LAHORE : March 13, 2023: A toolkits distribution ceremony was organized in a local hotel in Lahore. More than 60 returning migrants and local citizens were provided toolkits. The toolkits included tools for electricians, welders and digitally skilled individuals who were given training in their respective trades. IBF International Consulting with IConsult are implementing Training-Led Employment Support under the, Programme Migration for Development III. This project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Mr. Muhammad Kaleem Sindhu, Director IConsult, in his welcome note to the beneficiaries said “Supporting small businesses and self-employment through the provision of in-kind support is definitely a step in the right direction. We are delighted to be part of this journey of empowering men and women to become entrepreneurs and generate further jobs. We are hopeful that our intervention areas related to Entrepreneurship Advisory Services, and self-employment promotion will continue to be fruitful for the beneficiaries in Pakistan.”
The beneficiaries were trained in different trades, like welding, electric works digital skills topped up with Entrepreneurship Advisory support for business start-ups. The trainings took place in Punjab and ICT; however, the beneficiaries came in from all over Pakistan majorly Punjab. Partner Institutions for this project are CORVIT, SMEDA, PVTC, DESCON, NUST etc.
Team Leader, Training-Led Employment Support, Ms. Sadaf Abid briefed the audience about the project and informed, explained how the project started and where it plans to be in the next months. In the last part of her speech Ms. Sadaf Abid informed on the follow-up measures that the beneficiaries will need to take in order to become economically independent in the long run.
Ms. Sadaf also told the audience that the title for the next big event will be ‘chalo phir se muskurain’
The Chief guest of the toolkit distribution ceremony, Dr. Mansoor Zaib Khan, National Team Leader, Programme Migration for Development (PME) & Diaspora, addressed the ceremony and expressed,
“Programme Migration for Development aims to facilitate the socio-economic development of Pakistani returnees and the locals by offering them quick and effective start-up opportunities, including Entrepreneurship Advisory Services, psycho-social and in-kind support to the deserving returnees and members of local population