The International Labour Organization (ILO), with financial support from the European Union, held a webinar on 5 February 2026 to discuss the role of Second Chance Schools (E2C) in promoting inclusion and employability for young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. NEET youth account for about one third of the regional youth population, and Second Chance Schools provide a practical pathway to reintegrate them into education, training, and ultimately the labour market.
The webinar, part of the regional Youth NEET – EU/ILO project, emphasized the strategic importance of E2C as a structured response to school dropout challenges and as a bridge to sustainable employment for young people furthest from mainstream education and work systems. It built on prior regional dialogue, including the Regional E2C Workshop held in Rabat in April 2025, fostering mutual learning and exchange of best practices across the MENA region.
Participants included representatives from ministries, public agencies, international organizations, civil society, and technical partners from eight MENA countries. Discussions covered findings from an ongoing policy analysis of E2C, trends in school dropout, institutional responses, outcomes of the New Opportunities Regional Forum in Tunis in December 2025, and concrete field experiences and testimonies from E2C programs.
The webinar highlighted shared governance as a cornerstone of the E2C model, combining public institutions, civil society, and private sector engagement. Speakers emphasized that youth empowerment, economic inclusion, skills development, and vocational training are key priorities. The Catalan model was presented as a best practice example, demonstrating how dual learning and personalized support can create flexible, effective pathways for disengaged youth.
The ILO and European Union reaffirmed their commitment to supporting partner countries in establishing inclusive and sustainable policies for NEET youth. Discussions focused on strengthening the integration of E2C into national youth strategies, consolidating partnerships, recognizing skills acquired through E2C, and promoting mutual learning and policy convergence across the region. These recommendations will guide the development of national roadmaps and pilot actions starting in 2026.
The Youth NEET – EU/ILO project aims to help countries in North Africa and the Middle East design integrated policies and mechanisms for NEET youth. Drawing inspiration from the EU Youth Guarantee, it focuses on data-driven solutions, strengthening public employment services, and fostering regional cooperation to ensure inclusive and sustainable pathways to decent work.
