TAF Foundation, through its award winning TAFF-VTI (TAFF- Vocational Training Institute) project aims to formalize the domestic help sector which so far has traditionally been an informal sector in Pakistan. In order to institutionalize the domestic help industry in Pakistan. TAF Foundation endeavored to design, develop and launch a ‘first-of-its-kind’ Vocational Training Institute (VTI) in Pakistan with a special focus on training women. TAFF-VTI is TAF Foundation’s flagship initiative in the field of education.TAFF-VTI has identified an unmet need in the employment markets most typically occupied by women, thus the institution and related course curriculum is being built to address this gap. Course development is in fields deemed ‘culturally- acceptable’ vocations for women within particular socio-economic sectors. Essentially, this initiative is institutionalizing the domestic help industry in Pakistan.Courses such as cooking/culinary management, housekeeping, elderly care, child care and other vocations are in high demand; yet a significant shortage of a qualified workforce exist to fill the same. Higher socio-economic sectors of Pakistan address this gap by importing domestic help from other countries such as Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. However, if effectively trained and placed, skilled and trained Pakistani women are able to fill this space in the Domestic Help Industry.TAF Foundation, for the TAFF-VTI project won the PMI- KPC (Project Management Institute- Karachi Pakistan Chapter) Award for the Best Project in Community Advancement through Project Management in 2016. TAFF- VTI is unique to other VTIs in that it not only trains and upskills marginalized youth from rural and urban slums but also secures placement for its graduates at premium salaries. The project is being executed with a collaborative approach by creating strategic alliances and engaging partners at each step of a well-defined process of design, implementation, sourcing, recruiting, training and placement.The following 4 months’ courses are currently being offered at TAFF-VTI:• Cooking & Housekeeping• Elderly Care Assistant

TAFF-VTIINTRODUCTION

TAFF-VTI aims to provide professional training to all the candidates coming through its well-structured recruitment process. The recruitment process for is carried out with great vigilance, care and impartiality. The criterion to enroll the beneficiaries are as follows:

Our recruitment team reaches out to different underprivileged areas/ urban slums of Karachi in order to connect with the target audience for the program. The following steps result in the final selection of the candidates for the program:

Pre-Screening of Candidate: Dedicated field workers survey targeted neighborhoods to identify the beneficiaries and introduce them to the TAFF-VTI program. The prescreening confirms the women approached are from the marginalized sectors whom TAFF aims to develop and transform.

Open House Session: The purpose of organizing the Open House Sessions is to brief the pre-screened candidates regarding the courses offered at TAFF-VTI and the program structure. The Open House sessions are important in a way that they allow potential candidates to meet with the TAFF-VTI

TAFF-VTI |RECRUITMENT

Eligibility Criteria

Age 20 – 45 years

Cooking & Housekeeping

18 – 45 years

Documents Required

Matriculation5th Grade(should be able to read and write)

Min. Educational Qualification

Valid CNIC, Matric Certificate/

Marks sheetValid CNIC

Elderly Care

recruitment team and ask questions about the program which they might come up with after the session.

Initial Interview & Assessment: An interview and test is conducted after the Open House Session (usually on the same day) to assess the candidate’s reading, writing and problem solving abilities. It is also established during the initial interview whether the candidate meets the minimum eligibility criterion for the program. Candidates are then shortlisted trade-wise for a second round of interviews.

Reevaluation of Candidates: Candidates shortlisted from the initial interviews and assessments are invited to TAFF-VTI for a 2nd round of interviews where the TAFF-VTI management and faculty meet the candidates. The purpose of the 2nd interview is to connect with the candidates individually on an in-depth level to understand the expectations of the candidates and reasons why they see TAFF-VTI at a ray of hope in their lives.

Medical assessment: Medical assessment/ screening is conducted for all candidates/ students in order to assess their fitness for the program and to ensure that no student carries any disease which may be contagious and may prove to be harmful for fellow students as well as employers after their placement.

