Poverty eradication is a critical global issue demanding our urgent attention. It is recognised as the primary goal in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, which all UN member states have committed to achieving by 2030.
It was at the Trocadero in Paris on 17 October 17 1987, that thousands gathered to protest, asserting that poverty and hunger are violations of human rights. They presented a stone inscribed with their beliefs, symbolising their commitment to the cause.
Since then, people have returned annually to the Trocadero to reaffirm their dedication and replicas of the stone have been placed in various locations worldwide.
In 1992, the UN General Assembly officially recognised October 17 as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty: an international day of observance dedicated to raising awareness about poverty, acknowledging the struggles of those living in extreme poverty and promoting action to combat this pressing issue.
As part of our Community’s drive to support this goal, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for the United Arab Emirates (AKEPB UAE) have been arranging ongoing training programmes and job search support for Community Members in our region who are impacted by these challenges.
Since 2019, 311 Community Members have graduated from a variety of vocational training programmes including driving classes; Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Certification (HVAC); Securities Industry Regulatory Authority (SIRA) certification and National Examination Board Certification in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) leading to increased earning power.
Each programme is tailored to respond to employment opportunities while ensuring that each Community Member is well-prepared to enter the workforce properly equipped.
Recently, the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board and the Aga Khan Education Board for the United Arab Emirates joined hands with Skyline University Sharjah to launch a joint skills upgrade initiative offering weekly English and computer classes. This programme is specifically designed to uplift the skill set of Community Members.
The UN defines extreme poverty as living on less than USD$2.15 per person per day, which translates to AED 7.90 per day.
In 2022, approximately 8.7% of the world’s population, about 670 million people, were living in extreme poverty.
Sher Bahadur, a resilient young man from Gilgit Baltistan, came to Dubai in 2019 and lived with the challenges of poverty for three years whilst supporting not only himself, but also a large family in his home country. Determined to improve his situation, in 2022, he enrolled in and successfully completed the AKEPB UAE’s driving licence course. With his new skill and with the help of AKEPB UAE he was able to secure a new job, which allowed him to earn four times his previous salary, which moved him out of poverty.
A key lesson is that vocational courses are much more than just a means of education; they can represent a pathway out of poverty. Equipping individuals with essential language and technical skills, empowers them to source better employment opportunities. As they gain confidence and competence, these individuals can secure jobs that provide sustainable incomes, allowing them to also support their families in their countries of origin. Additionally, improved skills help individuals retain their positions with their existing employers.
Sher’s story confirms that skills development and institutional commitment can help individuals rise above adversity, reach higher potential and break free from poverty.
As we observe this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, let us allow our increased awareness to support many more individuals to follow in Sher Bahadur's footsteps.
For more information, please contact the Aga Khan Economic Planning Board for the United Arab Emirates at [email protected]
