CM applauds women’s skills development programme

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has congratulated women who completed training under the Skill Enhancement Through Home Reach Programme, a provincial initiative designed to expand access to vocational education for women across Punjab.

According to a statement, the programme targets women living in remote, semi-urban and urban areas and offers training in beautification services, hospitality and digital technology. The Punjab government has set aside Rs970 million for the initiative, which aims to train 5,365 women. Trainees are being provided laptops, internet devices, data packages and a monthly stipend.

The statement said widows, differently-abled women and women from minority communities are being given preference under the scheme. It added that the first batch of trainees in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Multan and Gujranwala has completed its training.

Under the programme, beautification courses are being offered to 2,065 women in four districts, covering hair styling, skin care, makeup and nail art. Another 1,260 women are receiving hospitality training in collaboration with the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITHM), with courses including culinary arts, baking, guest relations, front desk and airline management.