20th June, 2011 In the aftermath of the devastating floods of 2010, many people were left stranded without shelter and solid jobs to meet their living requirements. In the light of this harsh reality, PSU-Prime proposed the need for a vocational training centre, specifically catering to the needs of the women who were victims of this natural calamity. The main aim of the vocational training centre, located in Nowshera, is capacity building of the women affected by the flood by imparting entrepreneurial skills in them so that they may be able to use these skills for running micro enterprises. With the grace of Allah, the first batch of the VTC has successfully completed its training. To conclude the training a certificate distribution ceremony was held at the center which also served as a commencement ceremony for the incoming 2nd batch. The chief guest for the ceremony was the secretary of the trade testing board, Mr. Gulab Khan, who in his address lauded the program labeling it as a helpful initiative. He was given a tour of the exhibition center of the VTC where the handiworks of the trainees were displayed. Earlier welcoming the participants, Dr Ahsan Sethi, Project Officer, PSU told the audience that purpose of this joint Prime IDRF initiative was to contribute towards economic rehab of the flood affected through skill development of women. Certificates and kits were distributed among the successful trainees by Mr. Gulab Khan and Dr. Saeed Anwar (Director, PSU Prime). The certificates provided to them specifically outlined their training in health education, which can be helpful to them in the future for undertaking roles in community health education.
In addition, the kits provided to the outgoing trainees consisted of items such as sewing machines, irons, streamers and other items essential for their respective beauty care, embroidery and tailoring fields. The items provided are going to be instrumental in helping the trainees establish their own businesses. PRIME foundation is a registered charity that has been serving the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since 2005. Over the past 6 years, PRIME foundation has been instrumental in rendering free of cost service to the IDPs of Swat and the flood victims of 2010 through mobile clinics in various parts of KPK. The projects of PRIME foundation are in partnership with international donors including the ‘International Development and Relief Foundation’ (IDRF). Prime Foundation Pakistan strives for achieving excellence in fields of medicine, education and research in line with Islamic principles and to develop self-sustained institutions in the relevant fields.
