World Youth Skills Day 2026: Using sport to build young people’s employability skills
How can dancing help someone develop information technology skills? Does playing rugby help prepare a young person for a job interview?
Sport has a unique way of equipping young people with the skills and competences relevant to the job market. It fosters transferrable skills such as leadership, teamwork and time management, while also opening pathways to volunteering, apprenticeships, employment and entrepreneurship.
On World Youth Skills Day (15 July), three organisations supported by the Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (SESLA) initiative are showcasing just that.
In Rwanda, MindLeaps and 1000 Hills Rugby have respectively transformed dance studios and rugby pitches into safe and inclusive spaces where youth participation in develop life and employability
skills.
In Tunisia, Génération Sports Extrême (GSX) not only opened one of the country’s few skateparks, but also a value-based education programme to further empower its youth.
Across Africa, more than 10 million young people enter the job market each year. Yet, one in four of those young people are not in formal education, employment or training, and require support in strengthening the skills and competences to access and retain decent work. With the support of the SESLA programme, 29 organisations have applied sports-based approaches to help young people thrive, addressing a wider need in the world’s largest and fastest-growing youth population.
On World Youth Skills Day (15 July), three organisations supported by the Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (SESLA) initiative are showcasing just that.
In Rwanda, MindLeaps and 1000 Hills Rugby have respectively transformed dance studios and rugby pitches into safe and inclusive spaces where youth participation in develop life and employability
skills.
In Tunisia, Génération Sports Extrême (GSX) not only opened one of the country’s few skateparks, but also a value-based education programme to further empower its youth.
Across Africa, more than 10 million young people enter the job market each year. Yet, one in four of those young people are not in formal education, employment or training, and require support in strengthening the skills and competences to access and retain decent work. With the support of the SESLA programme, 29 organisations have applied sports-based approaches to help young people thrive, addressing a wider need in the world’s largest and fastest-growing youth population.
1000 Hills Rugby (Rwanda)
For more than 10 years, 1000 Hills Rugby has created safe and enjoyable environments for young people to play rugby and develop life skills. Each year, hundreds attend training sessions and are encouraged to explore additional programmes at 1000 Hills that address challenges beyond the pitch, such as transitioning from education to employment.
With support from the SESLA initiative, 1000 Hills Rugby has implemented employability trainings that combine monthly job-readiness workshops with value-based skills development integrated into rugby sessions. Participants learn CV writing, interview techniques and workplace communication. They also receive training in computer literacy, financial management and sports-related skills, such as coaching and event management. Through local partnerships, 1000 Hills also helps facilitate internships and job placements.
Génération Sports Extrême (Tunisia)
When GSX opened its skatepark in the coastal city of Sousse, it not only attracted an existing skating community, but also introduced the sport to more young people, especially girls. GSX has built its community through events and training focused on maintaining equipment and caring for the skatepark.
Over time, GSX identified a trend among many children and young people attending the park. A significant number came from low-income and unstable family environments, and struggled academically due to limited support at home. Some had already dropped out of school.
With investment and capacity-building support from SESLA, GSX expanded its offer beyond skateboarding by launching an Education Hub. Young participants began to access support in English, math and science, as well as mentorship and even learn about theatre. Together, these activities help its young people thrive beyond the skatepark.
With investment and capacity-building support from SESLA, GSX expanded its offer beyond skateboarding by launching an Education Hub. Young participants began to access support in English, math and science, as well as mentorship and even learn about theatre. Together, these activities help its young people thrive beyond the skatepark.
MindLeaps (Rwanda)
Operating in several countries across the world, MindLeaps uses the creative arts to improve academic performance, and develop social-emotional learning and cognitive skills.
Dance serves as the entry point. Through movement and a comprehensive curriculum led by trained instructors, participants develop both physical strength and mental concentration. Dance activates participants’ minds and warms them up for other sessions at MindLeaps that build skills and competences for the job market, including English language and information technology skills. These skills are relevant in Rwanda’s growing industries, such as hospitality, retail, sports events, fitness and healthcare.
Dance serves as the entry point. Through movement and a comprehensive curriculum led by trained instructors, participants develop both physical strength and mental concentration. Dance activates participants’ minds and warms them up for other sessions at MindLeaps that build skills and competences for the job market, including English language and information technology skills. These skills are relevant in Rwanda’s growing industries, such as hospitality, retail, sports events, fitness and healthcare.
Launched in January 2024, SESLA is providing grant funding, training, peer learning opportunities and research, with the aim of leveraging the power of sport to empower young people to create more sustainable futures for themselves and their communities.
1000 Hills Rugby, GSX Tunisia and Mindleaps are three of the 29 organisations SESLA funded and supported. The initiative has reached more than 40,500 children and young people across 13 countries benefiting from programmes using sport to deliver education, employability and livelihoods outcomes.
The International Olympic Committee, Laureus Sport for Good and Agence Française de Développement, alongside key African sport and social development institutions, joined together to form the Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (SESLA). [MO1.1]
Sports Impact, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Sport for Social Change Networks, Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and African Union Sports Council further support the SESLA initiative in an advisory capacity.
Visit SESLA’s webpage for more information.
1000 Hills Rugby, GSX Tunisia and Mindleaps are three of the 29 organisations SESLA funded and supported. The initiative has reached more than 40,500 children and young people across 13 countries benefiting from programmes using sport to deliver education, employability and livelihoods outcomes.
The International Olympic Committee, Laureus Sport for Good and Agence Française de Développement, alongside key African sport and social development institutions, joined together to form the Sport for Education and Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (SESLA). [MO1.1]
Sports Impact, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Sport for Social Change Networks, Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa and African Union Sports Council further support the SESLA initiative in an advisory capacity.
Visit SESLA’s webpage for more information.
