CGMA Foundation’s Skill Development Centre: Unlocking Potential, Empowering Rural Communities
Soon Valley, District Khushab — In Soon Valley, where opportunities for rural women and youth are often limited, the Skill Development Centre (SDC) — a flagship initiative of the CGMA Foundation — is sowing seeds of change through skill-based education and hands-on training. With the motto “Learn. Create. Rise.”, the Centre is dedicated to equipping underserved communities with practical skills that open doors to economic participation, self-reliance, and dignity.
Building Pathways to Self-Reliance
The SDC offers a range of courses with a special focus on its dedicated She Skills Program. These courses provide practical training while building confidence, enabling participants to support their families, contribute to their communities, and strengthen the local economy.
At the heart of the initiative lies a simple yet powerful vision: to create a skilled and empowered community where every individual, regardless of background, has the tools to thrive.
Impact So Far
The results of the Centre’s efforts are already visible:
- 3 Batches Successfully Completed
- 100+ Students Trained
- Skill Tracks in Stitching & Technology
- 80% Female Participation
These achievements reflect more than numbers; they tell stories of resilience — young women gaining the confidence to start micro-businesses and rural youth discovering pathways into digital skills that connect them with wider opportunities.
Since its launch, the Skill Development Centre has steadily expanded its outreach:
- 2021–2023: A total of 42 students completed the Stitching Course, gaining practical skills to support home-based livelihoods.
- 2023: A Four-Week Computer Course trained 76 students — including 53 girls and 23 boys — equipping rural youth with essential digital literacy.
- 2025: Under the resumed She Skills Program, 27 students are currently enrolled in Textile & Fashion Design Skills, including Basic Stitching, Fashion Design, and Creative Arts & Life Skills.
Each milestone represents women and youth gaining the confidence to earn, create, and actively participate in the economic life of their community.
A Rural Development Perspective
The Skill Development Centre is not just an educational space — it is a movement to reduce economic disparities in rural Pakistan. With a strong emphasis on female participation (80%) and rural outreach, the program ensures that women and youth from underserved villages are not left behind in the race toward progress.
For communities of Soon Valley, the Centre represents more than training — it represents hope: the hope of a self-reliant future where women stitch dreams into reality, youth transform digital skills into livelihoods, and households rise above limitations with confidence.
Looking Ahead
As the CGMA Foundation prepares to expand its programs, the commitment remains steadfast:
“We aim to unlock the potential of rural women and youth by giving them the tools to thrive, grow, and lead change within their communities.”
With every student trained, the Skill Development Centre strengthens the fabric of Soon Valley — weaving together education, empowerment, and economic participation for a brighter tomorrow.
