Realizing The Demographic Opportunity In Balochistan: Prospects Of Technical Vocational Educational Training (TVET) In Promoting Social Cohesion

Technical and vocational training programs are considered pivotal in achieving development goals. However, Balochistan is becoming a predominantly youthful society with a high rate of unemployment that requires training the youth through TVET to tackle the unemployment that has reached alarming proportions. The disruptive impact of youth unemployment represents a significant threat to social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. The dominant explanation for this study has been observed in fragile states where TVET has played a prominent role in mitigating conflicts and promoting social cohesion. Accordingly, this study tried to understand the role of TVET in promoting social cohesion in Balochistan, realizing the potential for a demographic dividend. The study is qualitative in nature, and participants were purposefully selected for it. Data has been collected from key informant interviews (KIIs) and official documents. This study provides and guides local and national policymakers on various emerging issues related to youth unemployment and social disenfranchisement, as well as uses a better approach to addressing demographic opportunity, based on rigorous data analysis. Based on the results obtained from the study, new and updated policies have been provided to policymakers for theory and practice.