Youth Economic Empowerment Project Nepal Phase II Launched

19th March 2026, Kathmandu

The Youth Economic Empowerment Project Nepal Phase II (YEEP-II) has officially been launched, marking a significant expansion of initiatives aimed at reducing economic disparities among marginalized communities.

Youth Economic Empowerment Project

In a strategic partnership, the MetLife Foundation and Plan International Nepal have committed US$80,000 to implement this phase in the Dhanusha district. The project is designed to bridge the gap between traditional education and market-ready skills, specifically targeting young women and disadvantaged youth who face systemic barriers to financial independence.

Core Objectives: Targeting the Marginalized

The primary mission of the Youth Economic Empowerment Project Nepal is to foster inclusive growth by focusing on those often left behind by mainstream economic cycles.

Focus Demographic: The project prioritizes young women (aged 18–24) and youth from Dalit or other economically marginalized backgrounds in the Madhesh Province.

Geographic Focus: Dhanusha District has been selected due to its high migration rates and the untapped potential of its local labor market.

Livelihood Sustainability: Rather than short-term aid, the project focuses on creating long-term “sustainable livelihoods” through formal employment or entrepreneurship.

Key Pillars of the YEEP-II Initiative

The Youth Economic Empowerment Project Nepal employs a multi-dimensional approach to ensure that participants are not only trained but are also ready to navigate the modern economy.

1. Vocational Training and Skill Development

Training programs are meticulously aligned with sectors that show high growth potential within the Dhanusha and neighboring corridors:

Agro-processing: Modernizing the agricultural value chain to increase local revenue.

Tourism & Hospitality: Preparing youth for roles in Nepal’s recovering travel sector.

Information Technology: Basic and intermediate digital skills to enable remote work or local tech support.

2. Financial and Digital Literacy

Recognizing that earning is only half the battle, the project integrates essential financial management skills:

Banking Access: Assisting youth in opening formal bank accounts to move away from predatory informal lending.

Digital Payments: Training on mobile banking and QR payment systems to align with Nepal’s “Digital Nepal Framework.”

Budgeting: Teaching participants how to manage income, savings, and micro-investments.

Promoting Safe Migration and Protection

A unique and critical component of the Youth Economic Empowerment Project Nepal is its focus on safe migration. Given that a large percentage of youth in Dhanusha seek opportunities in the Gulf or Malaysia, the project provides:

Pre-departure Awareness: Educating potential migrants on legal labor contracts and their rights abroad.

Exploitation Prevention: Training to identify and avoid fraudulent recruitment agencies.

Skills Certification: Helping youth obtain recognized certifications that allow them to secure higher-paying, skilled roles abroad rather than unskilled labor.

Community Engagement and Systemic Change

To ensure the success of the Youth Economic Empowerment Project Nepal, the initiative engages with the broader ecosystem:

Family Support: Sensitizing parents and community leaders to the importance of allowing young women to pursue vocational careers.

Employer Networking: Creating direct links between trained youth and local businesses looking for skilled workers.

Local Governance: Collaborating with municipal authorities to align the project with local government development plans.

Expected Impact and Future Outlook

The one-year implementation of YEEP-II is expected to yield measurable results for the region:

Direct Beneficiaries: Over 200 young individuals will receive intensive training and placement support.

Gender Parity: The project aims for at least 60% female participation to address the gender gap in the workforce.

Economic Resilience: By diversifying skills, the project builds a community that is more resilient to local economic shocks.

Conclusion

The launch of the Youth Economic Empowerment Project Nepal Phase II represents a vital investment in the human capital of Dhanusha. By combining vocational training with financial literacy and safe migration support, MetLife and Plan International are providing a holistic toolkit for success. As these 200 young leaders enter the workforce, they will not only improve their own lives but also contribute to the broader economic revitalization of the Madhesh Province.

For More: Youth Economic Empowerment Project