Tailoring Aflayouth: Implementation and Adaptation Strategies in a Youth Employability Curriculum

Abstract

Youth unemployment is a global concern. International organizations often see employability programs as a solution to integrate young people into the labor market. However, curricula must be adapted to be relevant to local educational and socio-cultural settings. This research explores through in-depth interviews whether and how a general employability curriculum developed by an NGO—Aflatoun International— is implemented and adapted by its partner organizations worldwide. This research shows that partners implemented the curriculum in various settings and made adaptations especially prior to its implementation. Findings imply that curriculum designers must anticipate both culturally and logistically related adaptations. To do so, collaboration between partners and curriculum designers and capacity building are key. Future studies can examine how involving the private sector in the implementation and adaptation would help ensure the relevance and quality of the curriculum.