9 Mar 2015

Samoa youth unemployment plan 'much needed', says ILO

8:56 pm on 9 March 2015

A project coordinator for the International Labour Organisation in Samoa says the country's new action plan on Youth employment is the first of its kind and is a much needed approach in Samoa.

Samoa government building, Apia.

Samoa government building, Apia. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

The one year project is funded by Sweden's government and has been launced by the ILO in partnership with Samoa's government.

Cherelle Jackson, who coordinates the national plan known as SNAP on YE, says the project will address key issues that challenge youth employment in the country.

Youth unemployment is estimated to be around 16 percent and further adds to the overall unemployment rate, which remains a critical challenge in Samoa.

Ms Jackson says the plan will also seek to encourage more work in rural areas.

It's a much needed approach on youth employment. We need to increase employment for young people but also the need for people to create employment for themselves.

Cherelle Jackson.