DECENT EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ( DEED)- FRADS Nepal

Action for Development (AfD) has been actively involved in skill development training programs in Nepal since 2008, making significant contributions to the social and economic upliftment of rural communities. From 2018 to 2021, AfD collaborated with Friends and Friendship for Rural Areas Development Service (FRADS) as part of the Decent Employment and Economic Development ( DEED) project This initiative is made possible through the financial support of Childaid Network, Germany, and The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ-Germany).

DEED project played a catalytic role in revitalizing and enhancing the livelihoods in the sparsely populated district of Ramechhap, Nepal. With significant potential to become a critical lifeline for the country, Ramechhap is strategically positioned, especially with the construction and upgrading of the highway connecting the capital and providing a vital link to the high hills and mountains in the north. This project aims to implement key interventions by providing CTEVT-certified vocational training, totaling 390 hours (3 months), to local unemployed youth and women. Additionally, it will focus on fostering entrepreneurship and establishing small industries among the unemployed youth and women in Ramechhap. Training sessions were offered in diverse fields including Building Electrician, Furniture Making, Goat Rearing, Off-Season Vegetable Farming, Poultry Farming, Potato Farming, Hand Tractor Maintenance, Doll Making, and Pig Rearing. Over the span of four years, AfD successfully trained 438 participants in these trades. The training took place in Umakunda Rural Municipality and Gokulganga Rural Municipality of Ramechhap district, regions that benefitted immensely from these initiatives.

The successful completion of this training program was marked by a high rate of employment and self-employment among the participants. An impressive 83% of the total participants were able to secure employment or start their own ventures, reflecting the program's effectiveness in providing market-relevant skills.

Participants in the Building Electrician training learned essential skills such as wiring, installation, and maintenance of electrical systems, which are in high demand in both urban and rural settings. Those trained in Furniture Making acquired carpentry skills, enabling them to create various furniture items, thereby meeting local needs and generating income.

The Goat Rearing and Poultry Farming trainings equipped participants with the knowledge to manage livestock, which is a crucial source of income and food security in rural areas. Similarly, training in Off-Season Vegetable Farming and Potato Farming provided participants with modern agricultural techniques, allowing them to grow crops year-round and increase their agricultural productivity.

Hand Tractor Maintenance training was particularly beneficial in regions where agriculture is the primary occupation. Participants learned to maintain and repair hand tractors, which are vital for efficient farming operations. Doll Making and Pig Rearing training sessions provided alternative income-generating opportunities, particularly for women, thereby promoting gender equality and economic diversity.

In conclusion, AfD's training programs have had a profound impact on the communities in Umakunda and Gokulganga Rural Municipalities. By equipping participants with a variety of skills, the programs have not only enhanced individual livelihoods but also contributed to the broader socio-economic development of these regions. The high employment and self-employment rate among participants underscores the success of these initiatives and highlights the importance of skill development.