Strategic plan 2027 -2036: “EMPOWERING YOUTH, BUILDING FUTURES”

At KIYO, we have long been committed to empowering young people, and in the future, we aim to strengthen our focus on youth that fall under the category of not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This will also include youth that are at risk of becoming NEET. 

We believe that building resilience among young people goes hand in hand with helping them overcome obstacles to education, decent work, and personal growth. We create supportive environments through inclusive education, training programs, and policies that uplift and empower youth. Find out more about our new strategic vision here: 

OUR MISSION

KIYO helps young people overcome obstacles to education, decent work, andpersonal growth by building their resilience, skills, and mental well-being. Wecreate supportive environments through inclusive education, trainingprograms, and policies that uplift and empower youth.

WHY IT MATTERS

Today, 1 in 5 young people worldwide is not in education, employment, ortraining (NEET). Their exclusion limits their opportunities, leads to long-termdisadvantages and hampers economic growth. KIYO believes that all youthhave talent—but not all have opportunities. We aim to change that.

OUR IMPACT

With the support of KIYO & partner ASCEN in DR Congo, Abigael got the chance to discover her talents and pursue vocational training in auto mechanics.

WHERE WE WORK

  • Belgium: Enhancing youth inclusion through education and training.
  • Brazil & Philippines: Addressing barriers to education and decent work in middle-income economies.
  • Burundi & DR Congo: Empowering youth in fragile context areas through economic and social resilience.

OUR STRATEGIC GOALS

1. Empower At-Risk Youth

  • Build resilience and mental well-being through a talent-, rights-, and skills-based approach.
  • Strengthen supportive school and organizational cultures to help youth make informed study and career choices.
  • Support 22,500+ youth over the next decade to seize opportunities and develop critical life skills.

2. Increase Access to Decent Work

  • Provide inclusive, technical and vocational training (TVET).
  • Connect youth with sustainable employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
  • Ensure 9,000+ youth secure stable employment or launch their own businesses.

3. Drive Policy Advocacy

  • Engage in evidence-based advocacy for inclusive policies supporting NEET youth.
  • Submit 15+ policy recommendations to influence national youth employment strategies.
  • Strengthen partnerships with research institutions, civil society, and government stakeholders.

OUR APPROACH

  • Holistic Support: Combining education, mental health, and economic empowerment.
  • Strong Partnerships: Working alongside schools, NGOs, governments, and businesses.
  • Youth Leadership: Engaging youth advisory boards to shape programs and strategies.
  • Sustainability & Scale: Expanding globally while strengthening local autonomy.

OUR FUTURE: INTERNATIONALIZATION & SUSTAINABILITY

  • Decentralizing decision-making to enhance local impact and responsiveness.
  • Diversifying funding sources to reduce reliance on institutional donors.
  • Strengthening financial sustainability to ensure long-term program effectiveness.

 

📣JOIN US IN EMPOWERING YOUTH ! 

KIYO is looking for partners who share our vision of a world where all youth can thrive. Whether through funding, strategic alliances, or expertise, your support can help us create lasting change. Let’s build a future where every young person has the chance to succeed. ➡️You can reach out to us via: info@kio.ngo.be