I RECENTLY entered the job market in search of employment, but, unfortunately, I was unable to secure a job. I then enrolled in the Kamyab Freelancer Programme, which charged a fee of Rs2,500 per course. However, the content consisted of recorded lectures that were sold to everyone in the same format. I could only wonder why these lectures were not uploaded on YouTube for people to access them for free. Why was it being used to charge a fee from the unemployed youth? Moreover, the courses did not effectively teach any practical skills. What can a person truly learn from a five-minute recorded lecture without any specific guidance?

I had dreams of becoming a freelancer, but this experience did not help me achieve that goal. A little later I came to know about the Nationwide Virtual and Technical Training Initiative (NVTTI), which offered free freelancing courses. The word ‘free’ was highlighted in bold, which gave me hope once again.

I filled out the form, provided all the required information, and even passed a test consisting of 30 MCQs related to Maths, English and Pakistan Studies. The twist came when I received a message, saying: “Congratulations! Your process has been completed. You just need to pay Rs5,000 for the application process.” Really? If payment was required, how was the course truly free?

As a young individual, I feel that the government and related institutions are not serious about genuinely empowering the youth with skills. Instead of providing practical training, they seem to focus on uploading recorded lectures and selling them. Rather than helping the youth earn, they are earning from the youth.

Arsalan Sikandar
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2026