International Day of Families: Supporting Economic Mobility for Workers and Their Families 

Every year on the 15th of May, the world celebrates the International Day of Families. This day emphasizes the importance of families as fundamental units of society and highlights the significance of international community support for family-related issues. The observance provides a moment to reflect on how family dynamics and support systems contribute to the broader societal fabric, especially in terms of economic stability and upward mobility.

What Is the International Day of Families?

Established by the United Nations in 1993, the International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May each year. This day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic, and demographic processes affecting them. It’s a day that encourages us to reflect on how families can be supported to deal with economic, social, and demographic challenges.

The theme for the day often focuses on areas such as education, health, and work-life balance, highlighting the multifaceted role of families in shaping societal structures and fostering economic development. This emphasis on holistic support structures aligns with global goals such as reducing poverty and enhancing education, both pivotal for thriving communities.

Supporting Workers to Promote Well-Being

Supporting people into work — particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds or those struggling to find meaningful employment — is an essential strategy for promoting family members’ economic mobility. Job stability allows individuals not only to support themselves but also to contribute to the financial and emotional stability of their families. Stable employment is often seen as a cornerstone of upward mobility, providing families with opportunities to break cycles of poverty and gain access to better education and health resources.

Generation’s Impact on Graduates and Their Families

At Generation, our unique approach focuses on preparing individuals for employment through fast-paced and rigorous training programs tailored to various industries. By bridging the gap between necessary skills and job requirements, Generation helps workers become not just employable but also essential assets to their industries.

The Journey of Generation Graduates

The graduates of Generation’s employment programs demonstrate remarkable progress in their journeys toward economic mobility. Through skills acquisition and real-world training, these individuals are equipped to secure jobs that were previously out of reach, thus altering their economic trajectories. More than 28% have dependents, multiplying the impact of this change. A key measure of this is living wage, a wage that is sufficient to support a decent standard of living.

• In lower-middle income countries, 13% of our learners are earning above a living wage before Generation. Two to five years after our program, 58% of graduates are earning above a living wage.
• In lower-middle income countries, 61% of our learners are earning above a living wage before Generation. Two to five years after our program, 98% of graduates are earning above a living wage.
• In high-income countries, 32% of our learners are earning above a living wage before Generation. Two to five years after our program, 74% of graduates are earning above a living wage.

Furthermore, the ripple effects of Generation’s programs are extensive. Graduates who secure stable employment contribute positively to their communities through economic participation and social engagement. They become role models, showing that it is possible to ascend out of difficult circumstances through skills and determination. Their success stories inspire others and contribute to a more robust and resilient economy.

By fostering community engagement and participation, these individuals also help build stronger, more connected communities. This social capital is invaluable as it leads to more cohesive societies where support systems are strong and generational cycles of poverty are broken.

Employer Partnerships: A Key to Transformation

Employers who partner with Generation gain access to a pool of motivated and highly skilled candidates ready to make an immediate impact. These partnerships are crucial as they provide a dual benefit: businesses acquire skilled labor aligned with their needs, and individuals receive the opportunity to transform their lives. This transformative effect doesn’t just stop at the individual level — it cascades through families and communities, contributing to generational changes in economic status and well-being.

To continue this impactful work, Generation relies on collaboration with employers and the support of funders who are committed to transforming lives and empowering communities. Investment in Generation is an investment in future generations; each dollar spent on training and supporting job seekers multiplies as graduates gain and sustain employment, support their families, and contribute to the economy.

Funders are encouraged to consider the far-reaching benefits of their support: their contributions aid in the creation of a skilled workforce, reduce unemployment, and promote economic growth. By supporting Generation, funders are not just funding a program but are fostering a movement that builds prosperous communities and stable families.

The International Day of Families is a poignant reminder of the importance of supporting each other not just within families but across the societal spectrum. Initiatives like Generation’s show that with the right support, individuals can significantly improve their lives and by extension, the lives of their families. This International Day of Families, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting workers and enhancing family economic mobility through impactful programs and thoughtful partnerships.

At Generation, our mission is to train, support, and place people into otherwise inaccessible career opportunities that can change their lives. Explore our employment programs to see the professions we support, or donate today to help us create career opportunities for our learners!