USAID Skills for Youth Project

Program Description

The Skills for Youth Project (SYP) engaged Pakistani youth living in the critical stabilization areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with certified ICT skills and links to employment opportunities.

SYP was a $3 million pilot project funded by USAID with a 1:1 resource match from Cisco, marking the first Global Development Alliance (GDA) initiative in Pakistan and fostering collaboration across the corporate and non-profit sectors to leverage assets, innovations, and networks to creatively solve complex problems. World Learning implemented the project in partnership with Cisco and the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (GoKP), by establishing and strengthening Cisco certified training programs in 40 public and private higher, vocational, and technical education institutions. These programs trained more than 3,500 graduates in the ICT and employability skills demanded by national and international industries. SYP also worked with employers to place Cisco Certified Network Associate training graduates in employment or internship opportunities. The project’s activities have contributed to improved long-term stability, economic growth, and social development in the targeted communities in KP and FATA.