Challenges in Youth Livelihoods

Interesting statistics that should compel you to pray and be involved:

• Recent estimates suggest that developing countries are home to 1.3 billion of the world’s 1.5 billion youth aged 15-24. 
• While the youth population continues to grow rapidly, economic opportunities in the form of access to education, employment, or entrepreneurship are not growing at a proportional rate.
• Unemployment rates are much higher for youth than for adults, in some countries up to 7 times as high.
• According to the 2007 World Development Report, “youth make up 25 percent of the working population worldwide, but 47 percent of the unemployed.”

Demographic shifts caused by the rural exodus to urban areas, stagnant literacy rates, and static numbers of higher education opportunities all contribute to the need for greater attention to youth and their economic prospects. In many countries, unemployment, underemployment and dubious informal sector employment leave much insecurity. All of these factors are leading to heightened concerns about the potential for disaffected and idle youth to participate in potentially destabilizing or destructive activities.
Youth Livelihood

Charitable deductions cap may hurt nonprofits | PRI.ORG

Charitable Deductions Cap May Hurt NonProfits
This is very worrying. We realize the strength of any program is the people implementing changes in their lives because they have been empowered. Yet, external donors always fill the gap and in strategic ways. So, if we begin to see a shrinking economy locally, it will surely shrink globally.

This article points out, "So, if someone were to donate $100,000 to charity, instead of getting a $35,000 tax deduction they are getting a $28,000 tax deduction.  There are many folks out there who are worried ... and on top of the economic situation, is really going to affect giving among high-end donors."