The Education in Income Generation (EIG) Project

Action for Development was awarded the training package as a part of the Education in Income Generation (EIG) Project, funded by USAID Nepal. This project aimed to mitigate conflict by training targeted youth for employment across 15 districts in the mid-western development region of Nepal. Specifically, the project targeted marginalized youth, marginalized communities, and women, with the objective of increasing their income through targeted training. The training package involved 1,960 participants spread over nine districts: Kalikot, Jajarkot, Rukum, Salyan, Surkhet, Dang, Dailekh, Bardia, and Banke.

The 432-hours training program, despite being conducted under challenging circumstances, successfully met all its pre-training and training goals. This was particularly significant given the inclusion of a sizable percentage of women, as well as participants from excluded minorities and disadvantaged backgrounds. Even before the launch of the training program, employment opportunities were identified through rigorous consultations and interactions with potential local employers for the relevant trades. This proactive approach ensured that the training was closely aligned with the needs of the local job market.

On-the-job training (OJT) sessions were organized at the sites of potential employers, providing participants with practical experience and exposure to real work environments. This hands-on training was crucial in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. After completing the OJT, a significant number of graduates secured employment with local contractors, earning more than NPR 5,000 per month.

The trades covered in the training included Building Electrician, Brick and Stone Masonry, Furniture Carpentry, Plumbing, Shuttering Carpenter, Beautician, Embroidery, Bamboo Works, Handloom, Ladies Tailoring. The program's impact was evident, with an employment rate of over 80% among participants after three months of verification. This high employment rate underscores the effectiveness of the training program in equipping participants with marketable skills that directly translated into job opportunities.

The importance of skill development for employment cannot be overstated, especially in regions with limited economic opportunities. Skill development empowers individuals by enhancing their employability and enabling them to secure stable incomes. It is particularly vital for marginalized groups, as it provides them with the tools and opportunities to break the cycle of poverty and social exclusion. For women, dalits, and janajatis, skill development opens doors to economic independence and social empowerment, fostering greater gender and social equality.

Furthermore, skill development contributes to the broader economic development of the region. By creating a skilled workforce, it attracts investment and drives local economic growth. Employers benefit from having access to trained individuals who can meet the demands of their businesses, leading to increased productivity and competitiveness. In the long term, the cumulative effect of skill development initiatives like the EIG project can lead to sustainable economic development and social stability in the region.

In conclusion, the EIG project's training program not only achieved its immediate goals but also highlighted the transformative potential of skill development. By providing marginalized youth with the skills needed for employment, it contributed to individual empowerment, economic growth, and conflict mitigation in the mid-western development region of Nepal.