Context
Sudan is a country marked by internal and cross-border unrest, along with the social fragmentation and political instability this causes. Violent clashes between the various ethnic groups in Darfur have spiralled into a multi-layered conflict about land, resources and power. Ongoing since 2003, the conflict has so far cost over 300,000 lives. A further 3.1 million people in the region are dependent on humanitarian aid as a result of the turmoil – 1.2 million are internally displaced and living in camps.
The Darfur Regional Authority was set up in 2012 with a mandate to coordinate the reconstruction process in Darfur. However, the authority still lacks the structures and competences required to fulfil this role. The potential of the population to contribute to the reconstruction process in Darfur is thus not sufficiently deployed, partly owing to the insufficiency of opportunities for technical vocational training.
Migrants from rural areas are particularly affected, since the conflict has led to a massive exodus from the country to the towns and cities. Without vocational qualifications, however, these newcomers have no access to the labour market. Many women, nomads and young people run the risk of not being able to provide for themselves and their families: lacking the necessary vocational and technical skills, they are excluded from the urban labour market. As a result, there is widespread unemployment on the one hand, but also a high level of demand on the labour market for skilled workers and the dire need of the population for technical services.
Objective
Access to demand-oriented technical and vocational education and training in North and West Darfur is improved.
Approach
The project supports the Darfur Regional Authority in the coordination of reconstruction measures and mobilising the potential of the population to contribute to reconstruction in Darfur. To this end, work is being carried out to strengthen capacities at all levels.
In order to improve access to vocational training and raise the quality of training, the project collaborates with technical and vocational training institutions in North and West Darfur. The aim is to double the number of training places at the partner institutions. To ensure that the training offered is better tailored to the needs of the labour market and to ensure the continuous further development of courses, the project also advises the relevant ministries that are responsible for the centres, and promotes their capacities to adapt training to market requirements. Furthermore, the project advises decision-makers on developing measures that facilitate access to technical and vocational education and training for people – in particular women – in structurally weak rural areas that are adversely affected by the security situation.
The project helps individuals undergoing training as well as those who have already obtained a qualification to enter the labour market. Job markets provide an opportunity for jobseekers to establish contact with potential employers.