Barakat Foundation, ICYF launch skill-learning initiative
In a move aimed at improving skill levels and fostering job creation among young individuals in Islamic countries, the Barakat Foundation and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF) have signed a memorandum of understanding.
The signing ceremony took place on Friday morning, July 21, in the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the vice president of social affairs of Execution of Imam Khomeini’s Order (EIKO), the CEO of Barakat Foundation, the president of the ICYF, and several senior managers from both organizations.
The CEO of Barakat Foundation, Mohammad Torkmaneh, highlighted the foundation’s role as a development institution that has effectively empowered people through various measures. He emphasized that Barakat Foundation’s activities have spanned over 16,000 villages across Iran’s provinces, resulting in the employment of 1.2 million individuals. Job creation and economic empowerment, in line with the vision of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, have been key priorities for the foundation.
Torkmaneh further revealed that Barakat Foundation has successfully established over 300,000 small and micro projects, with more than a thousand facilitators operating in different provinces of Iran. Notably, the foundation has invested $100 million in knowledge-based companies present in ten provinces, and a total of $5.4 billion over the past 14 years through the executive headquarters of EIKO.
“The decision to collaborate with the ICYF was the result of negotiations that commenced a year ago. Thirty webinar sessions and one in-person meeting were conducted to establish the partnership,” Torkmaneh said, expressing that the objectives outlined in the memorandum align closely with Barakat Foundation’s goals, emphasizing the shared focus on poverty eradication across all Islamic countries.
The CEO of Barakat Foundation emphasized that the memorandum primarily aims to facilitate the exchange of experiences. He highlighted the foundation’s unique activities, which have set it apart from other countries. He also expressed readiness to combat poverty in Islamic countries and expressed hope for fruitful outcomes through diligent follow-up.
The first step outlined in the memorandum involves organizing an event in Iran, which will showcase the foundation’s initiatives and the active participation of young people from Islamic countries.
Taha Ayhan, the president of ICYF, stressed the importance of skill development and job creation for societies. He commended Barakat Foundation’s efforts in these areas, particularly in terms of skills development and market access measures.
Ayhan expressed hope that all young people in Iran would benefit from the collaborative measures. The memorandum emphasizes the significance of training programs for young individuals, aiming to assist them in finding suitable positions in the labor market.