Product Description

Introduction:
The youth of Pakistan make up a significant portion of the population, with over 60% being under the age of 30. However, many young people in rural and semi-urban areas often lack access to reliable information and resources that can help them make informed decisions about their education, career, health, and civic engagement. To address this gap, this project proposes the establishment of Youth Information Centers (YICs) in union councils across Pakistan.

Objectives:
1. Provide a centralized hub for young people to access information and resources on education, vocational training, job opportunities, health, and civic engagement.
2. Empower youth to make informed decisions about their future and actively participate in their communities.
3. Foster youth leadership and civic engagement by facilitating workshops, training programs, and community-based initiatives.
4. Collaborate with local government, educational institutions, and community organizations to ensure the sustainability and relevance of the YICs.

Project Activities:
1. Conduct a needs assessment in targeted union councils to identify the specific information and resource needs of the local youth population.
2. Establish YICs in strategic locations within the union councils, ensuring accessibility and visibility for the target beneficiaries.
3. Equip the YICs with necessary infrastructure, including computers, internet access, reference materials, and trained staff.
4. Develop a comprehensive information and resource database covering topics such as:
– Educational opportunities (scholarships, vocational training, etc.)
– Career guidance and job market information
– Health and well-being (reproductive health, mental health, etc.)
– Civic engagement and community development
5. Organize regular workshops, training sessions, and awareness campaigns on relevant topics to empower and engage the youth.
6. Establish linkages with local government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations to leverage existing resources and expertise.
7. Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track the impact of the YICs and ensure continuous improvement.

Beneficiaries:
The primary beneficiaries of this project will be the youth, aged 15-30, residing in the targeted union councils. The project aims to reach both in-school and out-of-school youth, with a particular focus on those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Expected Outcomes:
1. Increased access to accurate and relevant information among the youth in the target union councils.
2. Improved decision-making and life skills among the youth, leading to better educational, career, and civic engagement outcomes.
3. Strengthened youth leadership and active participation in community development initiatives.
4. Increased collaboration between youth, local government, and community organizations to address the needs and challenges faced by young people.

Sustainability and Scalability:
To ensure the long-term sustainability of the YICs, the project will:
1. Engage local government and community stakeholders in the planning and implementation process.
2. Develop a sustainable funding model, involving a combination of government support, community contributions, and private sector partnerships.
3. Provide capacity-building training for YIC staff to ensure the effective management and maintenance of the centers.
4. Establish a replication and scaling strategy to gradually expand the YIC network across other union councils in the province and, eventually, nationwide. Budget for Establishment of Youth Information Centers

1. Infrastructure and Equipment
– Establishment of YIC Facilities (rental, renovation, utilities)
– Rent for YIC premises (@ PKR 30,000/month per center x 12 months x 10 centers) PKR 3,600,000
– Renovation and setup of YIC premises (@ PKR 300,000 per center x 10 centers) PKR 3,000,000
– Utility costs (electricity, internet, etc.) (@ PKR 15,000/month per center x 12 months x 10 centers) PKR 1,800,000
– IT Equipment and Furniture
– Computers (20 units x PKR 50,000 per unit x 10 centers) PKR 10,000,000
– Printers, scanners, and other peripherals (10 units x PKR 25,000 per unit x 10 centers) PKR 2,500,000
– Desks, chairs, and other furniture (@ PKR 150,000 per center x 10 centers) PKR 1,500,000
Subtotal PKR 22,400,000

2. Human Resources
– YIC Managers (10 managers x PKR 40,000/month x 12 months) PKR 4,800,000
– YIC Assistants (10 assistants x PKR 25,000/month x 12 months) PKR 3,000,000
– Information and Outreach Officers (10 officers x PKR 35,000/month x 12 months) PKR 4,200,000
Subtotal PKR 12,000,000

3. Capacity Building and Training
– Training workshops for YIC staff (10 workshops x PKR 100,000 per workshop) PKR 1,000,000
– Training materials and resources PKR 500,000
Subtotal PKR 1,500,000

4. Outreach and Awareness
– Community engagement and sensitization campaigns PKR 1,000,000
– Information dissemination and publicity materials PKR 750,000
Subtotal PKR 1,750,000

5. Monitoring and Evaluation
– Baseline and endline assessments PKR 500,000
– Quarterly monitoring and review PKR 750,000
Subtotal PKR 1,250,000

6. Administrative and Operational Costs
– Office supplies and miscellaneous expenses PKR 500,000
– Travel and transportation costs PKR 600,000
Subtotal PKR 1,100,000

Total Project Budget   PKR 40,000,000