WHY JOBS & SKILLS?

In developing regions of the world, many people lack opportunities to work stable jobs that pay a living wage. According to the International Labour Organization, over 192 million people are unemployed. Of those who are employed, approximately 42% account for those in vulnerable employment (self-employment or work by contributing family members). In developing countries, 2/3rds of workers and their families live on less than $3.10 a day.

Because their daily wages are still profoundly low, few are covered by government social protection systems and are still at a constant risk of falling back into extreme poverty. Economic growth is central to economic development. When national income grows, real people benefit. Education and skills can empower the working poor and vulnerable groups, to escape the cycle of inadequate education, poor training, low productivity and poor quality jobs with low wages. Providing sustainable jobs helps to build local economies and is vital to ending the cycle of poverty.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the first increase in global poverty rates in decades. Over 71 million people were pushed into extreme poverty 

OUR IMPACT

ODW has impacted the lives of over 35,000 people by supporting the growth of Jobs and Skills around the world. Together with our partners we have aided 21 communities in 15 countries. By partnering with organizations like Eden Reforestation Projects (ERP) we provided 13,535 days of work to single mothers in Madagascar and 2,000 days of employment to eco-workers in Ethiopia. In total ERP was able to plant over 300,000 trees to restore forests, while also providing jobs to the vulnerable in 2 different countries.