Empowering youth with sustainable skills is essential for fostering environmental conservation and economic growth....
green skills
Empowering youth with sustainable skills is essential for fostering environmental conservation and economic growth. In Sindh, the collaboration between the Dawood Global Foundation (DGF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has created a transformative opportunity for over 1,000 young individuals to gain hands-on experience in green skills, helping them thrive while contributing to the betterment of their communities.
Over the span of one month, 1,200 participants from Mirpurkhas, Tando Allahyar, Dadu, and Larkana, including 600 women, honed practical skills in key areas such as beekeeping, water harvesting, fuel-efficient cooking, fruit and vegetable dehydration, kitchen gardening, and e-commerce. These green skills are not only crucial for sustainability but also open doors to self-employment and socioeconomic opportunities, particularly for young women in rural communities.
Ayesha Khan Bhatti from Larkana shared how e-commerce training changed her life, “After completing the training, I registered on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork and landed two freelance projects. This allowed me to contribute an additional PKR 15,000 to my family’s income. For the first time, I feel confident supporting my education and easing our household expenses. This skill is more than just a way to earn - it empowers girls like me to take charge of our future.”
Aakash from Mirpurkhas, who learned organic farming, reflected on its impact, “Adopting organic farming techniques has improved our land’s productivity. Our vegetable yield increased by 20 per cent, reducing our reliance on expensive fertilisers. We now save about 10 labour hours each week, and our monthly income has risen by PKR 10,000. This training has made me feel more confident about my contribution to my family’s livelihood.”
Faizan Noor from Tando Allahyar expressed how the fuel-efficient cooking and water harvesting training has benefited him, “We’ve reduced firewood use by 30 per cent, saving money and helping conserve our local forests. I’m motivated to continue these practices and teach others in my community, so we can all work toward a cleaner, greener future.”
To ensure effective knowledge transfer and cultural relevance, 80 per cent of the training was conducted in Sindhi, with local trainers playing a vital role in delivering the content. In addition to the skills learned, DGF provided solar stoves to 200 certified participants in fuel-efficient cooking. Trainers across all districts were also awarded solar stoves in recognition of their significant contribution.
Tara Uzra Dawood, CEO of DGF, said, “We are deeply honoured to have trained local youth in their own language, providing them with skills that will directly impact their livelihood. Whether it’s creating products like dehydrated fruit or starting an e-commerce page to sell their craft, it’s been a pleasure to see their eyes open to new possibilities.”
This programme empowers youth with green skills to drive change and build a sustainable future. By providing tools for eco-friendly livelihoods, it supports Sindh’s economic growth and environmental resilience, paving the way for a net-zero transition.
- You! desk