WHAT IS IN YOUR ‘ANTI-POVERTY’ TOOLBOX?

Skills Development: A Powerful Tool Against Poverty

I am a personal example of how skills development can change a persons socio-economic status and eliminate poverty. I won’t take you back to the early 2000’s, when I was a ‘broke, busted and disgusted’ young man. I will skip the sad tales and jump to the part where I first saw the power of a newly acquired skill in changing the state of one’s wallet. For years leading up to that point, money was very scarce for me and my family. Unlike some families, there was no rich uncle somewhere to run to when critical needs came up. This situation forced me to look inwards to find a way out.?

Oh the power of books!. I entered the world of books and slowly I began to see that in order to change my financial situation, I had to develop a skill that was valuable to the marketplace. In the very first instance, it was the skill of making personal greeting cards. I was lucky enough to meet an older cousin of mine who was into the business of producing and selling customized, hand-made greeting cards. It blew my mind, because I already knew I was good with my hands in an artistic way. I had however never thought that far until that day when I found him making cards in our dining room.

Later on I expanded that skill to making art paintings using watercolor, oil-on-canvas, acrylic and so on. As people began to notice my skills, a market for them slowly grew around me. And that was how I was able to not only fend for myself in university, but also support my siblings and take some burden off my mother.

Fast forward to 2011. I acquired the skill of digital photography and editing. This opened up whole new worlds for me. I was able to gradually develop a business around it as I networked, showcased my skills and provided services. Let’s jump again to 2016. Already well practiced in photography, I decided to add to my anti-poverty toolbox the skills of graphic design and videography. To cut a long story short, those two skills made more money for me in 5 years, than I had made in the 10 years preceding that. And they are still making money for me today.

I am currently updating my toolbox.

In a rapidly changing global economy, the importance of skills development cannot be overstated. The impact of skills on poverty reduction is profound, as it offers individuals, families and communities, the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and attain sustainable livelihoods.

Empowering Individuals to Escape Poverty

For an economy to thrive, a highly equipped workforce is crucial. This is because the delivery of goods and services to a ready market requires people who are trained to provide this value. Skills development addresses this by equipping people with the tools they need to thrive in the modern workforce. Through vocational training, technical education, and upskilling initiatives, individuals can acquire relevant competencies that align with market demands. When individuals acquire skills that are in demand, they are better positioned to secure stable employment and income.?

Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth

Skills development not only prepares individuals for existing jobs but also fosters entrepreneurship. Equipped with relevant skills, individuals can create their own businesses, just like I did, generating income not only for themselves but also for their communities. Entrepreneurial ventures contribute to local economic growth, job creation, and the overall improvement of living standards.

Lifelong Learning for Sustainable Progress

The nature of work is changing faster than ever due to technological advancements and globalization. Thus, skills that are relevant today might not be sufficient tomorrow. Lifelong learning, a concept central to skills development, encourages individuals to adapt and evolve with changing circumstances. This mindset enables them to remain competitive in the job market and avoid falling back into poverty. This is a mindset and approach that I have imbibed over the years and it has worked well for me. I have always reminded myself to never be content with whatever skills I possess today just because they are making money for me today. In the future, some skills may become obsolete. What happens to your ability to generate income then? It is critical to teach people to see learning and skills acquisition as a life-long venture in order to truly keep poverty at bay.

The Role of Public-Private Partnerships

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to maximize the impact of skills development on poverty reduction. Governments can create an enabling environment by implementing policies that support education and skills training. At the same time, businesses can contribute by offering internships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training, which bridge the gap between theory and practical application.

Overcoming Barriers to Access

While skills development holds immense promise, barriers to access must be addressed. Economic constraints, lack of information, and gender inequality can limit individuals from pursuing skill enhancement opportunities. Governments and organizations should strive to make these opportunities accessible to marginalized groups, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Take-away

You don’t need to read too many books to understand that skill development is not only a means of personal growth and career advancement but also a potent tool against poverty. Just look at my summarized story. I broke out of that cycle of lack and poverty by taking time to learn something new as often as possible. Even till today I still shudder when I remember the stress of always being in financial need and debt. But I can tell you today, that when you go the route of lifelong learning and skill development, you can’t be broke anymore unless you really try.

By equipping individuals with the skills they need to thrive in a dynamic job market, we can break the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society. As we navigate an era of rapid change, investing in skills development is not just an option; it's a necessity for a brighter, poverty-free future.