Islamabad (Khyber Mail): In a significant step towards fostering resilience and economic recovery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), 700 young individuals, including 375 women, from Kurram and Orakzai districts have successfully completed a vocational training programme supported by the Government of Japan. This initiative, executed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), aimed to empower youth with technical and market-driven skills.
The three-month training equipped participants with expertise in areas such as cell phone repair, LED bulb assembly, eco-friendly packaging, jewellery making, motorcycle repair, electrical work, plumbing, and solar system and UPS installation. Graduates received certificates and toolkits to help them launch small businesses or secure employment.
Speaking at the closing ceremony in Islamabad, Mr. Rana Mashood, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, emphasized the importance of empowering women and expressed gratitude to the Government of Japan and UNDP. “It is heartening to see 375 women equipped with hands-on skills under this initiative, contributing to a more inclusive and empowered society,” he said.
Ms. Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Pakistan, praised the collaboration with Japan, stating, “This programme highlights the transformative potential of young people in Kurram and Orakzai. Empowering them with income-generating skills will foster economic recovery and stability in the region.”
Mr. ITO Takeshi, Charge d’ Affaires ad interim of Japan to Pakistan, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to development partnerships focused on inclusivity and sustainability. “Our projects create safe spaces for women and provide them with economic opportunities, fostering social cohesion and stability,” he said.
As part of the programme, a grand dialogue on “Climate Adaptation and Girls’ Education” further engaged youth in discussions about leadership, resilience, and gender empowerment.
The USD 4.1 million initiative, supported by Japan and UNDP, is part of a broader project to stabilize and revive economic activity in KP. Focused on social cohesion, governance, and livelihood creation, the project places youth and women at the forefront of development and aims to benefit over 200,000 people, half of whom are women.
For more information, contact:
- Ms. Fizza Bangash, UNDP Pakistan, fizza.bangash@undp.org
- Mr. Sajid Abbasi, Embassy of Japan in Islamabad, sajid.abbasi@ib.mofa.go.jp