Agreement signed to equip youth with technical skills

PESHAWAR: A memorandum of agreement (MoA) was signed between the KP Rural Economic Transformation Project (KP-RETP), KP Technical Education, Vocational Training Authority (KP-TEVTA) and University of Engineering and Technology in a bid to foster economic growth and empowering youth with technological skills.

The MoA was signed by Arif Ullah Awan, project director of KP-RETP, Mansoor Qaisar, managing director KP-TEVTA and Prof Dr Qaisar Ali, vice-chancellor UET Peshawar in the presence of country head for Pakistan International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) Fernanda Thomaz Da-Rocha, coordinator IFAD, Ghulam Nabi Mari, Prof Dr Tahir Khan, team lead /director department of Mechatronics Engineering UET Peshawar, project manager KP-RETP Amjad Miraj and senior officials, said an official communique. Officials said the programme, funded by IFAD Pakistan, was aimed at providing vocational, technical, and entrepreneurial training to 60,000 youths in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Fernanda Thomaz Da Rocha highlighted the broader significance of the partnership and said, “This milestone demonstrates the power of collaboration between IFAD-financed projects, academic institutions, and the private sector to create real opportunities for young people. We are proud to invest in youth upskilling and women empowerment in rural KP.”

Speaking at the event, the project director of KP-RETP ArifUllah Awan stated, “This partnership reflects our commitment to transforming rural livelihoods by equipping youth with skills that are not only relevant today but also future-focused.”

UET Vice-Chancellor Dr Qaiser Ali said, “UET Peshawar is proud to contribute its academic and technical expertise to this important initiative. Through this collaboration, we aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, enabling the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially from rural areas, to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.”

Abdul Karim Khan Tordher, minister for Industries, Commerce and Technical Education KP was the chief guest at the ceremony. He applauded IFAD for its continued support in fostering sustainable development and creating long-term economic opportunities for the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.