The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will provide Rs 300 million for Youth Education Employment Project (YEEP) in Sindh to produce 15000 skilled workforce in the province. According to official documents, UNDP will provide Rs 300 million, including Rs 270 million share through international donor i.e. USAID and Government of Japan whereas UNDP shall mobilise resources for an additional amount of Rs 30 million to complement the cost share. Sindh government will also contribute Rs 300 million for the project.
The project will be implemented by UNDP Pakistan in collaboration with Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) through cost-sharing agreement. Its management and expenditures will be governed by the regulations, rules, policies and procedures of UNDP.
The project aims at providing education and vocational skills to at least 15,000 vulnerable (approx.50pc women) and at risk youth (males & females) with age bracket from 15 to 35 years (for adolescent range: 15 to 17 years while for adult youth range: 18 to 35 years.)
Target youth beneficiaries will be from entire Sindh province representing all divisions and districts. Those passed matriculation may be major focus and the programme would provide them additional education, life skills, etc, for more effective skill development and market connectivity.
For the skilled human resources under this programme, 5000 prospective jobs would be available in garment and textile sector, 2000 in automotive sector, 2000 in construction sector, 3000 in agriculture and livestock sector and 3000 in services sector.
The overall work will be guided and overseen by a Project Steering Committee to be chaired by Sindh government's Planning and Development Board and co-chaired by School Education and Literacy Department and UNDP's senior management. The Steering Committee will meet at least twice a year. The International funding agencies will also be represented in the committee.
The project will contribute towards six SDGs goals. Those include: reduction in poverty through livelihoods (SDG 1), quality education and lifelong learning (SDG 4), ensuring gender equality in training employment opportunities (SDG 5), facilitating increased employment opportunities and matching industry requirements for skilled labour, (SDG.8 and 9) and using partnership and engagements with local communities, government and national and international organisations to generate results (SDG 17).
In addition to formal employment, entrepreneurship or self-employment stream will also be pursued through partnership with Centres for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Development (such as IBA Karachi and IBA Sukkur) to ensure that youth successful start and run small businesses.
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