The project is designed to build on existing job-creating programmes of the government and NGOs, make those programmes more effective, and fill in gaps where programmes are weak or do not exist. The project uses a systems approach to identify emerging and potential employment, income generation and small business opportunities and deliver training in practical skills and business management. The project is based on the ILO methodology of Community Based Training for employment and income generation.

Beneficiaries
The ultimate beneficiaries of the project are poor rural women, unemployed youth and people with disabilities.

Target Area
The project is being implemented in District Mardan in NWFP and District Attock in Punjab.

Components
Skills Training for employment and income generation provide trainees with market-oriented skills needed for self and/or wage employment. It includes training and employment needs surveys and delivering training in times and places that are convenient for women and the disabled.

Employment Promotion results from creating linkages with employment agencies, the private sector, employers’ organizations, and businesses to determine employment opportunities available and skills required.

Small Enterprise and Credit is developed through partnerships with government and NGOs for linking to existing microfinance schemes as well as provide trainees with knowledge and business management skills to start or expand a small enterprise.

Literacy and Numeracy Programme trains those with low levels of literacy and numeracy in the functional skills. The project is collaborating with education agencies and NGOs as well as building on the ILO’s experience in non-formal education and literacy programmes in Pakistan.


Main outputs

• Conducting feasibility studies identifying potential economic activities

• Training beneficiaries in vocational skills, business management & functional literacy

• Training of master trainers and extension workers from line departments and NGOs

• Formation and strengthening of Business Associations

• Formation and training of Credit and Savings sub-groups

• Undertaking group visits to build networking among women’s business organizations



* Shorter name of the project for functional purposes whereas the official name remains “Expanding Economic Opportunities and Income Security through Workforce Education, Skills Training, Employment Creation and Local Economic Development in Pakistan”.