STAFF REPORT IBD: Organizations like The Hunar Foundation (THF) are working to transform Pakistans human capital into an asset for the country, where an estimated 103 million people, or 63 per cent of the population, are younger than age 25, and this number is expected to double over the next 30 years.
THF`s main objective is to provide young men and women with quality vocational education that meets the technical skill needs of the marketplace – leading to wage-earning capabilities for life.
To accomplish the vision of “A Skilled Pakistan,” THF plans to establish 35 purpose built Institutes of Excellence for student vocational training and as many as four Teacher Training Centres over the next 10 years. The goal is to graduate at least 100,000 students during this time.
“Students will be trained for a variety of careers, including the electrical, plumbing, welding, and refrigeration and air conditioning vocations as well as home health care, office administration, retail and hospitality,” said Muhammad Yawar Muzammil is Assistant Manager for External Engagement at The Hunar Foundation.
He said that of the more than 300 students who have graduated from THF so far, 75 percent are employed full time and 25 percent are engaged in internships. THF plans to identify and assist additional organizations to support replication of the Institutes of Excellence model across Pakistan.