Skills to Succeed (S2S) is Save the Children's flagship program aimed at equipping marginalized adolescents and youth with the necessary skills, resources, and access to opportunities to secure decent employment or start their own businesses, thereby breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty
S2S designs and implements country-specific programs that address local labor market demands and the diverse, context-specific needs of marginalized youth.
The program integrates training in digital competencies and environmental sustainability, preparing youth for the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
S2S dedicates programming for youth with disabilities, displaced minors, and those from minority groups, ensuring equitable access to opportunities.
By partnering with local communities, industries, and governments, S2S fosters environments that support youth success and challenge harmful gender and social norms.
Skills to Succeed currently operates in Bangladesh, China, Italy, Indonesia, Mexico, Philippines, South Africa, and Vietnam
Skills to Succeed Spotlights
Click on the Story Title to Read each S2S Stories of Impact
“You should get married.”
That’s what Kajari* heard after finishing her Higher Secondary Certificate in rural Bangladesh. Her father, like many in her community, believed early marriage was the right path for girls.
But Kajari had a different vision. “My dream is to be financially independent,” she said.
Then she met Roksana, a community mobilizer with the Skills to Succeed program. Through the program, Kajari enrolled in free computer training and gained skills in MS Office and digital tools—opening the door to a world she hadn’t imagined possible.
She didn’t stop there.
Kajari also joined a local handicraft business, Sopno Aka, where she started as an apprentice. With creativity and confidence, she quickly took on a permanent role—designing products and running the business’s digital marketing.
Kajari transformed her future with the right skills, support, and determination.
Her story is a powerful reminder: when young women can access opportunity, they don’t just rewrite their own story—they help rewrite what’s possible for others too.
*Name changed for security purposes
Ismail* had always been active in school—yet outside the classroom, societal stigma around his hearing impairment often made him feel invisible. That changed when his school in Bandung, Indonesia partnered with Save the Children’s Skills to Succeed program, offering job readiness training tailored to young people with disabilities.
Through training in social-emotional skills, computer literacy, and communication, Ismail built the confidence to pursue a career. He became the first student from his school to land an internship—setting an inspiring example for his peers.
His hard work paid off. In 2023, a major Indonesian retailer offered him a part-time position, thanks in part to Skills to Succeed’s inclusive hiring support for employers. Since then, his contract has been extended three times.
Today, Ismail earns a stable income, and more importantly, pride. He’s showing his classmates—and his community—that young people with disabilities can successfully integrate into the workforce.
*Names have been changed for security purposes.
At only 19-years-old, Zhuang Li* didn't let nerves stop her to seizing an opportunity for growth.
When her youth council in Guangzhou organized an advocacy event on climate change and social inclusion, despite being afraid of making mistakes, she signed up immediately to livestream the event.
She spent days preparing: researching tips, drafting scripts, and rehearsing every move.
Still, when the camera started rolling, Zhuang froze. Then she took a breath, pushed through the nerves—and found her rhythm.
By the end of the day, she was confidently leading interviews, capturing key moments, and engaging viewers online. More than just a successful stream, it was a turning point.
“I realized I don’t want to sit behind a desk all day,” she said. “I want to work with people, and be socially alive.”
Zhuang’s story is proof: when young people are trusted to lead, they rise—and they discover their path along the way.
*Names have been changed for security purposes.
When Minh* lost his factory job during the COVID-19 pandemic, he thought his dreams of becoming a makeup artist would stay just that—dreams. Born into poverty and dealing with chronic health issues, he took on long hours as a salon assistant just to get by.
Everything changed when a salon customer told him about Skills to Succeed, a program offering vocational training to LGBTQ+ youth. Minh, who had longed to study makeup but couldn’t afford it, enrolled in the basic course—and found more than just technique.
“I am so happy,” he said. “Studying makeup brings me joy.”
Minh began earning through small event gigs and saved every cent to invest in further training. “When I couldn’t afford a model for makeup practice, I’d take a break from studying and work, and save up,” he explained.
His persistence paid off.
Today, Minh is building a thriving career as a makeup artist—earning more than before, supporting his family, gaining flexibility, and shaping a future he once thought was out of reach. “Now I can contribute more to my mother,” he said with pride.
*Names have been changed for security purposes.
"Women don’t belong here."
These are the words Ashley* heard when she set out to become an electrician. She was told that the job wasn’t for women. That she should choose a different path.
But at just 19, Ashley refused to let others define her future. After leaving Honduras and seeking asylum in Mexico, she joined the Skills to Succeed program, where she gained access to financial literacy, employability training, and vocational skills and built the confidence and expertise needed to pursue her ambitions
When she enrolled in an electrical course, she once again faced doubts— “Women don’t belong in the electrical trade.”
Ashley proved them wrong.
Not only did Ashley complete her training— she landed a job as an electrician. With the right support and opportunities, she turned resilience into action, shattering stereotypes along the way.
Her story is a powerful reminder that investing in women’s skills is investing in change. When women can access opportunities for training and employment, they can thrive in careers of their choice.
*Names have been changed for security purposes.
In July 2023, a group of young people gathered in Prato for what would become much more than a workshop. Dubbed the “Changemaker Hub,” this transformative weekend gave youth the chance to analyze the challenges of their city, imagine solutions, and build the skills to lead change.
Through activities like problem trees and Theory of Change mapping, the group surfaced real issues facing their community: unsafe streets, outdated schools, and feelings of exclusion. They didn’t just identify problems—they got to work on a plan. By the end of the weekend, the youth had designed a sustainability festival to be held in Prato the following year.
To prepare for real-world impact, they even role-played a pitch to the city council, gaining firsthand experience in how to advocate with institutions. “We ended the transformative weekend full of enthusiasm,” said Giulia*, another participant. “And we have many ideas put down on paper entirely by us.”
More than just a weekend, the Changemaker Hub sparked friendships, renewed civic pride, and equipped youth with the tools to turn ideas into action.
*Names have been changed for security purposes.
