Skills training for handicapped people in Pakistan, Umeed-e-Noor

The project, co-financed by ADC, was initiated in June 2009 with the objective to contribute to increase economic and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, specifically to support people with down’s syndrome or hearing impairments, as well as slow learners. The main goals were to improve the equipment of a skills training centre of the local partner “Hashoo Foundation”, the development of demand-driven training courses and medical as well as psycho-social care for the trainees. The primary target group had limited access to skills training and employment opportunities due to the existing stigma in the society. This project gave an excellent platform to the beneficiaries to develop employable skills and compete in a market, where there is a major shortage of skilled staff. The direct beneficiaries were 169 young men and women between the ages of 14-29 who were living with disabilities in the rural, sub-urban and urban areas of Islamabad/Rawalpindi, and who did not get any prior vocational or technical training. The highlight of the project were job and art fairs that helped in increasing the awareness among stakeholders and the general public along with creating a platform for employment and income generation opportunities.