DILI, 12 february 2023 (TATOLI)— United Nations Development Program and Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) deal to release 48 students to carry out a Youth internship program (YIP) in seven government and private institutions.
UNDP resident Representative in Timor Leste, Mahktuya Altangerel said UNDP cooperates with KOICA to implement the YIP program, help young people to access the internship program, and contribute to job opportunities.
“I am very pleased to participate in launching the YIP program for the second phase. I give my greatest appreciation to the government institution and the private companies that offered the opportunity to the 83 students to enhance their skills in seven institutions comprising National Commerce Timor Leste bank, (BNCTL), Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) Mandiri Bank, Millennium Agro Company (MAC), Bolloré Company, Kintal Portugal, and others through YESS or YIP program,’ i’ UNDP resident Representative in Timor Leste, Mahktuya Altangerel said in her remarks, at Timor Plaza, Suai room, Friday.
According to Altangerel, More than 60% of apprentices have managed to get a full-time job after completing their internship.
Ambassador of South Korea, Shin Mantaek wishes that all students participating in the internship program can learn more and be successful in the future.
“You all are this country’s hope. It is important to provide human resources in this country to work hard to get the opportunity to study in the country and also abroad. It is great to hear from UNDP that 60% of students gained job opportunities but I hope the number needs to achieve 100%,’’ He said’ Ambassador said.
Secretary of State for Vocational Training and Employment, Alarico Do Rosario on behalf of the Government expresses appreciation to the KOICA and UNDP to implement this program.
“It is the most important role of this coordination to improve people’s lives and ensure people live in quality life through the YIP program,” he said
Rosario stated that every year, 30,000 youth complete their formal education while on the other hand, the youth response rate reaches 36%, which is a slight increase, one in five are unemployed, and no access to education or training: “Our joint commitment today is essentially to enhance the current employment landscape by providing learning space and access to work so that new graduates can be equipped with the relevant skills and experience to strive for in their future careers,” he said.
“This is especially about providing Timor-Leste’s opportunity for the integration into ASEAN, and how our young graduates may compete with other candidates or the future workforce in the region if they have core competencies and soft skills,” He concluded
The YIP program will implement for six months from February to July 2023
It is known that the YIP program was funded by KOICA worth $7,320,946.67.
KOICA, UNDP, and MTIC co-financed on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Skill (YESS): KOICA ($5,998,176.67), Government MTCI ($832,770.00) and UNDP ($490,000.00).
Journalist: José Belarmino De sá
Editor: Neila B.
