USAID, UNDP provide skills training to Karachi’s youth

Karachi 

US Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director John Groarke visited a textile factory. There, he met young trainees learning garment manufacturing skills courtesy of the USAID-funded Youth Employment Project.

As part of the $3 million Youth Employment Programme, USAID is working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to increase income and employment opportunities for Karachi youth, said a statement issued by US consulate on Thursday. 

This programme trains young men and women, while helping local trainers do a better job. 

The initiative also conducts research, and engages in advocacy on youth employment issues.

“I was very impressed by the perseverance and accomplishments of the trainees I met today,” said Groarke. “USAID is proud to support these young women and men in developing skills that will help them build a more secure future for themselves and their families.”

Over the course of three years, USAID and UNDP’s initiative will train more than 13,760 young men and women in Lyari, Korangi, Sultanabad and other areas of Karachi. 

The project aims for at least 70 percent of those individuals to secure full-time employment. Less than four months into the initiative, 1,832 people have enrolled. 

As part of the programme, the UNDP has signed agreements with four garment and home textile companies and 10 vocational training institutes.

In January 2015, USAID signed a $3 million agreement with the UNDP to increase income and employment opportunities for youth in Karachi.