We can work

Young people aged 15 to 29 with disabilities are up to five times more likely to be outside education, employment or training than people of the same age without disabilities (International Labour Organization). 

This limits their opportunities to live independently and have fulfilling careers. And workplaces miss out on their valuable knowledge, skills and experiences.

The We Can Work Academy was launched in 2024 across seven African countries. The aim of the Academy is to help young people with disabilities to develop the financial, vocational and other key life skills they need to gain meaningful work. The programme also introduces participants to different career paths, from waged employment to entrepreneurship.

The training curriculum was designed in partnership with young people with disabilities, disability inclusion experts and organisations representing people with disabilities. 

Wherever the training takes place, three key characteristics help to make it successful.

1. Inclusion

Training materials and workshops are inclusive, to suit people with all types of disabilities. This may include providing sign language interpretation, information in Braille or the opportunity for participants to attend with people to support them.

2. Games

Games and activities such as drawing, storytelling and group discussions are incorporated into exercises to make sessions more interesting and memorable.

This variation also addresses differences in literacy levels, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and learn.

A young man with a visual impairment from Uganda appreciated the storytelling. He said, ‘I was eager to know the different stories from other participants and see how different they are from mine. This kept me coming every day for training.’

3. Accessibility

Training centres are chosen that are fully accessible for people with different types of disabilities. Young mothers and fathers are encouraged to attend with a babysitter, and space is arranged for childcare. 

Putting all these things in place leaves the young people free to focus on their training and the journey to decent and fulfilling work.