First Access to Decent Work for Youth Programme Successfully Wraps Up in Pakistan’s Textile Supply Chain

Photo: the young workers in age-appropriate, safe positions and during a training session

In Sindh, Pakistan, the minimum legal working age for children is 14 years. Yet many young workers are left in informal settings without legal protection, safety measures or guidance. To address this gap and support youth in accessing decent work, The Centre in Karachi launched the Access to Decent Work for Youth (AD-Y) – Capacity Building for Young Workers programme. Initiated by Rija Fashion, with the support of brand partners Otto Group, Tendam and El Corte Inglés, it is the first AD-Y programme of its kind in Pakistan and is paving the way for youth-focused skill development and empowerment. Rija Fashions has also signed up for the Child Rights Action Hub, which was launched by The Centre and SPARC and funded by the EU in September 2025. The young workers received soft skills training through the Action Hub activities.

The first module of the soft skills training programme kicked off on January 29, 2026, with 15 young workers joining the inaugural session designed specifically to equip them with professional, personal, and life skills to create a skilled workforce and support their career growth. The six-module training programme, spread over 4–6 months, was highly interactive, combining activity-based learning with comic-style workbook exercises. The first module focused on the right to development and protection at work, covering child rights, young workers’ rights, workplace safety, relevant legislation, and psychological support networks. The session included participatory activities, practical demonstrations on fire and safety, and hands-on engagement led by the young workers themselves.

The programme then progressed through a structured sequence of modules, beginning with future goals and career orientation, where participants engaged in skills assessments, goal setting and CV development exercises. This was followed by communication skills, focusing on verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, workplace etiquette, and professional interaction through role plays and scenario-based learning. The fourth module addressed financial and digital literacy, introducing concepts of wages, savings, responsible spending, and basic digital skills for everyday use. The fifth module focused on gender equality, promoting inclusive attitudes, mutual respect, and non-discrimination, while encouraging reflection on gender norms in work and society. The final module addressed personal health and hygiene, strengthening awareness of well-being, hygiene practices, and workplace and home safety.

Across all sessions, participants engaged in interactive exercises, group discussions, peer learning, and practical activities designed to strengthen both life and employability skills. Focal persons from administration and management, who support young workers, also remained engaged throughout the programme, reinforcing mentorship, guidance and a structured support system for participants..

“I am very excited to be part of this programme. The first session helped us understand the programme and its importance. The fire and safety session was very engaging and practical,” said Muskan, a 16-year-old young worker

The programme has now successfully ended, marking a significant step in strengthening young workers’ access to decent work opportunities while building their confidence, skills and future aspirations.