Contact: Kashif Syed, Media & Communication Associate, CNFA Inc., + 92 51-2654132-72, + 92 (0346) 5372614 cell, ksyed@cnfapakistan.org

ISLAMABAD, Aug. 29 /Standard Newswire/ -- USAID funded program I-LED (Improving Livelihood and Enterprise Development) rolls out third batch of hospitality workers consist of 71 trainees from the earthquake affected areas of Bagh District of AJK. This one month training in front office management, food and beverage service and house keeping was organized by CNFA with the technical assistance of Pakistan Tourism and Hotel Management Institute Karachi from 30 July to 30 August.

In order to improve the standard of services of hotels and enable unemployed youth of the earthquake affected areas to get jobs in hotel industry, the Improving Livelihood and Enterprise Development Program of CNFA Inc. has launched a comprehensive plan to train human resource in the field of tourism and hotel management.

This training is first of its kind in Azad Kashmir region. Earlier, two trainings were conducted in Kaghan Valley in Mansehra District and with the technical assistance of Pak-Austrian Tourism and Hotel Management Institute, Swat (PAITHOM) in which 115 students were trained in hotel management skills.

The certification distribution ceremony was held at Bagh on the last day of this training program. Officials of CNFA, Pakistan Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management Karachi (PITHM), AJK Tourism Department and representatives of local hotel industry were present on this occasion.

Addressing to the successful participants and notables Aftab Rana, CNFA Tourism Specialist briefed the participant about objective of these training programs. He said that due to these focused interventions we aim to reduce the dependability and vulnerability of youth of earthquake affected areas and empower them through capacity building and skills development. Chief Instructor of this training Mr. Tariq Moin from Pakistan Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (PITHM) highly appreciated the sustainable initiative by CNFA under I-LED program. He further said that these specifically designed technical trainings catalyze the rehabilitation process in affected areas. Shaihda Maheen, Training Manager of CNFA I-LED program told the participants about the importance of these free of charge trainings at the door step of the affected population which will open the new avenues for youth and help them in getting prosperous opportunities in tourism and hotel industry.

Certificates were distributed among the successful participants of the training at the end of the training session.

CNFA Inc is implementing I-LED program funded by USAID to help improve people's livelihoods, and strengthen the regional economy of the earthquake-affected areas.

The Improving Livelihoods and Enterprise Development Project (I-LED) is a USAID funded three-year initiative implemented by CNFA (Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs) - A USA based international development organization with its head office based in Washington D.C, to assist those communities affected by the October 8, 2005 earthquake. Ultimately, I-LED aims to increase the incomes of those most seriously affected by the earthquake, living in the Siran and Kaghan Valleys located in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and Bagh District located in Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK), by linking them to markets with economic growth potential. The net result of I-LED will be the establishment of a solid base for economic development through restored livelihoods and expanding employment and enterprise opportunities through value chain development, tourism promotion, agriculture & livestock development, in conjunction with USAID's commitment to the people of the affected regions of "building back better."