Preparing Today’s Youth For Tomorrow’s Challenges

1. Preparing Today’s Youth For Tomorrow’s Challenges

2. Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) (Centre for Education & Consciousness) FROM EDUCATION TO SKILLS AND LIVELIHOODS June 2012

3. TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL PROGRAM & LIVELIHOODS FOR YOUTH An Innovative Program by Idara-e-Taleem-o-Aagahi (ITA) 2010 .. Trades for Young Women & Men Stories of Courage & Hope Transforming schools into Community Learning Centres (CLCs) – sustaining lives giving hope Livelihoods in: Domestic Tailoring; Beautician/ GuddiBaji & Autocad

4. Optimizing Youth for Skills and Livelihoods through PPPs and CSR in Secondary Schools of Pakistan: Creating Social Entrepreneurs As Socially Responsible Citizens We Envisioned it & we DID IT!

5. Presentation Outline • Background –why TVET ? • The TVET ECOSYSTEM • Innovative TVET Program in Govt. Secondary Schools of Punjab • Elaborating the Steps • Seven Key Messages • Outreach and Outcomes • Scale and spread • Trades elaborated with case studies • New trades from 2012-2030 - country wide spread • The Marketplace and Innovation • Challenges and new directions

6. Background – Why TVET? • Pakistan ‘s 50% population classified as poor and vulnerable (State Bank of Pakistan 2009/10) and 50% under 20 years of age. • Compared to 155,495 Primary Schools (20 million enrolled) there are only 25,000 secondary schools (3 million enrolled)in Pakistan, allowing only some fortunate students to transit and complete secondary schooling. • Of those who do go to school, learning levels are very low (ASER 2011), 50% to graduate primary without skills of literacy and numeracy up to grade II standard, highlighting the challenges of learning for relevance, transition to post primary education and lack of livelihoods particularly for women. • There is shortage of skilled workforce to support economic growth opportunities. With millions of students unable to access and/or complete post primary education, an innovative channel for providing second chance for youth (girls and boys) to learn livelihood skills was mobilized. A scalable pilot was put in place through partnerships.

7. Background II ..why Secondary Schools • Existing government secondary schools are generally well endowed with space, personnel and maintenance resources compared to primary/ middle schools. They are used only until 2:00 pm, lying vacant and non-functional • Secondary schools are perceived as prestigious locations for certification skills by communities. Several institutional initiatives to raise desirability of TVET since 1999, but progress is slow. • Only 2-3 percent eligible population is enrolled in TVET programs. Govt. seeks to double the number through public private partnerships.

8. Cont.. • ITA expanded the education paradigm to learning and livelihoods for 15-30 year olds in 2010. • To expand options of learning for livelihoods in Pakistan a pilot was tested by ITA initiating TVET for youth in the afternoons or mornings (space permitting) and to influence reorienting of secondary education system. • MOUs signed with TEVTA, UPL and Schools Dept. • Two trades per school were initiated for 3 months TEVTA certified courses enrolling 25-33 trainees (mostly girls) in each batch. • The courses extend technical, inter-personal, communication and marketing skills enabling trainees to proactively address personal and family survival and development needs.

9. The TVET ECOSYSTEM – ITA’s CONCEPTUALIZATION Target Age Group 15 – 30 yrs Women 60% + Social Enterprise Responsible Citizens Dignified Lives

10. Innovative TVET Program in Govt. Secondary Schools of Punjab Technical and vocational training has been at a standstill in Government high schools in spite of multiple efforts since 2002. The Govt. of Punjab initiated a program for vocational training, established training labs and even procured equipment lying idle in the school stores. In 2010 ITA took a bold step by collaborating (MOU) with Dept of Schools, TEVTA and UNILEVER Pakistan Ltd. (UPL) to use schools in the afternoons for technical vocational training targeting local youth (out of school and in- school) The equipment was taken out of school stores; new trades are now coming to life for students and the local community. Government is being asked to extend use of IT Labs in the afternoons – making schools come alive as Community Learning Centres (CLCs) giving capabilities to our youth

