Young people building their futures through skills, innovation and opportunity
At SOS Children’s Villages Canada, we are committed to helping every young person build a bright and independent future. Worldwide, young people are using their talents, developing practical skills, pursuing their ambitions, and creating opportunities for themselves and their families.
For many young people, the path to independence is not always straightforward. In communities where employment opportunities are limited, developing vocational skills, pursuing education, or creating their own source of income can be vital steps toward building a stable future.
The stories below, shared over the past few years, show that youth empowerment takes many forms − from caregiving, leadership, and independent living to sustainable businesses and technical innovation.
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Building green careers in Ethiopia
Youth like Sebsibe are gaining the skills to become job creators, innovators, and contributors to Ethiopia's growing green economy. -
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Empowering a young mother in Brazil
In Brazil, a young mother participates in the YouthCan! program and gains skills, confidence, and support to pursue greater independence and stability for herself and her child. -
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Growing into independence in the Dominican Republic
After losing her parents, Diana entered alternative care alongside her siblings at SOS Children’s Villages. As she prepared for independent living, she learned the importance of self-care while continuing to support her family. -
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Turning honey into opportunity in Ethiopia
Amanuel combines his passion for agriculture with his engineering background to launch a sustainable honey business that also supports local beekeepers and creates income opportunities in his community. -
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Preparing for the future through YouthRISE in Jamaica and Mexico
Young people in Mexico and Jamaica are doing more than dreaming about their futures. They are building skills, exploring career paths, and gaining the mentorship and training needed to pursue their goals. -
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Developing skills for independent living in Nepal
Ranjata gains the confidence to fulfill her dream of launching Belna, a popular restaurant chain in Bharatpur, with the help of SOS Children’s Villages Nepal and the unconditional support of her SOS family. -
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Building a future one shoe at a time in Rwanda
After financial hardship forced Ivan to drop out of school, he transformed his skills through vocational training and support from SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda into a growing shoe-making business. -
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Creativity blooms into entrepreneurship in Somaliland
Farah taught herself floral design by watching online tutorials and practising at home. Today, her ribbon flower business in Hargeisa is thriving and inspiring other young women in her community to pursue their own ambitions. -
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From alternative care to green innovation in Vietnam
Dũng grew up in alternative care at SOS Children’s Villages Vietnam after losing both parents as a child and is now the founder of an environmentally focused construction business.
Green Growth: Empowering Youth for a Green Future (Green Growth)
Green Growth: Empowering Youth for a Green Future is a five-year initiative launched in partnership with the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada. The initiative supports young people in building sustainable livelihoods and strengthening economic resilience in their communities.
Why your support matters
Around the world, young people hold the key to solving some of our most pressing challenges, yet too many are held back by barriers beyond their control. In Sub-Saharan Africa, more than one in four youth are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and young women are nearly twice as likely to be affected. These are not just statistics; they are missed opportunities.
Every dollar you contribute is 3X matched, multiplying your impact and maximizing hope.