Providing functional skills in vulnerable areas

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends developing and strengthening integrated development programmes for the eradication of poverty and promotion of alternative livelihood systems in areas prone to desertification.

The Philippines Department of Education, Culture and Sports offers a Livelihood Skills Development Programme, designed to help solve the unemployment and underemployment problem of the country by equipping the youth with skills in handling technical/vocational jobs. In 1986, a total of 18,300 livelihood development classes were held in the 13 regions with a total enrolment of over 360,000. Of these, 270,000 successfully finished their courses. In 1987, 21,000 classes were organized with a total enrolment of over 480,000 and almost 340,000 successful graduates.