Orientation: Finalized students are invited to the TAFF-VTI Orientation session for their respective trade along with one member of the family prior to the commencement of the session. Students and their families (more importantly) are briefed regarding TAF Foundation in general and TAFF-VTI in particular. They are also provided insights regarding the training methodologies adopted and TAFF-VTI and the placement process through which each student is expected to undergo.

Training lies at the heart of the TAFF-VTI program. It receives supreme importance in terms of what is being delivered to students and how it is delivered. Students go through rigorous training under the leadership of professionally trained academic staff. Our qualified and experienced faculty strive to inculcate skills to the students that are not only modern but also most relevant as far as requirements of the employers are concerned.

The programs are structured in a way that they consist of around 70% practical training and the rest of the 30% comprises of the theoretical component of training.

Currently, the following trades are being offered at TAFF-VTI:

Cooking & Housekeeping: The Cooking & Housekeeping course at TAFF-VTI, through a ‘Teaching Factory’ approach, aims to train students to become professional cooks, housekeepers and house managers. The course objective is to ensure that on successful completion of the course, students will have learnt about different aspects of cooking and kitchen operations covering different types of cuisines, cooking methods, cutting techniques and methods for the preservation of fruits, vegetables and meat keeping food safety principles and hygiene in mind constantly.The course also aims to train students on various aspects of housekeeping that are relevant to not only the household segment of employment for them but are also equally useful when it comes to the formal hospitality sector where they can work in hotels and restaurants as well. The housekeeping module of the course covers topics such as deep cleaning, vacuuming, laundry operations, bed making and maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at all times.

Elderly Care: The Elderly Care Assistant course at TAFF-VTI is a first-of-its-kind course in Pakistan for which TAFF partnered with the very eminent Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) for the development of curriculum and training material. The objective of the program is to ensure that all trainees acquire the knowledge, skills and attitude required to provide basic care for an elderly individual. The program covers inculcating basic principles of work and medical ethics along with the identification of common illnesses in the elderly and how these impact their daily functioning. Understanding of the basics of common geriatricsyndromes is also provided to the students by an experienced and qualified faculty.

TAFF-VTI | TRAINING

The course offers hands-on practice and exposure to its students through an On-the-Job Training (OJT) component that is built into the program through a collaboration with one of the most trusted and prestigious hospitals in Karachi.

Soft Skills: The following components and modules related to Soft Skills are delivered as part of training to each student who goes through the training process at TAFF-VTI regardless of the trade in which they enroll themselves: Legal Empowerment: Students are delivered lectures on legal empowerment where they are given awareness regarding important topics like fundamental rights and contractual rights in light of both the country’s constitution and Islamic jurisdiction. Financial Empowerment: Through the financial empowerment subject, students are provided basic financial literacy in terms of saving techniques, importance of having a bank account, creating and managing household budgets etc. Professionalism/ Ethics/ Value Systems: Students are also provided training on various aspects of behavior & etiquettes, communication skills, self-management and values of work.

TAFF-VTI is not just about training students through theory and practical sessions. Different events and techniques are continuously used at TAFF-VTI to ensure an experience for our students that lasts for a lifetime. Following is a glimpse of the experience provided to the students at TAFF-VTI:Students’ Skills Expo: A student’s skills exhibition is organized in each term to demonstrate the skills learnt by students at TAFF-VTI. The event also serves as a platform for potential employers to visit TAFF-VTI, meet the students, talk to them about what they’ve learnt and gauge their skills from the lens of an employer. Family Meetup: TAFF-VTI gives an enormous amount of respect to the families of the students for the support that they extend towards their loved ones by allowing them to partake in the training and make a difference in their lives. Students’ families are therefore engaged throughout the course of the program from orientation till graduation. The Family Meetup at TAFF-VTI is also one of the events where one member from each student’s family is invited to accompany them to the campus and witness the work that is being done at TAFF-VTI. Instructors and TAFF-VTI management greet the family members and meet them one-by-one in order to discuss with them the progress of the student. Guest Speaker Sessions: Guest speakers and subject matter experts are invited throughout the course of the training to build confidence and motivation amongst the students. Professionals from MNCs, Not-for-Profit Organizations, Donor Agencies and even Public sector organizations visit TAFF-VTI as guest speakers and provide students with professional advice regarding professionalism in general and their respective trade in particular. Field Trips: Field trips are organized by TAFF-VTI in order to provide students exposure and an alternative learning opportunity. It is an important part of the teaching methodology in place at TAFF-VTI and is considered a vital source for inculcating visual literacy to the students. Periodic Assessments:Periodic assessments are conducted to gauge the progress of the students. This ensures appropriate measures are taken to ensure student development and address issues that could hamper student development.

