Nature of Youth Unemployment in Kazanchis, Addis Ababa
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Date
2014-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Youth unemployment is one of the most dominant socio-economic problems in Ethiopia.
Particularly, urban youth unemployment is higher in Addis Ababa. This study explored the
nature of youth unemployment attempting to examine the living conditions, experiences,
challenges, efforts and opportunities of unemployed yo uth living in kazanchis. A purposive
sampling technique and a qualitative research design with a case study approach were used as a
major study tools to identify respondents and share their experience. In-depth interview,
observation and focus group disunion were used. Data was also collected from the families of
unemployed youth and the government representatives of the local administration. Thematic
analyses using triangulation and cross case analys is were used to refine data. The findings
indicate that unemployed youth in kazanchis are facing more dimcult challenges than just
economic ones including social and psychological impacts. Unemployed youth are subjected to
lead subs istence or be it a dependent life. Aside from social iso lation, depression, inferiority
complex and low self-esteem are common among unemployed youth . In spite of strong desire
and effOlt to change, unemployed youth seem to have a critical response towards government
efforts in curbing the problem of unemployment. Lack of transparency and inclusiveness,
undiversified area of engagement are among the major criti cs. However, the government remains
adamant claiming the youth are victims of modernization and need to up hail their working
culture. Nevertheless, the issue of egalitarian treatment, improved school to work integration,
better arranged technical trainings and social programs; stress coping and li fe skill trainings and
strengthened loca lized effOlts are the major soc ial work implications of the study.
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Youth unemployment is one of the most