Employment Fund Project (EFS)- Helvetas Nepal (2011-2015)

Action for Development (AfD) has played a pivotal role in enhancing employability and fostering economic growth through its extensive training programs under The Employment Fund Project. This initiative was supported by Helvetas Nepal and funded by prominent international organizations, including The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the UK Department for International Development (DFID), and The World Bank. AfD's commitment was reflected in its active participation across three major Employment Fund Projects: The Regular Training Program (2011-2013), The Micro Enterprise for Job Creation (MEJC) (2014-2015), and The Path to Prosperity (P2P) (2013-2015).

From 2011 to 2013, AfD successfully executed The Regular Training Program, training 1,103 participants in various trades such as Building Electrician, Construction Brick Layer Mason, Furniture Maker, Tailoring (Dress Maker), Assistant Beautician, and Motorcycle Service Mechanic. Remarkably, 87% of these trainees secured gainful employment. This success was partly due to AfD’s strategic job linkage with local employers and connection with the FNCCI, which ensured that trainees were not only skilled but also had direct pathways to employment. The program’s rigorous monitoring and evaluation framework ensured high-quality training delivery and effective job placements. By regularly assessing trainee progress and employment outcomes, AfD could make necessary adjustments to the training modules, thereby enhancing their relevance and effectiveness.

The Micro Enterprise for Job Creation (MEJC) Program, conducted from 2014 to 2015, further demonstrated AfD’s expertise in vocational training. This initiative focused on developing micro-entrepreneurial skills among 224 participants, resulting in an impressive 82% employment rate in trades such as Tailoring and Garment Group, Construction Trade Group, and Electrical and Electronics Group. AfD’s success in this program was significantly bolstered by its strong collaboration with local business networks, facilitating smooth transitions from training to employment. The job linkage strategy involved close coordination with local employers to identify skill gaps and tailor training content accordingly, ensuring that participants were job-ready upon completion of their courses.

The Path to Prosperity (P2P) Program, running from 2013 to 2015, saw the training of 1,236 participants in trades like Building Electrician, Furniture Maker, Arc Welder, Early Childhood Development Facilitator, Junior Computer Hardware Technician, Stone Layer Mason, and Village Animal Health Worker, with an 86% employment rate verified at both three- and six-months post-training income verification. This program’s success was underpinned by AfD’s comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system, which tracked participants’ progress and employment status over time, ensuring sustained job placements. Additionally, AfD’s integration of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) principles throughout its training programs ensured equitable access to training and employment opportunities for marginalized groups, including women and disadvantaged communities. This approach not only promoted social equity but also diversified the workforce, contributing to broader economic development.

Overall, AfD’s training programs under the Employment Fund Project exemplify the effective combination of targeted skills development, robust employer linkages, and rigorous monitoring to achieve high employment outcomes. The success of these programs highlights the importance of tailored vocational training in addressing unemployment and underemployment, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth. Through strategic partnerships, continuous monitoring, and a commitment to inclusivity, AfD has significantly contributed to improving livelihoods and supporting the economic advancement of numerous individuals in Nepal.