TAFF-VTI - Cooking & Housekeeping Student Curriculum

Personal Hygiene

Kitchen Safety

Kitchen Concepts

Cutting & Knife Skills

Types of Cleaning

Introduction to Cooking

Servicing

Menu Planning

Soups & Salads

Breakfast

Snacks and Desserts

Different types of Cuisines

Baking

What is housekeeping?

Purpose of housekeeping

Advantages of Good Housekeeping

Disadvantages of Bad Housekeeping

What does housekeeping include?

Where is housekeeping required?

Housekeeping Items & their identification

Housekeeping items & their usage

Entering a Room

Room making

Checking Supplies

Mopping

Achieving our aim

Cooking Housekeeping

What is a bank?

Cheques in modern banking

Function of State Bank of Pakistan

Different Commercial Banks

in Pakistan

Different Microfinance Banks

in Pakistan

Bank Customer Relationship

Preparing a household budget

Types of Accounts

Opening of Accounts

Different methods of saving

Using an ATM Card

Financial Empowerment

Active Listening

Mind Mapping

What are Soft Skills?

Dressing Etiquettes

Who moved my cheese?

Self Awareness

Stress Management

Self Motivation

Time Management

Importance of keeping one updated

"Ethics & Professionalism(Values of Work)"

Civic Sense

Team work

Soft Skills

Gardening Skills

Self Defense & Safety

Shoe polishing

First Aid

Field Trip to Super Store

Fire Safety

Additional Skills

Introduction to the 1973 Constitution

Fundamental Rights

Definition of Marriage

Conventional Nikah-nama

Computerized Nikah-nama

Dower and its types

Domestic Violence

Fraudulent Marriage

Contractual Rights

Elements of a contract

Types of Contracts

Frustration of Contracts

Legal Empowerment

TAFF-VTI - RECIPES TAUGHT

Breakfast

Soup

Salad

Snacks

Pakistani Cuisine

Chinese Cuisine

Continental Cuisine

Desert

Baking

Scrambled Eggs, Poached Eggs, Sunny Side-Up Eggs, Cheese Mushroom Omelette, Pakistani Omelette, Hash Brown Potatoes, French Toast, Porridge

Hot and Sour Soup, Chicken Corn Soup, Clear Vegetable Soup

Russian Salad, Greek Salad, Apple and Cabbage Salad, Pakistani Cucumber Salad

Chicken Fingers, Chicken Sandwhich, Beef Burgers, Chicken Wings, Vegetable Fried Rolls

Mixed Vegetable, White Mash Daal, Potato Cutlets, Palak Paneer, Mutton Karahi, Chicken Biryani, Lahori Fried Fish, Aloo Gosht, Khara Masala Qeema with Puri, Mughlai Palao

Vegetable Chow Mein, Vegetable Fried Rice, Prawn Manchurian, Beef Chili, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Mala Sauce

Pasta Fettuccini, Pasta Arrabiata, Beef Steak, Fish and Chips

Kheer, Fruit Trifle, Bread and Butter Pudding, Jelly Delight(Vanilla)

Fins, Dinner Rolls, Cinnamon Rolls, Croissants, Plain Biscuits, Plain Sponge Cake, Chocolate Cake, Brownie Cake, Pizza, Baked Vegetable Pockets

MEAL DISHES

We aim to place TAFF-VTI graduates in safe and professional households. Preferably, the households of seasoned professionals to provide a better more secure work environment for our graduates. The mechanism set in place is to ensure the safeguard of the graduates being placed in different households. It is also to ensure the rights and responsibilities of both parties and a means of recourse for both the domestic help and the employer. This aspect is currently nonexistent in today’s domestic help sector in Pakistan.

