Project Summary

The IRADA programme aims at creating an enabling environment for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) that supports their social integration as productive members of the Gaza community by providing them with training and practical skills, increasing their self-confidence and their employers’ trust in their abilities, integrating them into the labour market, and enhancing their opportunities in decent work, particularly in the technical and vocational training sector.

The programme offers a wide range of activities including rehabilitation, vocational training, businesses orientation, networking with the local market, paid-on the job training and micro-projects. The programme cycle starts with a 5 - 12 months training round for PwDs in the most promising occupations. This is followed by a 3 – 6 months job training with paid incentives, and finally PwDs move to the production phase, which includes the establishment of their own projects. The nomination to participate in the programme is based on the disability status and willingness to participate in vocational training.

The programme is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

Accomplishments and Progress

• 375 Persons with Disabilities (119 female) received vocational training
  
• 275 Persons with Disabilities offered paid-on job training for at least three months
• Eight micro-projects established for a group of PwDs
• One social enterprise (garment manufacturing) established based on the micro franchising model
  
• Targeting percentage increased in the new round of TVET training from 25% to 40%.