Engage 2,500 youth in a 1-year program of on- and off-the-job training to improve their employability.

The Prepara Ami ba Servisu—“Preparing ourselves for work”—program, known simply as “PAS”, began as a response to the civil strife of 2006 and endeavored to groom youth for a formal job or small business ownership.  The program focused on youth who had left school but not been able to find a position with a private sector firm. USAID’s partner, the Education Development Center (EDC), developed a core curriculum that was then taught to trainers in a number of local NGOs.  As a result of the PAS Program, most students were able to find acceptance as an intern or continue their studies in another institution after graduation.

Over 50% of USG-funded workforce development program graduates have found formal or self-employment and others are continuing their education.   USG funding helped local NGOs become accredited providers for government training programs and helped found eight business enterprises.