TAFF graduates’ monthly salaries are set between 25-35k for services that the employer requires. Students earning ‘satisfactory’ or below are terminated from the program to maintain the quality of graduates. All graduates with a minimum of 80% grade and above are placed into the workforce through TAFF partners.

Keeping in mind the high standards of the program, our graduates pay scales are fixed. TAFF-VTI graduates are high in demand, due to the rigorous training they undergo. Our goal is to ensure that all placements are accompanied by employee benefits and increments. This is to ensure they are provided with a contract which outlines their leaves (annual/sick). This is also to include the working hours which are agreed upon between the two parties. These terms define a professional relationship and professional standard of behaviour upheld between the employee and the employer.

Placements of our graduates will be prioritized as per below:

a. Single working persons (with or without children) will have top priority as employers of TAFF-VTI graduatesb. Dual income households (with or without children) c. Working professionals with a stay-at-home spouse.

TAFF-VTI | PLACEMENT

SAIMA: The situation at my home was extremely dire. Initially, my husband did not approve of my joining. However, with time, and experiencing the transformation I am undergoing as part of the training, he now supports my decision 100%.

SHAHNAAZ: I am the mother and father to my four children. Through the years, I have faced a lot of hardships. Living with my mother and 4 children, I have faced days where there was no food to give to my children.

NUSRAT: I was previously living on a limited income. I am responsible for the welfare of my whole family. I was living a life which did not give me much time to think about my rights as a citizen also. Neither was I aware of them.

MY LIFE AFTER TAFF-VTI

SAIMA: My husband praises my learning and growth as the months of training are moving on. My confidence in dealings with the bank has grown due to the legal and financial trainings. I have learned quite a few dishes also. Overall, my whole family approves of my step to join the TAFF- VTI

SHAHNAAZ: I joined TAFF VTI for the welfare of my children. I took this step to help improve my situation. I am hoping this program takes me further in achieving my goal for a brighter future for my children.

NUSRAT: Learning about TAFF VTI I realized this is one chance I have to change my living situation to make it better for my children and myself. I am happy with the training I am receiving here.

MY LIFE BEFORE JOINING TAFF-VTI

EXAMPLES OF HOW LIFE HAS CHANGED SO FAR:

SAIMA: I am now halfway through the training and I am happy to have taken this step towards a better future with the help of TAFF -VTI.

SHAHNAAZ: I have been able to empower myself, through this course. I now have the confidence to know my rights as a human being and be vocal about them.

NUSRAT: Prior to joining the program, I was a quiet person, and was not comfortable to face people. After coming here, I am now able to face any situation with confidence.

HOW I PLAN TO BE A RESPECTED PROFESSIONAL

SAIMA: At TAFF-VTI we have been taught the skills which enable us to act in a respectable and professional manner.

SHAHNAAZ: My ability to behave professionally in a practical work environment has grown considerably with the training I am receiving at TAFF-VTI

NUSRAT: TAFF-VTI has enabled me to work in a professional environment with grace and respect. I am looking forward to implementing my teachings practically.

1 What is the enrollment process for the students? Answer: Please refer to TAFF-VTI Recruitment Insert.

2. How do you ensure that the right students are being enrolled in the program? Answer: We enroll the students using a two-fold process. This process includes the prescreening and the interview. After they are shortlisted they go through a medical screening process. Finally, throughout the course of the 4-month program, students are closely observed and those falling short of professional standards of behaviour or the TAFF Code of Conduct are removed from the program.

3. How do you ensure that they are medically fit for the training? Answer: The shortlisted candidates go through a basic medical screening. The medical tests screen for any communicable disease such as Hepatitis amongst others, in order to assure students may handle food items without being harmful to others.

