At Dopasi, we firmly believe that empowering youth is the catalyst for sustainable economic development. By investing in the potential of young people, we can pave ways to economic and social development. Our youth-focused initiatives aim to bridge the gap between education, skills development, and employment, creating a robust pipeline of talented and motivated individuals who can drive economic growth, innovation, and prosperity.

Pakistan’s Human Development Index (HDI) ranking underscores the urgent need for strategic investment in its people. With a significant youth population, 64% of whom are under 30, and a staggering 2.77 million young people out of work, the country’s potential for growth is being held back. Women, who make up half the population, are disproportionately excluded from the workforce. To improve Pakistan’s HDI and unlock its true potential, we must prioritize inclusive human development, harnessing the skills and energy of its youth, particularly women, and creating economic opportunities that drive growth, equality, and prosperity.

Dopasi Foundation’s Employment Promotion Pakistan program drives sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for youth, aligning with SDG 8. We empower marginalized youth, including women, people with disabilities, and refugees, with need-based skills training and connections to local markets, enhancing their economic resilience and well-being

In partnership with the Government of Pakistan and microfinance institutions, Dopasi’s Livelihood portfolio empowers individuals through

• Market-driven vocational and technical skills training

• Entrepreneurship development programs

• Wage employment initiatives

• On-Farm and Off-Farm sector engagement

• Business Development Support for existing SMEs

• Ecommerce, marketing and customer handling

Dopasi livelihood programme empowers young individuals by providing targeted skills training, mentorship, and resource access, bridging labor market gaps and fostering sustainable livelihoods, self-reliance, and economic resilience within their communities, while also promoting entrepreneurship, market linkages, and environmental sustainability through green and circular economy initiatives.