At the heart of our mission is the belief that peace and development are two sides of the same coin.
Nowhere is this assumption truer than in fragile contexts where people and territories are trapped in negative cycles whereby poverty and violence feed off each other. To help our communities break these cycles, we actively work to ensure that they can effectively convert the dividends of peace into livelihood gains. We do this by providing comprehensive vocational skills, startup grants, and incubation services.
WPDI’s vocational training program in remote and underprivileged areas serve as a cornerstone for empowering individuals with practical skills crucial for enhancing employability and fostering self-confidence. The notable increase in the number of trainees in ICT, entrepreneurship, and arts & crafts courses in recent years reflects the growing demand for diverse skill sets in today’s job market. The overall expansion of the program underscores its effectiveness in reaching a broader audience. Through these vocational courses, WPDI not only equips beneficiaries with the tools to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors but also instills a sense of empowerment and agency, laying the groundwork for sustainable livelihoods and economic independence within these communities.
Transformative Outcomes:
From 2021 to 2023, WPDI surveyed 3,414 former vocational trainees across South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda, and Mexico, six months after their training. The results speak volumes: 72% of respondents saw significant improvements in their lives. Specifically, 13% found new jobs, 23% reported increased income, and 32% successfully started their own businesses. These outcomes highlight how our programs create lasting change and support real, sustainable development.
Beyond individual success stories, WPDI’s impact is wide-reaching. Since 2017, we’ve supported 742 small businesses, leading to the creation of 10,956 jobs between 2022 and 2024. This support has positively affected 43,716 people in the families of those working for or managing these businesses. In 2023 alone, WPDI helped establish 328 new local businesses, further demonstrating our commitment to enhancing livelihoods in underprivileged communities.
Our vocational training programs equip individuals with the skills they need for meaningful employment and entrepreneurial success. For example, in a 2023 survey, 480 female trainees who had previously struggled with unemployment revealed that 19% started their own businesses, 36% saw their income rise, and 11% found jobs. These results show how our training programs not only address immediate needs but also foster long-term economic growth.
By offering practical skills, ongoing support, and nurturing new businesses, we ensure that our impact is both deep and lasting. Our goal is to empower individuals, support community resilience, and drive sustainable success, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
These initiatives transform the lives of those directly involved and create a powerful ripple effect throughout the broader community. Empowering individuals to secure jobs or launch successful businesses stimulates local economies, increases spending, and generates new economic opportunities. This collective progress fosters a vibrant and thriving community where economic growth and financial stability benefits extend far beyond the individual, enhancing the overall prosperity and resilience of the community.
