• Table of Contents

  • Nouakchott Launches National Program to Establish “Second Chance School” for Out-of-School Youth
  • A New Initiative to Reintegrate Disengaged Youth into Education and Employment
  • Key Objectives and Components of the Program
  • Collaborative Efforts and Long-Term Vision
  • Conclusion: A Promising Step Toward Youth Empowerment

Nouakchott Launches National Program to Establish “Second Chance School” for Out-of-School Youth

A New Initiative to Reintegrate Disengaged Youth into Education and Employment

In a significant step toward addressing youth disengagement and school dropout rates, the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, has launched a national program to establish the “Second Chance School.” This initiative is designed to provide educational and vocational opportunities for young people who have left the formal education system prematurely. The program was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Employment and Vocational Training, Taleb Ould Sid’Ahmed, during a ceremony attended by government officials, development partners, and civil society representatives.

The “Second Chance School” aims to reintegrate youth aged 12 to 24 who are no longer in school and lack access to vocational training. The program is part of a broader national strategy to combat unemployment and social exclusion among young people. It is supported by the European Union and implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other international partners.

Key Objectives and Components of the Program

The program is structured to offer a comprehensive support system that addresses both educational and socio-economic challenges faced by out-of-school youth. Its main objectives include:

• Providing basic literacy and numeracy education to youth who have dropped out of school.
• Offering vocational training tailored to the needs of the local labor market.
• Facilitating social reintegration through mentorship and psychological support.
• Creating pathways to employment or further education for program participants.

The “Second Chance School” will operate through specialized centers equipped with modern training tools and staffed by qualified educators and counselors. These centers will also serve as safe spaces where youth can rebuild their confidence and develop life skills essential for personal and professional growth.

Collaborative Efforts and Long-Term Vision

The success of the program relies heavily on the collaboration between government institutions, international donors, and local communities. During the launch event, Minister Ould Sid’Ahmed emphasized the importance of inclusive development and the need to invest in human capital. He highlighted that the program aligns with Mauritania’s national development goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to quality education and decent work.

UNICEF representatives praised the initiative as a model for inclusive education and youth empowerment in the region. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Mauritanian government in scaling up the program to reach more beneficiaries across the country.

Conclusion: A Promising Step Toward Youth Empowerment

The launch of the “Second Chance School” in Nouakchott marks a promising step toward addressing the educational and economic challenges faced by out-of-school youth in Mauritania. By offering tailored learning opportunities, vocational training, and psychosocial support, the program seeks to transform the lives of thousands of young people and contribute to a more inclusive and resilient society. As the initiative gains momentum, it holds the potential to become a cornerstone of national efforts to reduce youth unemployment and promote sustainable development.