Poverty alleviation is complex and there are many methods that have their time and place in working towards a better world. However, unlike other methods, job creation empowers communities to change their own circumstances without relying on the donations of others. They provide families with a steady source of income to purchase basic needs, access an education or afford the cost of healthcare. Jobs empower families to improve their lives, contribute to their community’s economy, and dream big. 

However, 205 million people around the world are unemployed. On top of that, an additional two billion people fall into a category called “working poverty”—meaning they have a job but still fall below the poverty line because they aren’t making enough money to afford basic needs.

A LACK OF SKILLED WORKERS IN COMMUNITIES IMPACTED BY POVERTY 

One reason that so many people find themselves unemployed or in working poverty is because they lack the skills needed to secure a decent job—one that pays a living wage. 

As a country’s economy improves and companies launch or expand into the market, the demand for specific job skills increases. Without the education or training needed, individuals in the country will not be qualified, leaving them un- or underemployed even though there is a need for workers. Meanwhile, the hiring company will outsource from other countries or relocate altogether—leaving the region back where it started with high levels of unemployment. 

If individuals in countries impacted by poverty aren’t given the opportunity to gain the skills needed to secure decent jobs like these, they will remain in this cycle and struggle to provide a better life for their families.

OUR SOLUTION TO CLOSING TO SKILLS GAP

To begin closing the skills gap, our approach is to encourage entrepreneurship—particularly in industries that have the ability to grow and create jobs. 

As entrepreneurs look to hire for their small- to mid-sized businesses, they will create jobs that provide individuals with experience and on-the-job training—allowing employees to move on to better positions or grow within the company if it succeeds. 

We support these entrepreneurs through the Because Accelerator, a 16-week training program for global businesses who have a product with proven market attractiveness. Through training, mentorship, funding and ongoing alumni support, we aim to help these entrepreneurs grow their businesses and create decent jobs that provide the necessary skills to grow. 

Based on what we experienced launching our own global product, The Shoe That Grows, we started the Because Accelerator to support entrepreneurs who can take our learnings and build from it. 

In 2020, we set a 10-year goal of supporting the creation of 25,000 jobs in communities around the world impacted by poverty. Since then, our alumni have created thousands of jobs in communities around the world, providing a lot of families with the opportunity to thrive.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT JOB CREATION AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION

There is no one perfect solution for alleviating global poverty, but the creation of jobs that provide needed skills is one of the strongest tools we have.

To succeed, the efforts and partnership of governments, NGOs, and companies of all sizes is required. Together, the hurdles that many countries are experiencing may come down, and we can begin to see a world without poverty. 

However, as individuals, you can support the creation of jobs and the closing of skills gaps by supporting the Because Accelerator. To join us in our work alleviating poverty through the creation of decent jobs, learn more about the Because Accelerator or make a donation towards the next cohort.