Green Growth: Empowering Youth for a Green Future launches in Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Somalia
Together, we launched YouthRISE, marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration that creates meaningful impact and expands opportunities for children and young people. We’re deeply grateful to Scotiabank for its commitment and shared vision in making this important work possible.
Ethiopia: leading the way in climate and youth empowerment
Against the backdrop of Ethiopia hosting the Africa Climate Summit, SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia officially launched Green Growth in Addis Ababa on September 18, 2025. This five-year initiative (2025–2030) will empower over 7,000 youth in Addis Ababa, Adama, and Dire Dawa.
Through green entrepreneurship, technical training, and educational pathways, the project addresses the dual challenge of youth unemployment and climate impact. In the words of Sahlemariam Abebe, Multi-Country Director for SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia and South Sudan:
“With climate change increasingly impacting livelihoods in Ethiopia, this project arrives at a pivotal moment. Youth unemployment remains a critical issue, and the project aims to tackle both environmental and socio-economic challenges simultaneously. The Green Growth project offers more than just job prospects. It offers confidence, dignity, and renewed hope for the next generation.”
Rwanda: building skills for a greener tomorrow
From September 8-12, 2025, SOS Children’s Villages Rwanda hosted the Green Growth project kick-off meetings, reinforcing its dedication to climate-conscious development. The initiative integrates with ongoing efforts to strengthen Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) systems and enhance labour market access, benefiting 5,400 youth.
Jean Bosco Kwizera, National Director, warmly welcomed Canadian partners:
“Your presence demonstrates the strong partnership between our organizations. Travelling from Canada to Rwanda is no small journey, and we truly value your commitment and being recognized as a trusted partner in delivering impactful programs for children, young people, and communities.”
Somalia: green solutions in fragile contexts
In Mogadishu, on October 19, 2025, SOS Children’s Villages Somalia launched the Green Growth project, receiving enthusiastic support from government ministries, community leaders, and youth representatives. From climate-smart agriculture to solar energy training, the initiative is tailored to the realities of Somali youth, with a special focus on young women, displaced persons, returnees, and young people with disabilities who are often marginalized.
Bashir Said, Acting National Director, underscored the vital role of youth-led climate action in achieving national adaptation goals, emphasizing the transformative nature of the project:
“Projects like Green Growth create transformative opportunities for our youth. By focusing on solar energy and climate-smart solutions, we’re directly addressing unemployment and environmental challenges.”
This project directly supports Rwanda’s national strategies for sustainable growth by embedding gender-sensitive green skills training across sectors.
Youth like Samira Isse Dini, President of the SOS College of Health Sciences student body, echoed this sentiment:
“For the first time, I see a project where more than half of the beneficiaries are women. This will create job opportunities for us and support environmental protection.”
A collective commitment
Across all three countries, the Green Growth launch events highlighted the importance of partnership, youth engagement, and inclusive economic transition. Government representatives stated the alignment with national priorities, while Canadian delegates reaffirmed their long-standing support.
Marc Bonomo, Vice President, International Programs and Partnerships, of SOS Children’s Villages Canada, shared:
“None of this would be possible without partnership. The Green Growth project reminds us what’s possible when we come together across borders, sectors, and communities − with youth leading the way toward an inclusive and sustainable future.”
Looking ahead
The Green Growth project is more than an employment program. It is a catalyst for dignity, purpose, and climate action for young people. By committing to gender equity and accessibility and by developing solutions grounded in local realities, this project stands as a testament to what is possible through cross-sector collaboration.
As our world faces mounting environmental challenges, the impacts of climate change, and youth unemployment, initiatives like Green Growth offer a hopeful blueprint: investing in young people, sustainability, and inclusive growth is not just aspirational, it’s essential.
