United States Helps Young Job Seekers in Karachi

A new Career Development Center funded by the United States will help thousands of young jobs seekers in Karachi become stronger candidates for employment and assist employers looking for skilled labor. Dr. Marilyn Wyatt, wife of U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter, inaugurated the Center, which is affiliated with Greenwich University. The Center will provide employment services to current students and jobless graduates from the University.

"Through such partnerships, Pakistan's educational institutions and USAID work for the benefit of universities, students, businesses, and communities, all of whom reap the rewards of increased employment," Dr. Wyatt said. "Together we are providing job opportunities and training for youth so they can make important contributions to Pakistan's economic future."

This state-of-the-art facility will match the needs of industry for suitably trained and qualified employees with the aspirations of young people for meaningful employment.

The Greenwich Career Development Center is among 15 centers affiliated with universities and training institutes across Pakistan, including remote areas of the FATA, developed by USAID's JOBS project. Through a partnership with USAID, the training institutions and universities upgraded existing facilities and trained staff to provide improved career guidance services. USAID also provided computer equipment, furniture, marketing materials, and training on the operational and service aspects of career services.

Every year, an estimated 800,000 young Pakistanis enter the workforce. Assisting youth in acquiring skills and placement in good jobs is part of the United States' commitment to partner with Pakistan in workforce and economic development.

Link - http://www.usaid.gov/pk/newsroom/news/growth/101206.html (Karachi, December 6, 2010)