Our commitment to empowering communities through vocational training continues to make a significant impact. Yesterday marked a momentous occasion as a group of 21 women from Afghan and host communities successfully completed a three-month certified vocational training program in “Bags & Pouch Making with Fancy Crafts” in District Haripur.
Celebrating Achievement and Growth
The closing ceremony was a proud moment for the trainees, who received certificates and toolkits to help them embark on their journey toward self-reliance. The event was honored by the presence of the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Haripur, representatives from the District Education Department, and community members who came together to celebrate the dedication and hard work of these skilled women.
The Impact of the IR&EG Project
This vocational training initiative is part of the “IR&EG” project, funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan. The project has been instrumental in providing skill-based education to women, fostering economic independence, and strengthening community bonds. So far, 99 women have been trained in various vocational skills under this initiative, with Afghan women making up 48% of the participants.
A Step Toward Economic Empowerment
Vocational training programs like this equip women with practical skills that enable them to generate income and support their families. By fostering entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency, these initiatives pave the way for long-term economic empowerment.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and look forward to witnessing their success in the future. Together, we continue to build stronger, more resilient communities through skills development and empowerment.
57 Young Individuals, Including 27 Women, Graduate from Technical & Vocational Training Programme
In a significant step toward youth empowerment and economic sustainability, young people from District Tank have successfully completed a three-month technical and vocational training programme. The initiative provided market-driven skills to 57 individuals, including 27 women, equipping them with hands-on expertise to enhance their livelihoods.
Practical Skills for Economic Growth
The programme focused on in-demand vocational skills, ensuring that participants gained practical knowledge in:
✅ Mobile Phone Repair – A high-demand skill that enables young entrepreneurs to start their own repair businesses.
✅ Crochet & Ribbon Work – A valuable craft skill, particularly for women, offering opportunities in handmade product sales and entrepreneurship.
Celebrating Success: Closing Ceremony & Certification
A closing ceremony was held in District Tank to recognize the graduates’ hard work and achievements. During the event:
🎓 Graduates received certificates as a formal acknowledgment of their skills.
🛠️ Customized toolkits were distributed to help participants kick-start their own businesses.
📜 Final assessments were conducted by the Trade Testing Board KPK, adding credibility to the training.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Development
This initiative was organized by SRSP (Sarhad Rural Support Programme) under the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF)-led LACIP II Project, with funding from KfW. By investing in vocational training, the programme not only empowers individuals with technical expertise but also contributes to poverty reduction and local economic development.
The Road Ahead: Turning Skills into Livelihoods
With certifications and toolkits in hand, these young graduates are now better equipped to pursue self-employment opportunities and contribute to their communities. This programme stands as a testament to the power of skill development in transforming lives and fostering economic independence.
💡 Empowering youth with skills is the key to a sustainable future. Let’s continue to invest in skill-building initiatives for a stronger, self-reliant Pakistan! 🇵🇰
#YouthEmpowerment #SkillsForSuccess #VocationalTraining #SRSP #KfW #PPAF #LACIPII
On March 22, 2025, students from Afghanistan and Pakistan came together to celebrate World Water Day, highlighting the significance of fresh water conservation. The events, organized under the SRSP
IR&EG project and funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Pakistan, took place at three schools: GPS Surya Khel (District Swabi), GPS Panian (District Haripur), and GPS Terai Payan (Peshawar).
The primary objective of these events was to raise awareness among children and community members about the importance of preserving and efficiently using water resources. Students actively engaged in various activities, including:
- Essay Writing Competitions – Encouraging students to express their thoughts on water conservation.
- Art Competitions – Showcasing creative representations of water sustainability.
- Debates – Discussing the importance of water management and conservation.
- Quizzes – Testing knowledge on water-related facts and global challenges.
- Transit Walks – Promoting water awareness within local communities.
These activities not only enhanced students’ understanding of sustainable water management but also encouraged them to become responsible advocates for water conservation within their communities.
