LAHORE: The Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta), Bargad and Oxfam on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide technical and vocational skills to the youth of Layyah district for sustainable means of earning a livelihood.

Tevta Chairperson Ali Salman Siddique and Bargad Executive Director Sabiha Shaheen signed the MoU. Oxfam Country Director Muhammad Qazilbash, Tevta General Manager (Operations) Rao Rashid and Bargad Head of Programme Saiqa Rani were also present on the occasion.

Oxfam has funded the five-year project and Bargad would implement it in Layyah. As many as 2,000 students will be trained under the project under which the Tevta will provide soft skills and technical courses to the students. The students will also be provided with kits to initiate businesses.

Mr Siddique said the department was focusing on quality and industry-driven skills for the youth and developing synergies for job placement at local and international level. The project was a step towards achieving a milestone by first providing skills and later job opportunities to the youth of remote areas.

Mr Qazilbash said that the project will ensure better trainings from Tevta as well as job opportunities to successful students. He said they will support the youth in accessing the chamber of commerce and overseas foundation.

Ms Shaheen said they would launch a media campaign to promote Tevta and create awareness among the youth for value addition to existing enterprises. She said they would also organise events to promote blue-collar and professional jobs in Layyah district.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2019