Empowering Youth Through Digital Skills

Bokhtar, 9 July 2025. Today, the Lyceum of Vocational and Technical Education in Bokhtar hosted the official launch of a new initiative aimed at enhancing digital skills and employment opportunities for vulnerable communities in the Khatlon region. The project, Facilitating Digital Skills and Employment for Vulnerable Communities, is funded and implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) – UN Migration Agency in Tajikistan, in partnership with UNICEF, the Committee for Primary and Secondary Vocational Education (CPSVE), the Public Organization “Ilmhona”, and with support from the Government of Tajikistan.

The project builds on the foundation laid by UNICEF’s Learning to Earning programme, developed in collaboration with national partners to help young people, especially from rural and underserved areas, gain digital, entrepreneurial, and transferable skills essential for today’s workforce.

UNICEF previously established four Remote Job Centers across the country, including one in Bokhtar, which serve as inclusive spaces where youth can access digital learning, mentorship, and employment pathways, bridging the gap between education and the world of work.

“Today’s launch is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together, across sectors and institutions, to put young people at the center of our development agenda,” said a UNICEF representative, Arthur van Diesen. “Together, we are building a more inclusive future where no young person is left behind.”

IOM is now supporting the continued operation and expansion of the center in Bokhtar as part of its broader efforts to strengthen social inclusion and sustainable livelihoods among youth, including migrants, returnees, refugees, and other vulnerable populations. By equipping young people with in-demand digital skills and improving their access to remote employment, the project addresses limited local job prospects and promotes resilience.

Through this partnership, IOM contributes its expertise in livelihoods and inclusion, while UNICEF continues to support the national rollout of the Impact Sourcing Hub model, working closely with vocational institutions and government counterparts to ensure sustainability and scale.

“This project reflects our commitment to creating practical pathways for young people to develop marketable skills and contribute meaningfully to their communities,” said Victor Lutenco, IOM Chief of Mission in Tajikistan. “Through collaborative action, we aim to reduce youth vulnerability and foster inclusive growth.”

The launch marks an important milestone in inter-agency cooperation to equip young people with future-ready skills, reduce socio-economic vulnerability, and promote inclusive development across Tajikistan.