KP Govt, USAID Inked Agreement To Train Youth Of KP, FATA In Information Technology

PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Dec, 2016 ) : USAID Deputy Mission Director, Kevin Brownawell and Senior Minister for IT and Health Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Shahram Khan Tarakai Wednesday signed an agreement for a new program to train youth of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and KP in information and communication technology.

"Our government gives high importance to collaboration with the United States to promote education and youth training in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," said Shahram Tarakai on the occasion. "Working together in the education sector, we can improve quality and access to information and communication technology, which is the need of the hour," he added.

Kevin Brownawell highlighted the importance of empowering Pakistani youth through training and said that "Youth across Pakistan, and especially in conflict-affected areas of KP and FATA, face challenges in gaining relevant skills that prepare them for employment.

" "The project will engage youth in KP and FATA in developing certified ICT skills and link them to employment opportunities".

U.S. Consul General in Peshawar, Raymond McGrath praised the project for helping today's youth and said that technical skills are need for successful careers and social leadership. The USAID-funded Skills for Youth Project is a pilot project in USAID's Global Development Alliance (GDA).

The Skills for Youth Project will establish Cisco Networking academies in 40 institutions across nine KP districts. It would train selected teachers from these institutions to become instructor trainers to deliver student training in IT skills.

The program would train and provide Cisco-certification to more than 3,000 young men and women enrolled in higher education and technical institutions across nine districts of the province. APP/mds/rn