- ADB supports Pathways for Emerging Skills and Jobs Project to increase employability of youth in Bhutan.
- Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR) grant helps children and youth with disability whose learning were disrupted by the pandemic.
- ADB adds values by infrastructure development, technology adoption for inclusive education and evidence-based project preparation and implementation.
The project aims to increase the employability of youth in Bhutan and help the government reduce youth unemployment, which has risen because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic followed by the economic downturn. It will support the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MESD) to implement its strategic plan for transforming the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system. The project will help expand the breadth and depth of TVET courses for youth, especially job seekers, women, and people with disability, considering industry demands, youth aspirations, and emerging job opportunities. The teacher training and work-based training will also be supported to improve the quality and relevance of training. Further, aesthetically appealing, and green infrastructure in selected TVET institutions will be developed to increase TVET enrollment capacities and attract more youth to participate in TVET.
Transcript
The youth unemployment rate in Bhutan has been increasing and reached a record high of 28.6% in 2022.
The COVID-19 disrupted tourism and hospitality industries in Bhutan and many youth lost jobs.
Shamit Chakravarti
Country Director, Bhutan Resident Mission
Asian Development Bank
To address youth unemployment, in August 2023, ADB approved Pathways for Emerging Skills and Jobs Project.
Under this project, $30 million is provided in concessional assistance to enhance employability of Bhutanese youth.
Shun Tomita
Embassy of Japan in India
The Government of Japan also agreed to provide $2 million grant cofinancing from Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific, especially for supporting children and youth with disabilities whose learning were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shamit Chakravarti
Country Director, Bhutan Resident Mission
Asian Development Bank
ADB will provide three value additions.
Norbu Wangchuk
Director, Department of Workforce Planning & Skills Development
Ministry of Education and Skills Development
Royal Government of Bhutan
First, place transformation pillar aims to provide interests and equitable access to skills development by providing new infrastructure facilities in technical training institute in Chumey, technical training institute in Samthang, technical training institute in Rangjung, and rural development training center in Zhemgang in the central part of Bhutan.
Sherab Gyeltshen
Early Childhood Care and Development & Special Education Needs
Ministry of Education and Skills Development
Royal Government of Bhutan
Second, the project will enhance inclusive education and skills development by integrating new technologies. For instance, digital fabrication technologies will be actively employed to create assistive devices for children with disability at inclusive schools in collaboration with Super FabLab.
Karma Galey
Director General, Department of School Education
Ministry of Education and Skills Development
Royal Government of Bhutan
Third, ADB supports project based upon evidence. For instance, ADB supported the government in assessing the COVID-19 impact on secondary education learning outcome and conducting impact evaluation on student career counseling. We expect similar knowledge contribution through this project.
Nalini Andrade
Director, International Development Institute
Humber Institute of Technology & Advance Learning
Humber College is happy to work with ADB to promote gender equity in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training).
Kinley Wangchuk
Executive Director
Disabled People's Organization, Bhutan
Disabled People’s Organization of Bhutan appreciates this opportunity to provide advice for delivering training for people with disabilities through private training providers.
Sherab Chogyal
Training Director
Vajra Vuilders Pvt. Limited, Bhutan
We have immensely been benefited from dual training program. Therefore, this program must be continued, and if possible, expanded beyond construction industry.
Shamit Chakravarti
Country Director, Bhutan Resident Mission
Asian Development Bank
Asian Development Bank remains committed to support different pathways for skills development and job training so that Bhutan’s youth are able to find good jobs and meet its aspirations and help them grow into productive citizens.
