KFC Joins Global Youth Employment Initiative
KFC, the global fried chicken restaurant chain, has announced a partnership with Plan International, a leading children's rights and equality organisation.
This collaboration aims to address the critical issue of youth unemployment, particularly focusing on girls and people with disabilities.
The initiative comes at a time when nearly 75% of young people aged 15 to 24 in 92 countries lack basic employment skills, according to recent data from the Education Commission and UNICEF.
Founded in 1930 by Colonel Harland Sanders, KFC has grown into a global powerhouse with over 30,000 restaurants across 150 countries.
Whilst Plan International, operates in more than 80 countries, working to advance children's rights and equality for girls.
This partnership marks a step in KFC's commitment to corporate social responsibility and Plan International's mission to empower youth worldwide.
How KFC will empower people through skills and opportunities
The KFC-Plan International partnership focuses on four key objectives: providing pathways to decent work, developing market-driven skills, fostering inclusive work environments, and promoting positive social norms about youth as economic actors.
To achieve these goals, KFC will contribute to Plan International's Skills & Work Fund and collaborate on best practice guides for youth-friendly recruitment, training and retention.
This initiative builds upon KFC's existing youth employability efforts, such as the Bucket Search program in Thailand, which has helped 130 school dropouts reintegrate into the education system since 2023.
The partnership also aligns with the strategies of other major food industry players, such as McDonald's has similar youth-focused initiatives.
McDonald's Youth Opportunity initiative aims to reduce employment barriers for two million young people by 2025, offering job readiness training, employment opportunities, and workplace development programs.
The company partners with organisations like the International Youth Foundation to deliver life skills training and has expanded its efforts globally.
KFC’s corporate collaboration for global impact
The KFC-Plan International partnership exemplifies a growing trend of collaboration between multinational corporations and non-governmental organisations.
Other notable examples include Nestlé's partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for youth empowerment and PepsiCo's collaboration with CARE International to support female farmers.
These partnerships leverage the global reach and resources of large corporations with the expertise and local knowledge of NGOs to create meaningful change.
For KFC, this initiative not only addresses a critical social issue but also potentially cultivates a skilled workforce for its expanding global operations.
As Meredith Krones, Integrated Communications and Social Purpose Lead at KFC Global, states: "We are so proud to link arms with Plan International to help feed the potential of youth around the world.
“Working to address inequities and support individuals is one way KFC can make lasting impact in the communities we serve."
Shanna Marzilli, President and CEO at Plan International USA, adds: "Our partnership with KFC Global will create real opportunities for young people, especially young women and those with disabilities.
“This is about more than just jobs; it's about helping young people who seem to have the odds stacked against them to build the skills and confidence they need to shape their own futures."
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