Within the framework of the RISE project, YMCA Madagascar recently empowered 18 vulnerable young people from the rural commune of Vinaninkarena, Antsirabe, through a two-day pastry training held on July 17 and 18, 2025.
Far more than a simple skills workshop, the initiative offered these young participants a tangible pathway toward self-reliance. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, they learned to make pizzas, cakes, and sponge cakes as a marketable skills that can be directly applied to income-generating activities.
In a region where economic hardship often limits opportunities, this training sparked a shift. It was a meaningful opportunity for participants to gain hands-on experience in a trade with real income-generating potential to improve their livelihoods, whether by:
- Launching small businesses
- Contributing to household income
- Pursuing further vocational or entrepreneurship training
- Gaining confidence in their ability to build a stable future
This activity reflects YMCA Madagascar’s commitment to meaningful youth empowerment, offering not just knowledge but tools for real change. By focusing on hands-on, income-generating skills, the RISE project strengthens economic resilience and fosters a sense of autonomy among young people often excluded from traditional job markets.
This training added a new dimension to the support provided through the RISE project. Many more empowering activities are planned to continue building hope and opportunity, supporting a generation ready to shape their own future with confidence, purpose, and pride.
