The Community-based training approach of the ILO

Based on the methodologies developed and field-tested by two ILO programmes – Skills Development for Self-Reliance (SDSR) and Training for Rural Gainful Activities (TRUGA) – in Africa and Asia, the ILO has synthesized a generic methodology for a community-based training (CBT) approach for self-employment and income generation. The principal beneficiaries of the SDSR and TRUGA programmes have been the unemployed and underemployed, particularly out-of-school youth and women, many of whom are poor. The CBT approach has been shown to provide them with new skills of particular usefulness in secondary activities to supplement household income. Impact evaluations revealed that graduates of these programmes experienced a significant increase in income, in addition to enhanced levels of nutrition, and more involvement in community affairs. These benefits were particularly apparent among women. The main elements of the CBT approach are: (a) institutional planning that covers assessment of the need and scope for CBT, formulation of a framework, and creation of the necessary capacity of training institutions; (b) identification of economic opportunities and training requireme3nts, which is the centrepiece of the CBT approach and for which detailed processes, instruments and manuals have been developed; (c) preparation and organization of training as the CBT approach does not follow prescribed courses; (d) actual training delivery that is tailor-made to trainees; (e) post-training assistance in areas of group formation, credit, business consultancies and production equipment procurement; and (f) monitoring and evaluation.

Source:   H.C. Haan: Community-based training for employment and income-generation (Geneva, ILO, 1994)

Reader’s Kit on Gender, Poverty and Employment, Module 5.Investing in Human Capital: Focus on Training