Practical Skills for the Future

On July 19th, in honour of World Youth Skills Day, Sunset Studio hosted a workshop for youth aged from 18 to 25.

In attendance were aspiring business owners, athletes, and those eager to learn how to build informational websites.

Tera Narayan, a workshop participant shared ”This workshop was so fun and informative.

“I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in expanding their knowledge base, upping their business model, or just interested in trying out something different.

“Shenal is awesome at what she does and offers beginners some of the best tips and tricks for building fully functional and professional websites without needing any coding skills.”

RECOGNISING YOUTH

International Youth Day, celebrated on August 12th, and World Youth Skills Day, observed on July 15th, are two United Nations-designated days emphasising the significance of youth in shaping the future.

International Youth Day focuses on raising awareness about the challenges young people face and promoting their active participation in societal development.

It highlights their potential to drive positive change, advocating for their rights and opportunities in education, employment, and civic engagement.

World Youth Skills Day, on the other hand, specifically underscores the importance of equipping youth with the necessary skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and adaptability in an ever-changing job market.

Both days serve as crucial reminders of the need to invest in youth development, ensuring that young people are empowered with the skills and opportunities to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the global economy. Together, they reinforce the idea that the future lies in the hands of a skilled, educated, and engaged youth population.

The participants of the build-a-website workshop at the end of the class.

SHAPING THE FUTURE

Digital skills are increasingly vital for youth as they navigate a world that is becoming more interconnected and technology-driven.

Learning how to build a website is an important skill for youth as it opens up a wide range of opportunities in both personal and professional contexts.

First and foremost, website development fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as it involves understanding and applying concepts like storytelling, design, and user experience.

These skills are highly transferable and can be applied in various fields beyond technology.

In a professional setting, knowing how to build a website enhances employability, as businesses across all industries need a strong online presence.

Whether it’s for promoting products, sharing information, or engaging with customers, the ability to create and maintain a website is a valuable asset.

For young entrepreneurs, website-building skills are particularly crucial, as they allow them to create a platform to showcase their ideas, sell products or services, and connect with a global audience.

Moreover, learning how to build a website empowers youth to take control of their digital identity. They can create personal portfolios, blogs, or community websites that reflect their interests and values, helping them stand out in a crowded digital space.

NEXT WORKSHOP

Our next website-building workshop is open to everyone of all ages and will be held on August 31st at 2pm in Suva. Contact us via our Facebook page, Sunset Studio Fiji.

By: Shenal Harakh

• Shenal Harakh is an Australian-award winning digital entrepreneur, children’s book author, and previous consultant at firms like PwC in Australia, Bermuda, and New York City. She is the Founder of Sunset Studio which is a community and creative agency creating pathways for everyday Fijians to create software through workshops, networking, and storytelling.Join the community at www.sunsetfiji.com.Connect with her work and follow for upskilling workshops on Facebook/LinkedIn: Shenal Harakh or on X (formerly Twitter): @shenalyo