The Youth Employment Agency has officially launched the Labor-Intensive Public Works project, known as THIMO, in Tabou, offering critical employment opportunities to vulnerable young people in the region.
Funded and overseen by the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration and Civic Service, the initiative aims to engage unemployed youth in civic beautification efforts. Participants are tasked with essential community work such as clearing gutters and weeding along key roads in the city.
This effort is part of the government’s broader strategy to empower young Ivorians economically while enhancing urban infrastructure. Implemented locally by the Youth Employment Agency (AEJ), the THIMO programme serves as a stepping stone for participants to gain practical work experience and financial independence.
Among the project’s success stories is Dame Rose, a former beneficiary and current fish vendor at Tabou’s central market. She credits the program for transforming her life.
“Thanks to the THIMO operation, and especially to the payment of my withholding tax, I was able to launch my fish business,” she said. “Today, I have been able to buy two freezers to store and sell my goods with complete peace of mind, which allows me to send my daughter to school and rent a house.”
Her story highlights the far-reaching impact of the initiative, particularly for women and youth in economically fragile settings. Rose encouraged new participants to take full advantage of the opportunity and use their earnings to pursue sustainable ventures.
As the project unfolds, many in Tabou are expressing optimism about its potential to reduce youth unemployment and contribute to long-term community development. The launch was welcomed by local officials and residents alike, who view THIMO as a symbol of social investment and national solidarity.
By targeting the most vulnerable segments of the population, the program not only provides income but fosters dignity, empowerment, and inclusion—key ingredients for lasting peace and prosperity.
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