LAHORE: The flash floods have affected one-third of the nation, causing estimated damage between $15-20 billion including 1,200 schools destroyed in Punjab alone, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Rajanpur, Layyah and DG Khan are districts that have directly suffered the most damage caused in the Punjab region. Financial donations though valuable will not be sufficient to deal with the devastation caused in a sustainable and holistic way. People and communities will also require relevant skills that will support them in accessing income-generating opportunities.
PSDF is launching a special training program “Rehabilitation of Flood Affectees – Hunar say Zindigi ki bahali” to support the economic rehabilitation of flood-affected residents of Punjab. This program will aim to reconnect flood affected communities, through providing trainings in 13 critical trades to 1,000 individuals ranging from vocational skills in construction work to textiles aimed at boosting the resident’s professional development.
PSDF COO said, “PSDF will bring its skills expertise and play an active role in the nation-building process that is required to rebuild the infrastructure and the livelihoods of people in the flood-affected areas. We require a long-term response to effectively support communities and skill development head on addresses the human development needs of the region. PSDF will support in the recovery and rebuilding efforts in a tangible way.”
PSDF is the largest skills development fund in Pakistan, set up by the Government of the Punjab in collaboration with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Over the past 10 years it has funded trainings for 520,000+ youth in 250+ demand-driven trades over six programs through an ecosystem of 500+ training service providers, primarily from the industry and private sector.