11. Innovation Steps Elaborated: The model is powerful with logical steps: • Largely self financed a TVET program established in government high schools in the afternoons with CSR support. • Political and bureaucratic leadership is keen to expand youth skills through TVET outlets in Punjab, but facilities are not accessible or perceived as safe particularly for girls/women. • Multi-stakeholder partnerships for education mobilized by ITA (www.itacec.org) with reputation in school improvement through PPPs and CSR. • Formal partnerships with: government schools department; TEVTA; UNILEVER; Dist. Governments, communities and micro credit/MFIs. • 3 months courses for youth(in –school& out of school). • CSR partner UNILEVER mobilized for skills and employability, retailing beauty brands in rural areas by girls/women who are often sitting idle after completing or dropping out of middle, high and higher secondary education.

12. Cont.. • UPL Program titled “guddibaji’ (sweet elder sister) launched in Nov 2010, entailing 3 months beautician, marketing and communication course. Same model being negotiated now with other CSR partners. • 3 trades taught s o far: Auto Cad (male) Beautician and Domestic Tailoring – 812 graduates completed by May 2012; another 1000-1500 to graduate by October 2012 in 9 districts. 100 students of grades 9-11 enrolled for a 3 month summer certification program at 50% fees. • Tracking through SMS and traditional modes. • Popular social appeal for youth to learn with dignity and results. IT, English, citizenship and micro credit skills to be introduced in 2012. • 7 Key Messages crafted for appropriate dissemination: early birth registration, timely primary enrolment, hand washing, environmental awareness (planting, avoid wasting water and use of plastic bags) immunization, breast feeding and family planning.

13. Outreach and Outcomes • The program began in Rahim Yar Khan as a pilot in 2010 extending to Bahawalpur in 2011 supported by UPL – by May 2012 812 graduates - Phase I • In 2012 the program has been scaled up supported b y a Skills and Livelihoods initiative Guddi Baji by UPL for beautician’s trade / women to 9 districts of Punjab targeting 1000 trainees • As the program expands to districts ITA always seeks permission to begin other trades as well • ITA is now expanding the trades to 3 new trades for women and men including designing a new one with TEVTA

14. 12 Districts/ 30 Towns ‘Targeting 2000 Graduates in 2012 Locations 1.Schools 2. Model Villages of Punjab in Flood Affected Areas 3. ECD Centers Mothers/ Siblings In 2012 the model expanding to other provinces: Sindh, KP and Balochistan as well

15. SEVEN /EIGHT KEY MESSAGES THROUGH WOMEN GRADUATES - senstively transmitted to clients and target audience • Registration of Children at Birth without delay • Send children, especially girls to school at the right age • Wash hands before meals and after using the toilet • Plant a tree each year, grow your own vegetables, do not waste water avoid use of plastic bags • Imunisation to children on time comprehensively • Exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first four months. No use of bottles, teats or pacifiers. • Ante-natal care for pregnant mothers and immunization of children • Practice family planning – seek advice from lady health workers (LHWs) convenience of one’s home

16. Trade: Beautician • Duration : 3 Months • Trainer: Well trained and certified by TEVTA • Facility : In one dedicated room of a High or Higher Secondary Govt. School - a willing Headteacher • Target Groups: A) Young women (15-30 years) & • B) Students of grades 9-12 during summer break or whilst waiting for exam results. • Fee: If supported by a program can be free; otherwise minimum charge from Rs. 900 to Rs. 1500 for a 3 months course • Linkages: Micro credit and livelihoods • Outputs Graduates-2011-2012

17. B) A UNIQUE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE - GuddiBaji ! • The Guddi Baji project is a perfect example of creating livelihoods in a sustainable manner for young women • It is an extensive program through which rural women are selcted according to a criteria to be trained as beauticians through a 3 months course to become eligible for selling Unilever’s brands. Once trained they are called “GuddiBaji” (sweet sister). • GuddiBaji will earn two ways – by selling Unilever beauty brands, and beauty services to women in their vicinity. The sales of Unilever brands are tied with incentives, to help them establish their own beauty parlors. Who are GuddiBajis ? • Guddi Baji are energetic & articulate women with minimum qualification of grade 10; aware of beauty brands confidently sharing unique selling points. • GBs are groomed for opinion leadershipto promote Unilever beauty brands • GuddiBajis possess an entrepreneurial spirit and earn a dignified livelihood. They are infact SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS in every sense of the term • GBs are carefully selectedby BRC teams from rural areas for the program.

