Youth skills development: PepsiCo, UoP, Amal Academy sign MoU

PepsiCo Pakistan, University of Peshawar (UoP) and Amal Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Peshawar. Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar, Professor Dr Muhammad Asif Khan, Ali Siddiq, COO Amal Academy and Syed Khurram Shah, Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs PepsiCo signed the MoU, to support PepsiCo and Amal Academy's collaboration on youth skills development.

Pakistan's growing youth is seeking employment opportunities. However, multiple surveys with employers indicate that while most graduates have sound technical skills there is a professional skills gap. This reduces the graduates' chances of getting hired. It is imperative for the private sector to work with Pakistan's academia, and with the support from the government to ensure that graduates have the chance to develop the skills and mindsets that are critical to achieve their potential. These partnerships are also critical to help young people successfully transition from their academic life into meaningful jobs and careers.

PepsiCo Pakistan in collaboration with Amal Academy is spearheading a professional skills development programme with Amal Academy. In 2019 this collaboration saw the launch of the pilot programme within Punjab and Sindh with promising results.

Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Asif Khan commented, "The University of Peshawar as a mother institution of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and flagship educational institution of the country is committed to providing an enabling curricular and co-curricular environment. We look forward to partnering with Amal Academy and PepsiCo Pakistan in supporting the students at UoP in achieving their ambitions, building professional capacity and helping them be successful in their career. We hope this MoU will pave the way for every graduating student of Peshawar University to take advantage of this Career-Prep Fellowship programme".