Lodhran Pilot Project empowers youth through skills development

LAHORE: In an era where unemployment and poverty remain pressing challenges in Pakistan, the project “Strengthening the Socio-Economic Resilience of Youth by Promoting Their Economic Self-Reliance” has emerged as a transformative initiative. Implemented across three provinces - Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh - the project aims to equip youth aged 18–29 with employable skills to ensure a self-reliant and dignified future.

In Punjab, the Lodhran Pilot Project (LPP), with the support of the German organisation Deutsche Welthungerhilfe (WHH) and co-financing by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), successfully executed this initiative across Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Bahawalnagar districts. A total of 1,334 youth—including 787 males, 532 females, and individuals from minority and marginalised communities—were empowered with vocational skills and technical training to support job placements and entrepreneurship ventures.

A research-first approach ensured the project's relevance to evolving market demands. Conducted in partnership with The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, the study identified in-demand skills, including freelancing, digital marketing, e-commerce, and graphic designing under the service sector, while trades like HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and industrial electrician emerged as high-demand opportunities in manufacturing. Conventional trades such as beautician services, dressmaking, and electrician training also resonated with many youth participants.

In response to the findings, LPP collaborated with leading institutions like the Technical Education Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and private Training Service Providers (TSPs), including the College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM), Heritage International College, and Jinnah Institute of Technology. Through these partnerships, youth accessed state-of-the-art training programs aligned with both their interests and job market needs.

To ensure outreach, LPP ran large-scale awareness campaigns through newspapers, social media platforms, FM Radio, and on-ground mobilisation drives. Working closely with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the project successfully reached marginalised communities and ensured inclusivity. Special emphasis was placed on participants from minority groups and persons with disabilities; 27 youth from minority backgrounds and 8 individuals with disabilities benefited from skill-based training tailored to their interests.

Accountability and transparency remained cornerstones of the project. LPP implemented a Complaint Response Mechanism (CRM), organising 300 community-level sessions to guide stakeholders on grievance redressal procedures. Visibility boards displaying project details and contact numbers were placed at training centers, ensuring communities remained informed and engaged.

As a result of these concerted efforts, skilled graduates now play a significant role in supporting their families. Youth trained in HVACR, industrial electrics, and other trades have successfully entered manufacturing markets, while those completing digital courses like freelancing and e-commerce - are earning sustainable incomes, often working remotely.