The first graduation ceremony of The Hunter Foundation (THF), technical institute for trainees, will be held at its campus on Saturday (tomorrow). Chief Executive Officer THF Danishmand said that it is a non-profit organisation that is concerned with alleviating poverty by imparting marketable skills and education to youth, transforming them into bread-earners for themselves and their families.
All courses offered are based on international standards enabling a student to gain employment locally and abroad. The current courses include: electrical installation, mechanical fitting and plant maintenance, welding fabrication and pipework, plumbing and refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic. THF is accredited by both local and international certifying bodies, which include Trade Testing Board, Sindh (STEVTA) and City & Guilds (UK). According to Pakistan Economic Survey 2010-11, a shortage of skilled labour is a phenomenon that is not limited to Pakistan alone but has rather become a global concern.
Pakistan's population is about 180 million, 60 percent of which is below 25 years of age. Further, within this population, those aged between 15 to 35 account for about 55 million people; of this around 7.5 million are graduates, leaving over 45 million young adults who are potentially skill able.
While this poses an enormous challenge to the future of the nation, it presents a golden opportunity to rectify one of the fundamental impediments to Pakistan's growth and it population's welfare. Remittances are emerging as an important source of external finance. If we are to continue its inflow or increase it, and more importantly ensure the welfare of its growing population, it is crucial that Pakistan invests in quality primary/secondary education and in vocational training.
As per the State Bank of Pakistan's report, remittances from overseas Pakistani workers crossed $11 billion for the first time in the country's history in 2010-11, most of this amount being contributed by the 'skilled' persons abroad. It is in this area where THF aspires to make a significant impact by providing marketable; competency based vocational training of international standards to under-privileged boys and girls. THF five-year plan (2011-2016) aims at 12 institutes all over Pakistan.