Reintegration of Returnees in Pakistan by TVET SSP: Offering reintegration support measures to returnees and local Pakistanis
Lahore, March 28, 2022: TVET Sector Support Programme (TVET SSP) joined hands with Punjab Vocational Training Council (PVTC) today, to offer reintegration assistance to returnees and local population. TVET SSP is facilitating the reintegration of returnees under its new component, Reintegration of Returnees in Pakistan, which is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). TVET SSP is funded by the European Union, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Royal Norwegian Embassy and is being implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in partnership with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), provincial Technical Education and Vocational Training Authorities (TEVTAs), PVTC and several public and private sector organisations.
The partnership signing ceremony was attended by the representatives of several stakeholders from the development sector, including Punjab Skills Development Authority (PSDA), the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Lahore Division), the Punjab Skills Development Fund and Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan. The ‘Reintegration of Returnees in Pakistan’ component of TVET SSP, aims to facilitate the socio-economic development of Pakistani returnees and the locals by offering them quick and effective start-up opportunities, especially in Punjab, as it is one of the regions most affected by return migration. The component will support 15,000 individuals, including 6,500 returnees from Germany and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries through various support measures including Career and Entrepreneurship Advisory Services, Competency-based Training & Assessments (CBT&A), Recognition of Prior Learning, and Employment Promotion.
The partnership agreement between TVET Sector Support Programme and Punjab Vocational Training Council will particularly offer reintegration assistance to 700 returnees and locals through CBT&A and Recognition of Prior Learning. In addition, 275 beneficiaries will receive toolkits in their respective trades enabling them to earn their livelihood through sustainable means. The agreement was signed by Major Shahnawaz Badar, Chairperson, PVTC and Ms. Iris Cordelia Rotzoll, Head of TVET Sector Support Programme. Major Shahnawaz Badar, while addressing the audience, said, “Seeing initiatives like Reintegration of Returnees in Pakistan come to life makes us believe that we are heading in the right direction. People who emigrate for work, bring years of international experience back with them. Our partnership with TVET SSP won’t only be helping the returnees, it will be providing an opportunity for locals to learn from their transnational experience as well. PVTC remains committed to contributing to the economic development of Pakistani people, and such unique partnerships always push us to bring innovation to the work we do.”
Ms. Iris Cordelia Rotzoll was also of the view that this partnership was yet another significant success for them as partnerships with key players in the TVET sector is integral to the success of any initiative. ”A robust and thriving TVET sector provides pathways for the youth to become a part of the workforce, eventually contributing to the socio-economic development of Pakistan. The addition of the RoR component would also help the returnees benefit from the TVET sector interventions, enabling them to take a better charge of their economic situation” she said.
The story originally appeared in Daily Ausaf
