The BARA fair: United voices to protect the future of children

The videos are in the original language - French.

Soubré, Côte d’Ivoire (ILO News) – The Regional Youth Employment Fair, held in Soubré, Nawa Region, from October 31 to November 2, 2024, was a pivotal event for boosting the labour market and highlighting the critical link between youth employment and the eradication of child labour. Organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and its partners, the fair brought together stakeholders including regional authorities, youth, job seekers, the private sector represented by employer organizations and businesses, training institutions, and partners promoting youth employment and combating child labour in a collaborative and interactive space.

By mobilizing local, private, and public actors, the fair bridged the gap between young people seeking opportunities and employers, facilitating connections between labour supply and demand while showcasing innovative solutions for a future free of child labour. Listen to their voices below.

Fabrice on the Importance of Youth Employment

Fabrice, a participant at the fair, shared his reflections on the impact of panel discussions and success stories on topics such as wage employment and youth entrepreneurship. He emphasized that these contributions can help young people build networks and find employment opportunities. "To put it plainly, if you really pay attention to the different presentations, they can help you build a network and even create... a job for yourself. That’s it," he explained.

Fabrice also highlighted the broader impact of youth employment, noting that if the majority of young people are employed, it can address the issue of child labour. With a stable income, young people can become autonomous and responsible, supporting their siblings and, in the future, ensuring their own children have access to education under better conditions, creating a positive ripple effect.

Sonia on Lessons Learned from the Fair

Sonia shared her experience at the fair, emphasizing how the event broadened her knowledge. “The fair truly opened my mind and provided me with insights into sectors, economic activities, and products of Côte d’Ivoire that I was previously unaware of,” she stated. She affirmed that the experience was highly educational.

Sonia also encouraged young people to commit themselves to work, arguing that active youth represent a solution for supporting their families and protecting children who are not yet of working age.

Oka on Challenges in the Nawa Region

Oka, a promoter of Community Solidarity Enhancement Associations (AVEC), highlighted the crucial role of these structures in training and empowering young people. According to him, AVEC helps participants acquire skills, design projects, and access funding to engage in income-generating activities.

However, Oka pointed out the challenges faced by the youth in the Nawa region, particularly regarding access to financing. He stressed the importance of youth employment in combating child labour. “If young people work, and if the community has the necessary means to undertake economic activities, I believe children belong in school,” he said.

He concluded with a call to strengthen structures that support the youth in Nawa, where nearly 50% of young people are unemployed, leading to a rise in criminal activity. According to him, such efforts are vital for transforming the region's potential into tangible opportunities.Guei on the Impact of Training and Youth Employment

Guei on the Impact of Training and Youth Employment

Guei, a participant at the fair, expressed her satisfaction with the training offered during the event. “This fair is a welcome initiative; I benefited greatly, and the trainers were truly exceptional,” she said.

She also underscored the importance of youth employment in reducing child labour in Soubré. According to her, an active youth can undertake social initiatives, such as supporting orphans or children without families, giving them the opportunity to attend school, access literacy programs and training, and prepare for the world of work.

Thierry on Entrepreneurship

Thierry shared his experience at the fair, highlighting how it helped him gain a better understanding of entrepreneurship. “We had limited knowledge about entrepreneurship. It’s such a big word. We didn’t understand its meaning, and we were surprised when the trainers explained the concept and we realized it’s something we already do every day,” he said.

He added that entrepreneurship doesn’t necessarily require significant resources or advanced degrees but can also rely on simple, accessible practices. According to him, this understanding could be transformative, particularly in combating child labour. Expanding on this idea, he said, “With better knowledge of entrepreneurship, there’s no need to involve one’s child or other children in their activities.”

Thierry encouraged the youth of the Nawa region to participate in similar events, which he believes provide valuable learning opportunities, broaden perspectives, and develop essential knowledge about entrepreneurship.