ILO and EU launch transformative training programme for plantation youth in Sabah

Tawau, MALAYSIA (ILO News) - A transformative training programme which aims at enhancing access to quality education and skills for children and youth on oil palm plantations in Sabah has been launched by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in partnership with the Sabah Skills & Technology Centre (SSTC). Supported by the European Union (EU), the initiative seeks to address long-standing challenges in education and workforce readiness among local and migrant communities in the region.

The “Training Partnership to Enhance Core Skills and Basic Entrepreneurship Skills of Young Workers on Oil Palm Plantations in Sabah," targets youth aged 15–24. It focuses on equipping participants with core competencies, occupational health and safety knowledge, and entrepreneurship skills, while also strengthening Community Learning Centres (CLCs). The initiative aims to open pathways to better employment opportunities and foster socio-economic inclusion both within and beyond the plantation sector.

© ILO

© ILO

Speaking at a ceremony held in Tawau on 10 December 2024. Datuk Hanafiah Kassim, Permanent Secretary of Sabah’s Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation, highlighted the critical importance of the programme. “This initiative aligns with the Sabah government’s efforts to build a skilled workforce that can drive regional economic growth,” he said.

The programme underscores gender equality as a core value. At least 50 per cent of the participants in the training modules are required to be female, reflecting a commitment by the EU, the United Nations, and the Sabah government to promote inclusivity in skills development.

“Gender equality is a universal human right and a key priority for the EU,” stated Dr Audrey-Anne Rochelemagne, Cooperation Team Leader at the Delegation of the European Union. “This programme’s focus on female participation demonstrates the strong commitment of the EU, the United Nations and the Sabah government to promote gender equality in all areas of life, including skills development.”

Panudda Boonpala, ILO Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “We hope this programme will encourage plantation workers to enroll their children in Community Learning Centres supported by plantation companies and the Indonesian Consulate in Tawau. By raising awareness of opportunities beyond plantations, we aim to reduce the prevalence of child labour in the sector and promote a brighter future for the next generation,” she said.

The training programme is a cornerstone of the broader initiative, "Promoting Socio-economic Inclusion Through Enhanced Access to Education for Children and Training Opportunities for Young Workers on Plantations in Sabah." Funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the ILO and UNICEF, the programme addresses the risks faced by children and young workers in plantations. It aims to safeguard their rights while improving their access to education and skills necessary for their social and economic integration.

The launch marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by children and youth in plantation communities, ensuring they are equipped with the tools and opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.