Today, July 15, 2025, the world once again turns its attention to World Youth Skills Day, a global observance declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. This crucial day celebrates the strategic importance of equipping young people with the skills necessary for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship in a rapidly evolving global economy. As we mark its 10th anniversary this year, a critical spotlight falls on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital skills in shaping the future of work for young people globally. The theme "Youth empowerment through AI and digital skills" resonates with unprecedented urgency, recognizing that the Fourth Industrial Revolution, propelled by Artificial Intelligence, is not just reshaping industries but redefining the very nature of human work.

The significance of World Youth Skills Day cannot be overstated. It is a powerful call to action for governments, educators, industries, and civil society to collaborate in addressing the pervasive skills gap that threatens the potential of an entire generation. Globally, the youth unemployment rate stood at an alarming 11.2% for individuals aged 15-24 in April 2025, significantly higher than the rate for older workers. More critically, reports indicate that over 40% of young people worldwide are not in employment, education, or training, highlighting a systemic failure to connect youth with meaningful opportunities. In Nigeria, this challenge is acutely felt. A 2023 survey starkly revealed that over 100 million young Nigerians lack fundamental digital literacy, with a staggering 85% of graduates possessing no digital skills beyond basic Microsoft Excel, a dire statistic in an era where AI and advanced digital competencies are increasingly non-negotiable.

It is within this landscape of immense challenge and burgeoning rich opportunity that YAPPI has emerged as a transformative force, directly addressing the critical need for future-ready skills. YAPPI’s unwavering mission aligns perfectly with the spirit of World Youth Skills Day: to empower youth, especially young women, by providing them with highly employable skills that open doors to the digital economy. Through its pioneering programs, YAPPI is already achieved a remarkable milestone, directly training over 60,000 women and youth in the intricate and rapidly expanding fields of animation and post-production in Lagos, Enugu, and Abuja, respectively.

This is not merely about teaching software; it is about cultivating a generation of digital animators, creators, and innovators. YAPPI's curriculum delves deep into the art and science of animation, covering everything from conceptualization and storytelling to 3D modelling, character rigging, visual effects, and sound design. Crucially, their training is forward-looking, integrating the practical application of AI tools that are revolutionizing the animation and post-production workflows and are highly valued in the global creative economy. Graduates learn to leverage AI for tasks such as automated rendering, motion capture analysis, and even AI-assisted character animation, ensuring they are not just proficient in current techniques but are also prepared to adapt to the accelerating pace of technological change. This integration of AI ensures that YAPPI's beneficiaries are not skilled, but truly future-proofed, ready to thrive in an AI-driven job market where new roles are emerging even as others transform.

The impact on young women is particularly profound. In a sector historically dominated by men, YAPPI is actively fostering gender inclusivity, providing vital access and training that enables women to break into high-value creative and technical roles. These empowered young women are not only achieving economic independence but also becoming powerful agents of change, inspiring their peers and contributing to a more diverse and equitable digital landscape. The animated narratives they bring to life are more than just captivating visuals; they are testaments to unlocked potential and the vibrant future that robust digital skills training can create. The ripple effect of their success extends beyond individual gain, fostering economic growth and demonstrating the immense untapped potential within Nigeria's youth.

YAPPI's success story is a powerful testament to the fact that with focused training in AI and digital skills, young people can transcend socio-economic barriers and become active participants in the global digital revolution. Their animated creations are not just art; they are expressions of empowered minds, stories of resilience, and blueprints for a brighter future.

As we reflect on World Youth Skills Day, we recognize that the future workforce will be defined by its adaptability and digital fluency. YAPPI is not just preparing youth for jobs; it is equipping them to create jobs, innovate solutions, and become the architects of tomorrow’s digital world.

The journey of digital empowerment for Nigerian youth is a collective responsibility, and the need for scalable, impactful programs like YAPPI's has never been more urgent. We invite you to be a part of this transformative movement and mission.

Join us in empowering more youth through digital skills! Donate or share this vital message and help us unlock the immense potential within Nigeria's young generation, equipping them with the AI and digital skills to build a vibrant, innovative, and prosperous future. 

Follow us on all social media @yappi.ng to stay abreast of all activities. Gain more experience. Learn and immerse yourself. Registration for the YAPPI Cohort 3 is still on. Click the link to register and begin your storytelling, animation, and post-production journey! http://yappi.ng/register

Happy Youth Skills Day!

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