Plan international – Saksham project
Context
The partner organisation
Plan International France works to advance children's rights and gender equality worldwide. Through programmes focused on education, protection, health, economic empowerment and advocacy, the organisation operates in more than 78 countries alongside children, families, communities and local partners.
The initiative supported by the Valérie Messika Foundation
Between 2024 and 2025, the Fondation Valérie Messika supported Plan International’s Saksham programme in India. The project aimed to promote youth empowerment and economic inclusion, with a particular focus on young women. Implemented in Delhi and Rajasthan (Udaipur), the Saksham programme helped strengthen the socio-economic empowerment of young people aged 18 to 29, 60% of whom were young women.
From training to employment
The programme provided practical training opportunities tailored to the needs of the job market. It focused on a range of sectors, including retail, healthcare, green jobs such as solar panel installation and repair, building painting, and IT.
A proven model
Saksham developed a training and employment model combining technical, professional and life skills development with personalised support towards employment. Over more than 10 years, the model was adapted and improved based on feedback and contributions from young people themselves, as well as from parents, employers, and local and national authorities. These collaborations, together with individual support for each participant, helped foster strong acceptance of the programme at both local and national levels.
IMPACT IN NUMBERS