May 6, 2021 – Beginning in 2017 a consortium consisting of IIE, MRUF, and Prestasi Junior Indonesia implemented experiential initiatives focusing on Inclusive Workforce Development for the Poor and Vulnerable. PJI focused on areas of East Java, including Trenggalek, Kabupaten Blitar, Madura, and Pacitan as energies were directed towards building entrepreneurial capacity within populations of young people (18-28 years old). This initiative, supported by USAID, was extremely successful. It enabled the involvement of local government as we, together, sought to improve the welfare of the regencies’ communities through hands-on education programs promoting business growth. In Trenggalek, for example, USAID JAPRI was able to contribute an additional USD100,000 in revenue to the local economy over a period of just six months. In addition, the project in all locations provided benefits for young women who were able to establish their own home-based industries using the knowledge, improved self-confidence, skills, and seed funding available to them as participants. PJI replicated a similar undertaking in Jayapura, Papua, beginning in 2018 as a direct result of resource development and lessons learnt within the USAID JAPRI initiatives. Our collaboration with local government has ensured sustainability and replication. In fact, PJI was awarded the USAID Sustainability Award for its successful implementation and long-term impact in 2019.
The following figures break down the achievement of the consortium based upon key performance indicators. Every one of these indicators has been surpassed throughout the four years of implementation, often by significant amounts. The PJI team, led by Vitis, were always pleased to work with these young people as the opportunity for an improved economic well-being was received with enthusiasm and progress was almost tangible. We are very pleased to be able to report the consortiums excellent results and look forward to replicating this success in the future.