SVM at APO Workshop in Manila, Philippines: Empowering Youth for Future Workforce

Smart Village Movement, November 15, 2024

Smart Village Movement (SVM) proudly participated in the Conference on Youth Education and the Future of Work, hosted by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in collaboration with the Asian Productivity Organization (APO). Held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria on 12th and 13th November, the workshop brought together over 100 participants, including officials from 15 Asia-Pacific countries, to exchange strategies for equipping youth for an evolving workforce.

The workshop provided an engaging platform to discuss the intersection of education and employment, focusing on topics like technological advancements, foundational skills, STEM education, and alternative learning spaces. Representing SVM, Divine Dkhar, Education and Skills Vertical Lead, shared insights during the session “Empowering Future Generations: Integrating Foundational Literacy, Numeracy, STEM, and Alternative Learning Spaces for Rural Development in India.

Divine highlighted SVM’s pioneering efforts in Meghalaya, emphasizing projects like:

Alternative Learning Spaces (ALS): Platforms promoting interactive, accessible education.

STEM Innovation Hubs: Hands-on learning environments equipping rural youth with technical skills.

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): Programs designed to address critical gaps in basic education.

The presentation underscored the importance of community-driven approaches and global partnerships in creating scalable solutions for rural education. Divine’s insights resonated deeply with participants, inspiring discussions on how innovative frameworks like SVM’s can address global challenges in education and employability.

Key takeaways included:

– The role of technology, such as AI, in reshaping education and workforce training.

– The significance of policy support to bridge rural-urban gaps in youth development.

– Strategies for aligning educational goals with the future demands of emerging industries.

SVM is honoured to have contributed to this vital dialogue, reaffirming its commitment to creating sustainable solutions in rural education and skill development. We look forward to continuing our work in empowering youth and shaping future-ready communities.