Papua New Guinea’s capital Port Moresby is grappling with a youth unemployment crisis as young people come from all corners of the country in search of work.
The problem is causing despair to many young adults — some of whom are now resorting to crime to get by.
University graduate Bernard Kakori said he has been searching for a job for the last two-and-a-half years.
“Looking for a job in Port Moresby I would say is a job in itself,” he said.
Amid the crisis are accusations of nepotism and bribery committed by recruiters.
But business leaders worry the education system isn’t properly preparing young people for the workforce.
Port Moresby Young Chamber of Commerce president Natasha Austin said it can take six months for employers to train graduates.
“The gap between the industry and institutions is wide because we don’t work together,” she said.
“In developed countries, they have students working on real-life projects and work experience. Here we don’t have those initiatives.”
Source: ABC Pacific