From exclusion to opportunity
Liliane Fonds supports youth with disabilities to move from exclusion into meaningful economic participation through employment, entrepreneurship and secure livelihoods. Many youth with disabilities face barriers in accessing training, jobs and support systems. We therefore focus on building practical skills, confidence and supportive environments, combining individual guidance with engagement of families, vocational training providers, employers and communities to create lasting inclusion.
The WHEEL of Livelihoods
Our work is guided by the WHEEL of Livelihoods, a youth-centred methodology co-created with partners across Africa and Asia based on their best practices. It supports young people to follow personalised pathways towards work, combining technical education and vocational training (TVET), workplace experience, entrepreneurship preparation and social-emotional learning (SEL). By tailoring support to each individual and local labour market realities, the WHEEL of Livelihoods helps turn potential into real employment and income opportunities.
A rights-based and systemic approach
We focus on two groups: youth with disabilities (teenagers and young adults) and parents and caregivers of children and youth with disabilities, strengthening both economic opportunities and supportive roles at home. Our approach is aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), especially Article 27 on the right to work. Through vocational training, employment, entrepreneurship and social protection, we work with partners and stakeholders to build systems where inclusive livelihoods can thrive. Together our partners and ourselves lobby and advocate to scale inclusive livelihoods approaches that work.
Our expert
Lucy leads Liliane Fonds’ work on inclusive livelihoods, supporting programmes, partnerships and tools that enable youth with disabilities to access meaningful work and entrepreneurship. She contributed to the development of The Wheel of Livelihoods and brings over 20 years of experience in international development, including 10 years in East Africa working on TVET and livelihood programmes with strong gender and disability inclusion components.
Lucy Schalkwijk, Livelihoods Adviser
LSchalkwijk@lilianefonds.nl