18. Parveen “My Life has changed so positively at last.” – Parveen Enrolling in the “Guddi Baji Program” has changed Parveen’s life completely. She is now self-sufficient, and is earning Rs. 8000 – Rs. 10,000 per month and is also supporting her family. A simple village girl, sitting idle after matriculation enrolled in the program, and is now running an independent home based-business. “Women Now come up to me asking for my suggestions & opinions. They talk about their skin and hair problems. My opinion is respected, and has given me immense confidence.”

19. Ana “I used to often wonder how my children would grow? My husband works in the city but his income is very low. My friend told me about the “Guddi Baji” program, and I enrolled. I have now successfully sold my first stock, and have more orders.” Three marriages were held in our village recently, and I dressed up all the brides. Every one liked them, and appreciated me a lot. My life has changed for sure. I am confident and hopeful for the future of my children. I know I can educate them and prepare them for tomorrow.

20. Uzma Uzma became a widow at a young age of 22, and had to take care of two children. Six months after her husband’s death her son too passed away. Her family was taking her complete responsibility, but she felt burdened and wanted to do something on her own for her daughter. She had done a beautician’s course sometime back. She applied as a trainer for the “Guddi Baji” initiative, and is now completely self-sufficient. She does not only pay for her and her daughter’s expenses but also contributes towards her household income, and is looking forward to making several other girls like her independent and empowered.

21. Rabia “I never thought starting my own business would be so easy. I took a three month extensive beauty training and by the end of it I have not only started providing beauty services to the nearby residing ladies, but I have “Rahbar” coming in to my home, providing me with Unilever Products to sell.” “ I am now a contributing member of my house. Everyone respects my opinion and asks for my advice.”

22. Shehnaz Shehnaz was just passing her life passively and without hope before getting trained. There are 8 people in her family. Prior to the training there were days when her family had to go without food. After getting skilled she has now opened up her parlor with a loan taken from her relative and is earning Rs. 300 – Rs. 400 per day. She and her family are now in a much better condition. She has also paid back 60% of her loan.

23. Rashida After getting skilled Rashida has opened a beauty parlour with the help of her savings and now her parlour is one of the best parlour of the town and she is earning more than Rs.9000 per month … .

24. Trade: Domestic Tailoring • Duration : 3 Months • Trainer: Well trained and certified by TEVTA • Facility : In one dedicated room of a High or Higher Secondary Govt. School - a willing Headteacher • Target Groups: A) Young women (15-30 years) & • B) Students of grades 9-12 during summer break or whilst waiting for exam results. • Fee: If supported by a program can be free; otherwise minimum charge from Rs. 800 to Rs. 1200 for a 3 months course • Linkages: Micro credit and livelihoods • Philanthropy: Support to deserving with machines • Outputs Graduates-2011-2012 :

25. Execution, Support &Recognition Livelihoods & Philanthropic Support- 10 machines for Most Needy Domestic Tailoring Graduates - Enabling Livelihoods- 10 Sewing Machines For Deserving Students

26. Kaneez Fatima: from despair to hope The three months certified technical and vocational training changed Kaneez Fatimas’s life ( an orphan ) . Living with three sisters and two brothers, one of whom was a single bread-winner earning up to Rs. 3000 per month for the extended family meant daily struggle and it could not provide enough for the family’s daily needs.

27. Kaneez decided to make her life better and change her and her family’s destiny. Once she earned her 3 months’ diploma in domestic tailoring, she became a self-sufficient young lady earning Rs. 300-350 daily by stitching. As her home comprises of just one room made up of mud, she sits and stitches under the shadow of a tree in the courtyard. Learning new skills has brought Kaneez hope that her children may have a better life and that she can provide them aspirations by her own positive example

28. Ruqayyah Ruqayyah is an orphan, and has 6 siblings dependent on her completely. Through the domestic tailoring program she has become capable of becoming a seasoned trainer for sewing & tailoring. She with her entrepreneurial courage and spirit has started a training centre with her meager sources. She is now earning Rs. 6400 per month and is training 8 girls with the art of sewing & tailoring. Her family is now making ends meet.

