Okard launches Inclusive Internship Program to support persons with disabilities

A Public-Private Partnership to boost employment opportunities in Laos

Two information sessions on the Disability Inclusive Internship Program, part of the ‘Okard: Capacity Strengthening on Disability Inclusive Development Project’ supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), were organised in Vientiane on August 28 by World Education and the Department of Policy for Devotees, Disability and the Elderly, (Secretariat of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD)) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare.

These sessions announced internship opportunities for persons with disabilities, offered by employers in the public and private sectors in Vientiane.
The Inclusive Internship Program aims to help job seekers with disabilities to gain professional experience and enhance their skills and employability through on-the-job training with participating employers.
In Laos, various barriers restrict the employment of persons with disabilities. Due to difficulties in access to education, they often lack the skills that match labour market requirements, as well as the confidence to advocate for themselves in securing jobs that match their interests.
Additionally, the lack of initial professional experience, combined with negative perceptions and beliefs about disability, leads to discrimination by some employers, limiting access to job opportunities and creating an unsupportive work environment.
A survey conducted in Vientiane revealed that persons with disabilities prefer on-the-job skills development over formal vocational training.
The program, set to be implemented in Vientiane from 2024 to 2027, will help bridge this gap. The information sessions, attended by around 100 participants, provided both job seekers with disabilities and employers with an opportunity to learn about the program, including the eligibility criteria and the support offered.
For job seekers with disabilities, any individual aged 14 years or older, regardless of disability type, is eligible to apply for the program.

Employers from the public and private sectors interested in participating can apply through an online application system (links provided at the end of this article).
The session for employers was attended by Mr Chomyaeng Phengthongsawat, Director General of the Department of Policy for Devotees, Disability and the Elderly (Secretariat of the NCPD) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Mr Michael McCord, USAID Country Representative to Laos, Mr Bernard Franck, and other stakeholders.
In his opening remarks, Director General Chomyaeng emphasised the importance of the Disability Inclusive Internship Program.
“This program will equip persons with disabilities with the necessary skills needed in the labour market through on-the-job training offered by employers in both the public and private sectors. This will contribute to increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities in Laos.”
Mr McCord highlighted the vital role of the public-private partnership in promoting economic empowerment for persons with disabilities in Laos.
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our collective effort to support persons with disabilities in Laos. By providing them with the opportunity to intern, we are helping them take their first steps towards building skills and gaining professional experience, which are essential for accessing future employment opportunities,” he said.
The Disability Inclusive Internship Program under the Okard Project aims to facilitate internships for at least 35 persons with disabilities in the public and private sectors in Vientiane.

Interns will receive a monthly stipend, personal accident insurance, reasonable accommodation, and peer-to-peer support during the six-month internship.
Additionally, a mentors will conduct follow-up visits to monitor progress in skills development, capacity building, and confidence in the workplace.
Employers are expected to designate a buddy for each intern and provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to help the interns grow and succeed in their roles.
Apply for internship opportunities for job seekers with disabilities, click here.
https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/bA3Zr3Ys
Apply for hosting an intern for employers, click here. https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/pWNXpbc8

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 6, 2024)