ChildFund implements Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to equip young people with practical, in-demand skills through strong partnerships with TVET institutions, the private sector, and industry stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that training aligns with current job market needs, preparing youth for meaningful employment and long-term success.
In 2014 alone, more than 2,800 young people were enrolled in various TVET programs supported by ChildFund. These programs offer hands-on training in diverse fields such as construction, information technology, hospitality, automotive repair, electronic maintenance, hairdressing, building and construction, carpentry, metalwork, woodwork, and digital marketing.
ChildFund also provides financial assistance for tuition and related expenses, alongside job readiness training. This support enables young people, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds, to access higher education and vocational training at both university and TVET levels.
In addition to direct support, ChildFund invests in strengthening training infrastructure by constructing and fully equipping TVET institutions. These facilities are then handed over to the government to ensure sustainability and integration into the national education and skills development system.

ChildFund’s youth income-generating activities help young people build sustainable livelihoods and strengthen their economic independence. We work closely with youth to develop viable businesses and youth-led enterprises that not only reduce unemployment but also drive positive change within their communities.
Our approach includes entrepreneurship training, financial literacy education, and business management skills, alongside access to revolving funds that create job opportunities. By partnering with microfinance institutions and local government agencies, we ensure young people have the resources and support needed to succeed.
This initiative prioritizes young women and men from low-income backgrounds who face barriers such as limited education and unemployment. To date, over 8,500 youth have benefited from these programs. Many also engage in urban agriculture and rural livelihood activities, opening up diverse pathways to income and resilience.

Young people in many communities face significant reproductive health (RH) challenges, including limited access to information, services, and support. These barriers contribute to risks such as early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and unmet health needs, affecting their overall well-being and future prospects.
To tackle these challenges, ChildFund works closely with local partners to implement targeted interventions that promote healthy behaviors and improve access to essential RH services. We connect youth to nearby health centers offering critical services like HIV/AIDS prevention, voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), and other vital care.
ChildFund has constructed a total of 20 youth-friendly reproductive health centres that provide services to an estimated 1,500,000 youth in 5 regions of Amhara, Addis Ababa, Central Ethiopia, Southern Ethiopia, and Oromia, every year.

In times of conflict, youth are especially vulnerable to exploitation, violence, and trafficking, often losing access to critical protection and support systems. Our youth protection and inclusive development work supports young people to find and use their voices to safeguard themselves and their communities. Their experiences inspire adults to believe in the possibility of change and to take meaningful action.
For instance, since July 2022, our Child Protection in Emergencies (CPiE) program in Amhara has been providing life-saving assistance to children and adolescents affected by humanitarian crises in five woredas (districts) across the North and South Wollo Zones of the Amhara Region. We work closely with communities, the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, and our local implementing partner, Tesfa Berhan Child and Family Development Association, and youth themselves to prevent cases of abuse and exploitation, including trafficking, early marriage, drug abuse and child labor.

Learn more: Protecting children and youth affected by conflict in Amhara Region

Guided by the principle “Nothing About Us Without Us,” we believe active youth participation drives meaningful and sustainable change. Our programs train and equip young people to take leadership roles and lead positive transformation in their communities. We involve youth in program design, implementation, and evaluation to ensure relevance and impact. Through youth-led projects, young people address community challenges, advocate for their rights, and develop innovative solutions. ChildFund also promotes youth volunteerism and civic engagement by encouraging participation in community service, awareness campaigns, and leadership activities. These efforts strengthen their sense of responsibility while equipping them with skills essential for personal and professional growth.