Main Themes

We examine the wide range of employment options available to young people and provide deep insights into their working conditions and workplace realities. This includes exploring various sectors, types of employment (formal, informal, self-employment), and the stability and security of these positions. We delve into aspects such as wages, working hours, safety measures, and overall job satisfaction, aiming to paint a comprehensive picture of the daily experiences of young workers in Sierra Leone.

We explore the variety of strategies that young people use to find employment. This includes investigating both formal and informal methods, such as utilizing social networks, community connections, online platforms, and vocational training centers. Our research also considers the challenges young people face in their job search, including limited access to information, competition, and geographical barriers. Understanding these strategies and challenges is crucial for developing effective interventions to support youth employment.

We study the ways in which education influences employment opportunities for young people. This theme investigates the correlation between different levels of education and employment outcomes, including the types of jobs accessible and income levels. We also analyze the relevance of educational curricula to labor market demands, skills gaps, and the effectiveness of vocational training programs in preparing young people for the workforce. Our aim is to understand how to better align educational pathways with employment needs.

With the help of the **Work Volition Scale (Duffy et al. 2012)**, we explore the capacity of young people to make occupational choices despite constraints. This theme focuses on the psychological aspects of career development, examining how young individuals perceive their agency and control over their career paths amidst economic, social, and cultural barriers. We seek to understand the factors that foster or hinder work volition, such as self-efficacy, aspirations, and perceived support systems, and how these impact their ability to pursue desired employment.

We consider the gendered dynamics in employment practices and the impact this has on young people's ability to find and retain jobs. This theme explores how societal norms, cultural expectations, and gender biases influence access to education, training, and specific sectors of employment for young men and women. We analyze disparities in wages, working conditions, and career progression, aiming to identify strategies that promote gender equality and equitable employment opportunities for all youth in Sierra Leone.

With the help of the **Decent Work Scale (Ferraro et al. 2018)**, we explore young people's perceptions of decent work. This theme examines what "decent work" means to young individuals in Sierra Leone, encompassing aspects like fair income, job security, safe working conditions, social protection, and opportunities for personal development and social integration. By understanding their perceptions, we aim to highlight the gaps between current employment realities and the aspirations for decent work, informing policies and initiatives that promote improved labor standards for youth.