Fundación Educación para el Empleo – EFE Europe
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
Fundación Educación para el Empleo (EFE-Europe) is part of the Education For Employment (EFE) Network, founded in 2002. Since then, EFE has grown into a network that spans ten countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, helping to create economic opportunities for young people. EFE-Europe, based in Madrid, supports this mission by leveraging European partnerships and collaborating with governmental entities, EU donor agencies, and corporations.
EFE’s mission is to equip young women and men with the skills needed in today’s job market and link them to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. This mission aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on no poverty, quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities.
Country Information
In the MENA, where two thirds of the population is under 35, youth unemployment stands at 25% and 4 in 5 working-age youth do not participate in the labour force.
In the case of women, only 1 in 9 are active, while young female unemployment is at 39.8%. This hinders competitiveness, growth, and development, and contributes to high generational poverty, all of which have been severely aggravated by the current global and regional economic and sociopolitical crises.
In Algeria, 32% of youth are unemployed, 47.2% of whom are young women. Furthermore, the country has lowest rate of FLFP worldwide with only 9% of young females participate in the labour force.
Algeria ranked 93 of 193 on UNDP’s 2022 HDI, having lost 9 positions since 2019. Despite ranking high on human development, it has a GINI coefficient of 27.6%, with inequalities growing year after year.
The Need in 2026
As we progress through 2026, the urgency to tackle the growing pressures on our planet continues to intensify, particularly with the persistent spread of pathogens and global crises highlighted by scientists.
In North Africa, especially in Algeria, the ongoing “Triple Planetary Crisis” of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution highlights a critical need for sustained intervention. This region, identified as a ‘climate change hotspot,’ still grapples with intertwined threats like biodiversity depletion and disruptions in the water cycle, which worsen challenges such as wildfires and climate-driven migration, making climate change mitigation essential for Algeria’s long-term security and prosperity.
With the global economy steadily shifting towards sustainability, it is crucial for Algeria to leverage its young population for green ventures, vital for reducing climate risks and enhancing resilience. Nevertheless, a persistent skills gap poses a significant obstacle to transitioning to a green economy, emphasizing the ongoing need for strategic initiatives targeting climate adaptation and mitigation.
The Project We Fund
EFE will continue its mission to empower youth across Algeria by strengthening the capacities of youth-led and youth-centered organizations in climate resilience and the green economy.
By the project’s ongoing efforts, 15 civil society and community-based organizations (CSOs) and 500 youths will have enhanced skills and awareness.
The project is structured to generate multiplier effects, facilitating replication and scalability by engaging various stakeholders to spread knowledge and best practices, thereby enhancing climate resilience and extending its impact. Enhanced coordination with public and private partners supports the broader adoption of successful youth programs and policies across Algeria and the region, benefiting more individuals and communities. Empowered youth continue to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to their communities, fostering broader opportunities and lasting impact.
The Result
In 2026, EFE continues to utilize its Salesforce-based, results-driven MEAL system to effectively track performance and enable ongoing learning. This system consistently gathers baseline data before training and endline data upon completion, with additional evaluations every three months and extending up to a year. Data collection methods include online surveys, phone interviews, focus groups, and alumni feedback, all complemented by attendance records, photos, success stories, and testimonials.
The project is structured to generate ongoing multiplier effects, fostering replication and scalability by engaging a wide range of stakeholders. This approach disseminates knowledge and best practices, thereby enhancing climate resilience and broadening the project’s impact. Enhanced collaboration with public and private partners supports the broader adoption of successful youth programs and policies throughout Algeria and the region, thus benefiting a greater number of individuals and communities. Empowered youth continue to inspire and contribute to their communities, generating wider opportunities and a lasting impact.
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The Need in 2025
The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the urgent need to address the escalating pressures on our planet, as forewarned by scientists, with an increased focus on the spread of pathogens and other global crises.
In North Africa, particularly in Algeria, the ‘Triple Planetary Crisis’ of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution highlights a critical need for action. This ‘climate change hotspot’ faces interconnected threats such as biodiversity reduction and water cycle disruptions, intensifying issues like wildfires and climate-induced migration, making climate change mitigation vital for Algeria’s security and prosperity.
As the world shifts towards sustainable economies, there is a pressing need for Algeria to leverage its young population for green ventures, which are essential for climate risk mitigation and resilience building. However, the existing skills gap poses a significant barrier to transitioning to a green economy, emphasizing the necessity for strategies focused on climate adaptation and mitigation.
The Project We Fund
EFE will empower youth across Algeria by strengthening the capacities of youth-led and youth-centered organizations in climate resilience and the green economy.
15 civil society and community-based organizations (CSOs) and more than 500 youths will have enhanced skills and awareness.
The project is structured to generate multiplier effects, facilitating replication and scalability by engaging various stakeholders to spread knowledge and best practices, thereby enhancing climate resilience and extending its impact. Enhanced coordination with public and private partners supports the broader adoption of successful youth programs and policies across Algeria and the region, benefiting more individuals and communities. Empowered youth continue to inspire others and contribute meaningfully to their communities, fostering broader opportunities and lasting impact.
The Result
EFE employs a Salesforce-based, results-driven MEAL system to track performance and facilitate ongoing learning. This system collects baseline data before training and endline data after completion, with additional checks every 3 months and up to 1 year. Data is gathered through online surveys, phone calls, focus groups, and feedback from alumni, supplemented by attendance records, photos, success stories, and testimonials.
The project is designed to create multiplier effects, promoting replication and scalability. By involving various stakeholders, it disseminates knowledge and best practices, enhancing climate resilience and extending the project’s impact. Increased coordination with public and private partners will support the wider adoption of effective youth programs and policies across Algeria and the region, benefiting more individuals and communities. Empowered youth will inspire others and contribute to their communities, leading to broader opportunities and lasting impact.
2025 Annual Report
The project directly benefited 1,140 individuals, including 15 CSO representatives and 1,000 young people, with an early impact visible through enhanced skills and environmental awareness within communities. The project aims to address climate risks and economic gaps by equipping youth with training in green economy and soft skills, leading to improved local capacity and increased climate resilience.
Testimonies
“Thanks to this training, I became aware of my daily habits and how they impact the environment. The practical workshops helped me adopt new, more sustainable behaviors easily and naturally.” -Samir Mhenni, Association Winnelka, Algiers-
“My name is Kheira Hassani, and I am a member of the Badir Association in Djanet. I truly appreciated the behavioural approach of this training. It helped me identify my bad habits and replace them with more sustainable actions. The training was practical, concrete and accessible to everyone. I sincerely thank EFE Algeria and THF for their efforts throughout the entire programme.” -Kheira Hassani, Association Badir, Djanet-
“I participated in the THF Green ToT organised by EFE Algeria. What impressed me the most was the behavioral methodology. It was not just environmental concepts; it helped me identify my own barriers. Through practical exercises and self-assessment activities, I was able to track my progress. Today, I feel confident adopting more eco-friendly behaviours and raising awareness among those around me. I sincerely thank the EFE Algeria and THF teams for selecting excellent trainers and delivering high-quality content.” -Rym Aissaoui, Association El Ikram, Annaba-
