Spiritans in Ethiopia Equip Youths with Job Skills to Tackle Unemployment

Addis Ababa, 20 January, 2026 / 4:32 PM

Members of the Congregation of Holy Spirit (Spiritans/Holy Ghost Fathers/CSSp.) in Ethiopia are running the Spiritan Community Service in Ethiopia (SCORE), an initiative that seeks to address the current high rate of unemployment among the marginalized, including youths, in the southern region of the country.

According to a report by Agenzia Fides,  the Spiritans have already concluded their two-day job skills enhancement training for unemployed youths from Doko-Shaye, Doko-Kale, and Doko-Tsida kebeles, which is part of the Gamo zone, through the SCORE initiative.

According to the Monday, January 19 report, the SCORE training was designed to go beyond technical instruction by emphasizing “soft skills” and mindset shifts essential for modern entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

“The goal is not just to provide information, but to empower these young men and women to contribute to their communities, achieve economic independence, and realize their God-given potential,” organizers of the training said during the closing ceremony on January 17.

Thirty young participants from the mountainous village of Chencha took part in the program, including 19 women, which according to the organizers, reflects the Catholic Church’s strong commitment to gender-inclusive development. 

The training was implemented under the School-Centred Inclusive Community Development (C-SICD) project organized by the local Spiritan Community.

Key topics covered during the intensive training included self-leadership, communication and teamwork, problem solving and adaptability, financial management skills, and strategic planning. Beyond classroom learning, the program offered a practical pathway to employment. Participants identified specific business sectors they wish to pursue, laying the groundwork for future income-generating activities.

In the next phase, SCORE will conduct feasibility studies on these chosen sectors and provide the necessary seed capital and start-up support to transition these youth into active members of the local economy.

Recent data from the Ethiopian Statistical Service (ESS) indicates that unemployment for those aged 15–29 in Ethiopian urban areas has reached approximately 27.2%. According to the report, female youths are disproportionately affected, with their unemployment often double that of their male counterparts.