Rapid Employment Program - Provision of Pre-Employment Training

Location

Solomon Islands

Duration

2011 - 2015

Donor

International Development Association

Budget

793.622 USD

Description and Deliverables

The overall objective of the project is to assist targeted urban poor to: i) increase their incomes through the provision of short term employment; and ii) improve their knowledge, experience and basic employment skills that are valued in the work place and society. Secondary benefits accrue to the target communities/neighbourhoods and the general urban population from the infrastructure and services that are provided through the Rapid Employment Project.
The project is designed as a rapid response to address unemployment, underemployment and poverty in the main urban centre of the Solomon Islands. The project also serves to increase economic productivity through investing in the maintenance of infrastructure assets, particularly roads.

Communications Objectives. To identify, inform, consult and encourage the urban poor to participate in one of the Project’s three major program offerings to be offered by the Honiara City Council (HCC) and Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) as follows :

preparation of customized information targeted to potential beneficiaries and explaining the types of services, remuneration and other benefits the Project provides, as well as the established procedures for lodging applications and complaints,
preparation of short updates on the Project’s progress and development (including interviews with beneficiaries and other stakeholders) which are disseminated in communities and is suitable for printing in newspapers;
set up of a outlet at the HCC and MID offices where background information on the Project, such as the Environmental and Social Management Guidelines, Project Appraisal Document and Project Operations Manual can be made publically available and accessed by youth, communities, NGOs and other stakeholder organizations; and where the public at-large can formally lodge any potential grievances concerning the Project.

Training Objectives.To provide Pre Employment Training for approximately 7,500 Rapid Employment Program (REP) beneficiaries. The training supports their effective participation in the Project’s Rapid Employment Scheme (RES), by providing additional information on their overall health, safety and help to develop other general skills that are valued in the work-place and society at large.

Services

Prepare a Communications Plan and implement the agreed upon activities over a four year period subject to annual review.
Prepare sample designs for brochures, posters, signage and branding suitable for use in the promotion and implantation of the Project.
Plan and deliver annual training workshops on the communications plan for Community Liaison Officers and Ward Councillors.
Provide quarterly updates on the projects progress which can be disseminated in communities and printed in newspapers.
Prepare a curriculum and the necessary instructional materials for the PET, which is adapted to the needs of the disadvantaged populations in Solomon Islands.
Assist the HCC to convene a technical committee to review the proposed curriculum and instructional materials to ensure suitability and revise the package as needed.
Provide Pre Employment Training for approximately 7,500 Rapid Employment Program (REP) beneficiaries
Provide professional counsellor services to beneficiaries. This counsellor focusses on the identification and alleviation of personal issues, and dysfunctional attitudes, values and behaviours that could be a barrier to success in the RES and sustainable employment for that participant.
Design and implement two short surveys (pre-training (enrollment) survey and follow up impact survey) and carry out the analysis/report on a semi-annual basis.
Develop and maintain a electronic database of all the required records for the services provided.