change mitigation, with opportunities for practical instruction and work-based learning in public and private companies across the country.

Additionally, this initiative is expected to help 8,100 vocational students acquire green skills related to environmental sustainability, nature preservation, and climate action, enabling them to practically apply these skills in their future workplace in a range of settings, from waste management and green energy production to sustainable processes in production, energy efficiency and circular economy in building and construction.

“This partnership will create learning opportunities for teens interested in environmental sustainability and climate change. By strengthening the practical training framework, we will not only equip VET (Vocational Education and Training) students with transferable and green skills but also contribute to the development of a workforce capable of addressing pressing environmental challenges,” said Lesley Miller, UNICEF Representative.

The collaboration between Nelt Group and UNICEF addresses the pressing global issue of youth unemployment and the urgent need for education systems to effectively integrate technology, sustainability and climate resilience. By leveraging the expertise of both organizations, this partnership seeks to create a brighter future for generations to come.

“At Nelt Group, we are dedicated to integrating ESG sustainability principles into all aspects of our business. Through digitalization, investments in renewable energy, and continuous employee education, we actively contribute to sustainability. In partnership with UNICEF in North Macedonia, we are offering young people the opportunity to gain both digital and green skills, which are essential for their competitiveness in the job market and for a sustainable future. Aware of the challenges posed by climate change, we are committed to reducing our negative impact on the environment. With an investment of 330,000 US dollars over three years, we will empower young people through practical education in schools, helping them adequately prepare for the environmental challenges and climate changes that are our reality," said Sasko Blazevski, Executive Director, Nelt North Macedonia.

Businesses play a vital role in building resilient communities. By investing in the education and skills development of children and young people, companies not only contribute to societal well-being but also ensure their own long-term success in an increasingly competitive and dynamic global economy.

Photo: MIA