4. How do you assess the progress of the students?Answer: Candidates are assessed monthly through both practical and written exams. Additionally, attendance is noted along with student initiative, ability to learn quickly and student’s attitude. Record of each student is maintained throughout the program to follow student progress and ensure they meet the high-standards set by TAFF.

5. Do you provide any refresher courses to your graduate? Answer: Yes, students are expected to attend four refresher courses a year provided free of cost to TAFF graduates. This is to ensure that the skills along with the institutes values are reiterated to TAFF graduates. Additionally, upskilling courses are available to employers who would like their employee to learn additional skills. Classes such as Italian Cuisine or Holiday Place Setting classes amongst others will be made available for employers or graduates seeking to upskill.

6. How is the curriculum designed for the training?Answer: TAFF-VIT is a collaboration amongst industry leaders. Noted experts in the fields of cooking and housekeeping, among other upcoming courses, have designed and delivered the TAFF instructional course.

7. What is the ratio of the practical and theory during the program?Answer: The ratio of practical to theory is 60 to 40. Students spend 60% of their time performing and being marked on what they have learned in their classrooms.

TAFF-VTI | FAQs:

8. How do I access the services of the graduates?Answer: To avail the services of our graduates, a confidential online application form is available on the TAFF Website. You may access that application form once your HR department provides you with a special access code developed specifically for your company. Once the application is filled, a step-by step guide will walk you through the rest of the process.

9. What is the cost structure? Answer: The cost structure ranges from PKR 25,000 to PKR 35,000; depending on the services requested. The rates are non-negotiable and are written into the job contract.

10. What if I am not satisfied and want a replacement of domestic helper. Answer: Contact TAFF-VTI’s placement center. We will evaluate your concerns and then address them appropriately. If required, the employer will be facilitated with a replacement as per the availability in our pool of graduates.

11. Is there a fee for replacement?Answer: No there is no fee for replacement if TAFF finds the graduate to be conducting themselves below TAFF-VTI’s quality standards or the graduate’s sudden inability to stay in employment, i.e. maternity.

12. Is this service available nationwide? Answer: Currently the services are available in Karachi only but the program expects to expand to major cities.

13. How do I enroll to become a member?Answer: Please refer to TAFF-VTI How Do I Sign Up.

14. What is minimum time period for a contract to be signed? Answer: The minimum time period for the contract to be signed is one year.

15. How can I become a part of your program to make a difference? Answer: You may become a part of the program through Corporate Membership.

16. Does TAFF-VTI conduct criminal background checks?Answer:Like any educational institute, the TAFF-VTI is an educational institute and does not conduct criminal background checks of its students. The TAFF-VTI does however maintain a record of the students’ NIC cards, family information, and medical history as a part of its prescreening process. If a potential employer would like to conduct a criminal background check of a potential employee, TAFF-VTI will provide all relevant information to facilitate said check at the expense of the employer.

17. Does TAFF-VTI accept any liability in case of theft or other mishaps?Answer: TAFF-VTI graduates are alumni from the TAFF-VTI, meaning they are TAFF-VTI graduates and no other relationship exists between the student and Institute.  Thus any contract of employment is signed between the employer and employee only, and not the TAFF training Institute.  TAFF-VTI’s role is to educate and qualify its graduates, and to create channels for placement similar to any college or university. Introducing TAFF-VTI graduates to the market and vice versa is a service facilitated by TAFF-VTI to channel graduates to relevant employers who would not be connected otherwise. 

18. Does TAFF-VTI support continuous education?Answer: TAFF-VTI strongly supports continuous education and, as a part of the employment contract, expects employers to send TAFF -VTI graduates to TAFF-VTI premises for one-day session each quarter. This will facilitate in upskilling the graduates in order to better service their employers.

19. How many replacements am I eligible for through your program?Answer: You are eligible for a maximum of 2 replacements. These replacements are to be requested during the 3 months’ probation period of the contract signed with our graduate.

20. What is the process if I do not want to carry on with your service?Answer: You are eligible for a refund of 50% of your placement fee if you are not satisfied with our service after 2 replacements. Request for refund should be submitted via email at info@taffoundation.org.

