The Lumina Scholars Foundation's mission aligns closely with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Here's how the foundation's mission supports SDG 8 and its targets:
Promoting Decent Work: The foundation's focus on providing educational scholarships, vocational training, and mentorship programs contributes to preparing individuals, particularly those aging out of orphanages and foster care, for future employment opportunities. By investing in their education and skill development, the foundation helps create a skilled workforce, which aligns with SDG 8.1 aiming to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Reducing Youth Unemployment: Many of the beneficiaries of the Lumina Scholars Foundation programs are youth who are at risk of unemployment due to their disadvantaged backgrounds. By providing them with educational opportunities and skills training, the foundation helps reduce the risk of unemployment among this demographic, thereby contributing to SDG 8.6, which targets reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training.
Addressing Inequality: The foundation's focus on supporting vulnerable groups, such as youth aging out of orphanages, fosters more inclusive economic growth by addressing inequalities. By providing opportunities for education and employment to those who may face systemic barriers, the foundation contributes to SDG 8.8, which aims to protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, in particular women migrants, and those in precarious employment.
Building Resilient Communities: Through its programs, the Lumina Scholars Foundation helps build resilient communities by empowering individuals with the skills and resources needed to secure employment and contribute to economic growth. This aligns with SDG 8.10, which aims to strengthen the capacity of domestic financial institutions to encourage and expand access to banking, insurance, and financial services for all.
Overall, the Lumina Scholars Foundation's mission plays a significant role in advancing SDG 8 by promoting education, skills development, and economic opportunities for disadvantaged individuals, thereby contributing to the goal of achieving sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.