Over 800 million children in challenging socio-economic conditions lack access to essential skills like problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and gender equality. This gap leaves them unequipped to become responsible, employable citizens, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. The United Nations highlights this crisis under Sustainable Development Goal #4, emphasizing the need for inclusive, quality education and global citizenship skills.

Employers view youth work-readiness as a critical issue, with key gaps in communication, professionalism, confidence, and teamwork. The challenge isn’t a lack of jobs, but that many candidates are not work-ready. By 2027, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa will have the largest youth workforce, with these gaps more pronounced among low-income youth.

Making a meaningful dent to this alarming life skills gap, Enabling Leadership, a life skills development project under Pragatee Foundation works with 9-15-year-old children from underprivileged backgrounds, using innovative programs in music, football, and building blocks to develop the essential life skills needed to break the cycle of poverty. Our programs help children connect classroom and playground experiences to real-life challenges.