Islamabad: An experience-sharing event was held in the capital, hosted by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation Pakistan. The event focused on two key projects—Skills for Decent Employment (SDE) and Early Recovery Support (ERS)—which are financed by Swiss Solidarity, a Switzerland-based donor, and Helvetas, a Swiss bilateral NGO that has been working in Pakistan since 1982.
The event saw significant participation from the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh, alongside project partners, beneficiaries, parents, and employers of young workers. Secretary Labor Department, senior officials, and representatives from partner organizations, Veer Development Organization and Research & Development Foundation, were also present.
Project Impact & Panel Discussions
Project managers from SDE and ERS shared insights on their respective projects, which were implemented across Peshawar, D.I. Khan, Tank, Mirpur Khas, and Sanghar.
A presentation on SDE was followed by panel discussions where skill trainers, government stakeholders, and beneficiaries shared their experiences. Beneficiaries highlighted how the program transformed their lives, equipping them with marketable skills and better employment opportunities.
Ijaz Khan, Acting Chief of KP Child Protection Commission, acknowledged the collaboration between Helvetas and the KP Child Protection and Welfare Commission, which facilitated out-of-school and working-age children in Peshawar.
Another discussion revolved around the ERS project, where stakeholders shared their achievements in shelter construction, drinking water access, and waste management facilities. A key highlight was the flood-resistant housing designs, built with RCC structures elevated from the ground, ensuring resilience against future floods.
Government Appreciation & Future Plans
Capt. (R) Mian Adil, Secretary Labor Department, commended Helvetas for its efforts in supporting working-age children and expressed a desire to collaborate further. He praised Helvetas for being the only bilateral international organization in Pakistan working for labor rights.
Speakers at the event emphasized the importance of skills training and decent work conditions for the 14-18 age group, calling it a crucial step toward economic independence and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Arjumand Nizami, Country Director of Helvetas, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to youth skill development and humanitarian aid in crises. She highlighted Helvetas’ longstanding contributions to climate change adaptation, education, and natural resource management in Pakistan.
The event concluded on a note of appreciation for Helvetas’ impactful work and a strong commitment to future collaborations in the fields of labor rights, youth employment, and disaster resilience.
