KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s Ward No. 27 has provided skill-based training to nearly 700 people over the past year, covering a wide range of vocational and technology-related fields.

The ward has conducted training in areas including singing, musical instruments, dance, electrical and electronics, hospitality, sanitary-pad production, bakery, barista skills, mobile journalism, tour operations and public speaking.

Certificates were presented to 150 trainees who completed courses in sanitary-pad production, bakery, barista skills, mobile journalism, tour operations and public speaking.

Speaking at the certificate distribution ceremony, Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s acting mayor Sunita Dangol said the training programmes were designed to help participants secure employment or become self-employed.

“Rather than taking multiple courses, participants should focus on developing expertise in an area that matches their interests. Only specialised skills can create sustainable income opportunities,” Dangol said.

Ward Chair Yogesh Kumar Khadgi said more than 700 people had received training across around a dozen fields during the year.

“We have provided training ranging from traditional skills to modern and technology-based subjects,” Khadgi said.

He said some trainees had already started businesses after completing their training. Participants trained in traditional mask-making have begun operating their own businesses, while some former barista trainees have progressed to become trainers themselves.

The ward has also completed programmes in Dhimay dance, Zumba, swimming and football skills development for children.

It is now preparing to launch additional computer-based training programmes.