Title: Empowering the Future: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Youth Skill Development Programs

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Introduction

In a significant stride towards addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has launched several comprehensive skill development programs. These initiatives aim to equip the province’s youth with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s competitive job market. By focusing on technical education, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, KP is paving the way for a more prosperous future for its young population.

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1. Ehsaas Hunar Program

The Ehsaas Hunar Program is a flagship initiative designed to provide interest-free loans to skilled youth, enabling them to start their own businesses. With an allocation of Rs. 4 billion, the program aims to empower over 35,000 individuals by offering loans of up to Rs. 500,000. Implemented through Akhuwat Microfinance, this program is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship among the youth.

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2. Rural Economic Transformation Project (RETP)

Funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the European Union, the RETP is an ambitious project with an estimated cost of Rs. 11.4 billion. The program focuses on providing free technical and vocational training to 60,000 men and women from rural areas. Additionally, 42,000 skilled individuals will receive financial assistance averaging $300 to support self-employment, while internships and job placement support will be offered to 25,000 graduates.

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3. Upgradation of Technical Educational Institutes

In collaboration with GIZ and the European Union, the KP government is undertaking the upgradation of several technical institutes across the province. Institutions like the Government College of Technology in Nowshera and Abbottabad will be transformed into Centers of Excellence. Furthermore, 22 technical institutes will be modernized, and nine will be elevated to DAE Level-5 standards, ensuring high-quality technical education across the province.

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4. On-Job Training Program

The On-Job Training Program aims to place over 3,000 youth in industries, providing them with practical experience and exposure. Trainees will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 during a three-month training period. This initiative bridges the gap between academic learning and industry requirements, enhancing the employability of the youth.

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5. Digital Skills Initiatives

Recognizing the importance of digital skills in the modern job market, the KP government has launched several initiatives to empower youth in the digital realm. The KP Youth Employment Program (KPYEP) aims to empower 40,000 un and under-employed youth in the province by providing a range of basic, intermediate, and advanced-level skills in IT and linking them with employment opportunities.

Additionally, the “Employable Digital Skills for the Youth of Newly Merged Areas” project targets training 840 youth across the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in employable digital skills, integrating them into the digital economy.

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6. Women Empowerment through Digital Skills

As part of its commitment to gender inclusivity, the KP government, in partnership with DEMO and TechValley Pakistan, has launched the “Women Empowerment through Digital Skills” initiative. Funded by the Multi-Donor Trust Fund and administered by The World Bank, this project aims to train 3,000 young women in digital skills, enhancing their contribution to the digital economy of the province and the larger digital ecosystem of Pakistan.

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7. Chief Minister’s Youth Internship Program

The Chief Minister’s Youth Internship Program is designed to provide young individuals with practical experience in various government departments. This initiative not only enhances the skills of the youth but also prepares them for future employment opportunities in the public sector.

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8. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Skills Development Program (KPSDP)

The KPSDP is committed to providing world-class vocational and technical education to the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Offering over 50 courses in various domains of IT, the program aims to equip young individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.

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Conclusion

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s multifaceted approach to youth skill development is a commendable effort towards addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth. By focusing on technical education, digital skills, and entrepreneurship, these programs are equipping the youth with the necessary tools to succeed in today’s competitive job market. As these initiatives continue to evolve, they hold the potential to transform Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a hub of skilled professional .

contributing to the province’s economic prosperity.