29. Ruqayyah’s Training Centre

30. SHABANA NAWAZ Shabana Nawaz lives in a one room house in a very poor condition with her mother, father, three sisters, two brothers and grandmother. Shabana’s father is bed ridden suffering from heart disease and even she is a victim of polio. Attending the training provided her a new skill - tailoring which is rewarding for the whole family and enables them to lead their lives with dignity.

31. Shabana is a courageous lady and she is a perfect role model for other women who have to face difficult conditions, but are not afraid to work on their own happiness and bring a better life for themselves and their families.

32. Fouzia And Rabia Challenged Students with stunting & hearing impairment The vocational training empowers women. It gives them a chance for a better life and gives them an opportunity to become self-sufficient, financially independent and also to help their families so they can replace a man when it is necessary as a bread-winner of the family if the difficult situation occurs. This was also Fouzia and Rabia’s case. The girls’ life is challenging due to the stunting and hearing impairment

33. Their family consists of eleven members, living in a one-room house on Rs. 4000-5000 monthly; their future was uncertain and their mother was deeply afraid how to help them. Now she is sure her girls will take care of themselves. The training helped them become self-sufficient and now they earn enough to provide a decent living for themselves.

34. Trade: Autocad • Duration : 3 Months • Trainer: Well trained and certified by TEVTA • Facility : Computer lab of a High or Higher Secondary Govt. School - a willing Headteacher • Target Groups: A) Young men and women (15-30 yrs) & • B) Students of grades 10-12 during summer break or whilst waiting for exam results. • Fee: If supported by a program can be free; otherwise minimum charge from Rs. 2000- Rs. 2500 for a 3 months course • Linkages:Being explored but graduates find work readily

35. Auto Cad Trade in Rahim Yar Khan • A trade in great demand – operating only in 1 school (UPL RYK) so far • Currently 135 male beneficiaries graduates • A trainer working in the UPL factory offers training in the evening at UPL Govt. School in the evening • Girls want to learn the trade but not when almost all trainees are men. • Government asked to share school computer labs in the afternoons for IT related courses. • DCO RYK has agreed to pilot in one school in govt. equipped computer lab • ITA to bear liabilities for any damage • In Punjab ALL High schools have fully equipped IT labs • 2010-2012 June Outputs/Graduates:

36. TVET /Livelihoods Options 20122030 • From traditional to non-traditional areas linked to market demand – local, regional and international • Hospitality industry /catering • Construction services • Electricians • Emergencies • Fashion and accessories • Jewellery industry • Pottery/ceramics – truck art products • Agri./Dairy businesses • Day Care Centres/Early Years Training • Managing Retail/Shops for distributors • Entertainment/Media Lighting – Sound – Backdrops

37. TVET Certificates- Certification for Market Recognition & Livelihoods

38. The Marketplace and Innovation • Many TVET/SME initiatives through NGOs and government to mobilize youth are present. • Govt. seeks to double enrolment from 3 to 6% by 2015. • This school-based model is unique for in and out of school youth. It works through several partners through formalized PPPs and CSR, resonating well with the needs of industry. The latter seeks positive CSR profile for compliance locally, nationally and globally for sustainable CSR business models. • The model innovatively optimizes high schools and can potentially penetrate the school space as a mainstream day time option, attracting and grooming youth as social entrepreneurs and tapping the ‘youth bulge’.

39. Challenges for ITA • Resources for expansion – Human/Financial and Institutional – • One purpose built facility required for demonstration, research and policy, counseling, and new product/services development in each hub/cluster of districts or division level • Designing & Piloting new Trades with TEVTA in collaboration with Industry/Enterprise • Linkages to industry, micro-credit, entrepreneurship programs and social safety nets • Policy influence embedding TVET in all govt. secondary schools’ space for students and local community/youth • Establishing career counseling, life skills and enterprise programs/linkages for youth