By: Baela Raza Jamil
Pakistan’s youth population, comprising 29% of the country’s total population, presents a tremendous opportunity for productivity and transformation. However, there are challenges in capturing the potential and effectively addressing the skills gap. This year’s World Youth Skills Day theme, “Skilling teachers, trainers, and the youth for a transformative future,” emphasizes the need for lifelong learning and supports the goal of decent work, economic growth, and personal fulfillment.
The mismatch between available skills and market demands has led to structural unemployment, with estimates suggesting that 54% of South Asian youth will lack the necessary skills for decent jobs in the next decade. While the formal sector takes time to adapt, non-state actors are emerging in Pakistan to bridge the gap through various options. However, the recognition and integration of these efforts remain crucial.
On the ground, firsthand experiences shed light on the potential of individuals and the need for comprehensive skill development. Teachers in remote areas are engaging in online training for professional development, while simultaneously exploring other avenues for additional income. These examples highlight the resilience and adaptability of Pakistan’s young professionals.
The current state of skill development in the country, as reflected in official data, is limited. The discrepancy between the official figure of trained teachers and the vast youth population underscores the need for better representation and acknowledgment. The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and TEVTAs operate within their own spheres, often unaware of the broader youth skilling ecosystem.
With approximately 2 million teachers in Pakistan, it is essential to move away from the perception of underqualified instructors. Today’s teachers are better educated, motivated, and possess multiple skills, including digital proficiency. They can serve as inspiring figures, showcasing the potential of digital empowerment and resilience. Programs like Siyani Sahelian, Aasman Say Batein, and Uraan have empowered young women by providing leadership training and technology-based peer teaching, enabling them to earn and learn simultaneously.
To maximize the impact of skills development, a holistic approach is necessary. Skills should encompass vocational certification, life skills, soft skills, and mental health management. Financial inclusion and digital programs offered by the State Bank of Pakistan’s National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) are promoting access to opportunities for women and girls.
It is crucial to map and recognize skills in both traditional and non-traditional sectors, fostering partnerships and leveraging innovative approaches to youth development. With economic growth under stress, it is essential to encourage entrepreneurship and nurture skills that will contribute to the nation’s progress.
By unlocking the full potential of Pakistan’s youth through comprehensive skill development, the country can create a vibrant and thriving future, empowering individuals and driving sustainable growth.
The writer is the CEO of Idara-i-Taleem-o-Aagahi, a Pakistan Learning Festival founder and an Education Commission commissioner. She can be reached at baela.jamil@itadec.org