By empowering young minds and fostering community engagement, these initiatives contribute significantly to the ongoing global efforts to protect and sustain freshwater resources for future generations.
Celebrating Empowerment: 66 Women Shine on International Women’s Day in Dera Ismail Khan
On March 8th, 2025, a powerful celebration of women’s achievement took place in Dera Ismail Khan, marking International Women’s Day with a focus on tangible skills and empowerment. The Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), in partnership with the Government Polytechnic Institute for Women, hosted a momentous event under the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund’s LACIP II project, funded by KfW.
The occasion celebrated the successful graduation of 66 talented women who completed vital skills training programs. These women, hailing from the local community, dedicated themselves to mastering:
- Fashion Design (16 trainees)
- Hand/Machine Embroidery (25 trainees)
- Bead Embroidery (25 trainees)
The graduation ceremony was a testament to their hard work and dedication. Each graduate received well-deserved certificates recognizing their accomplishments, along with essential toolkits to kickstart their professional journeys. These toolkits are designed to provide the women with the practical resources they need to apply their newfound skills and build sustainable livelihoods.
The event’s impact was amplified by the diverse attendance. Community members, Village Organization (VO) representatives, institute staff and students, district administration officials, and civil society members all came together to show their support. This collective participation underscored a shared commitment to fostering women’s empowerment and skill development within the region.
A highlight of the day was the presence of Ms. Sarah Rehman, Deputy Commissioner DIKhan, who graced the event as the chief guest. Her address resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of both quality education and skill development for women. She powerfully stated that women should not have to choose between the two, as both are crucial for achieving economic independence and true empowerment.
This International Women’s Day celebration in Dera Ismail Khan was more than just a ceremony; it was a demonstration of how targeted skills training can transform lives and contribute to broader community development. By equipping women with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed, SRSP and its partners are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
This event is a great example of how organizations can empower women and create positive change in their communities. #internationalwomensday #2025 #SRSP #Government #Polytechnic #Women #skills #FashionDesign #Embroidery #BeadEmbroidery #KfW #LACIP #Pakistan
In a significant step towards empowering students with digital education, a state-of-the-art, solar-powered IT lab has been inaugurated at Government High School Sardar Gari, Peshawar. This initiative aims to provide vital digital skills to students from both the host and Afghan refugee communities, fostering inclusivity and opportunity.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mr. Arno Kirchhof, Deputy Ambassador of the German Embassy Islamabad, highlighting the importance of this project. This lab is part of a larger initiative by SRSP in partnership with GIZ under the EHS project, which has successfully established 10 IT labs across four districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). These labs are already making a tangible impact, benefiting over 4,593 students from both host and Afghan communities.
The solar-powered aspect of the lab underscores a commitment to sustainable development, ensuring reliable access to technology even in areas with inconsistent power supply. The initiative is not just about providing hardware; it’s about building a foundation for digital literacy and future opportunities.
During his visit, Deputy Ambassador Kirchhof also engaged with the school’s commitment to environmental awareness. He planted a sapling in the school’s green area, symbolizing growth and sustainability. He also met with members of the Green Club, where students showcased their artistic talents through paintings that vividly depicted climate change issues. This interaction highlighted the students’ awareness and concern for environmental challenges.
Furthermore, the Deputy Ambassador had the opportunity to interact with Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) members, teachers, and students, gaining valuable insights into the school’s dynamic and the project’s impact on the community.
The event was also attended by key officials, including the Special Secretary of the KP Elementary & Secondary Education Department, the District Education Officer (DEO) Peshawar (Male), PTC members, students, and SRSP staff, demonstrating a collaborative effort to enhance educational opportunities in the region.
This initiative represents a significant stride towards bridging the digital divide and empowering young minds with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. The partnership between SRSP and GIZ, with the support of the German Embassy, is paving the way for a brighter, digitally inclusive future for the students of Peshawar.
Publications