1. I already have a house maid, why engage a House Manager at higher pay?Answer: TAFF House Managers are trained in both cooking and housekeeping unlike a current housemaid who likely has no training in the trade and limited exposure. TAFF graduates are professional housekeepers and cooks trained as per international standards to manage and maintain the homes of individuals seeking a higher standard of house management and support. This program is particularly valuable for dual-income households, single working parents and other professionals with limited time to micro-manage the domestic staff.

2. Will the House Manager work in the same way as a house maid? Do I need to arrange additional equipment (washing machines, vacuum, etc.) for her? Answer: TAFF graduates are trained to use modern technologies and household products which are often the preferred means of maintaining household furniture and other items. The TAFF housekeeper are professionally trained housekeepers to know the differences amongst various cleaning products available for different surfaces such as wood, glass, tiles, carpets and draperies.

3. The structure seems very formalized. Does this mean I have more liability as an employer? Answer: Yes. You would have the same liability to your employee which you would expect your employer should have to you. The relationship between employer and TAFF graduate employee is a professional relationship aimed to safeguard the interest of both parties.

4. What happens when either one of us wants to end the arrangement? Answer: A thirty-day termination clause will be included into the standard employment contract. Thirty days’ notice to the employee or one month’s salary in lieu of notice period will be required.

5. Can responsibilities be added on once the House Manager starts or does everything have to be clear before hiring? Answer: As long as those responsibilities are deemed typical to the work already hired for, those responsibilities may be included into a job description. Any substantive change to the contract midway through would be deemed an amendment to the contract and will be required to be placed into writing and attached to the original contract. Professional behavior is expected on the part of both the employer or employee.

TAFF-VTI | PLACEMENT FAQs:

6. I expect complete child care from my House Manager, will she be able to provide this?Answer: Currently, TAFF-VTI graduates are not trained in child care however this training will come into effect within the year. The House Manager may be able to assist based on her own child-rearing experience but this should be discussed and agreed upon prior to confirming employment.

7. Will a replacement be available when my House Manager takes time off?Answer: TAFF-VTI is currently developing a substitute House Manager service that will be available to employers at a daily rate in the event their current House Manager exercises their leave privilege and a fill in is required.

8. What if I do not have living space available for a full-time House Manager? Can there be a part time arrangement in this case? Answer: Full -time House Managers will not require living space as work days are 10 hours long and the House Manager will be commuting to and from her own home.

9. Will the team match the manager with my requirements or can I choose the final candidate? Answer: TAFF will prescreen candidates on behalf of the potential employer and provide a short-listed of candidates from which to interview and hire.

10. Do I have to pay anything to avail this service? Answer: Yes, you will have to make a onetime one month agreed salary to TAFF to avail this service.

TAFF -VTI believes in growing with the market demand. Our first training course is well on its way. However, keeping in view the market demand and the gaps that exist, it is pertinent that we move forward and keep growing. With this in mind, we plan to scale in the following areas:

1. Elderly Care: In the recent years, the mortality rate of Pakistan has increased. The longer life span of citizens has created a need for professional individuals who can take care of the elders in the family. Such professionals need to be well trained in medical care, emergency procedures and nutrition. Curriculum is being designed to cater to the needs for taking care of an elderly person.

2. Child Care: Economic and career oriented women have shifted families from single income household to dual income household. This has shifted the household structure from a joint family system to a nuclear family system. These new dynamics have caused a great need for professional, trustworthy individuals who are capable of taking care of and providing early education to our children. The aim of this course will be to train candidates in all areas of childcare and early childhood development.

TAFF-VTI | PROGRAM SCALE

To hire a graduate of TAFF-VTI, please follow the below mentioned process:a. A confidential online application form is submitted for pre-screening of the potential employee. b. Information required will include but not limited to*; i. Number of children, adults, employees in the house. ii. Highest education in the household, annual income etc. iii. Tasks required, i.e. Cooking or House Manager (Cooking and Housekeeping)

*This is to ensure the graduates are sourced to professional and safe households, and also for TAFF's data tracking purposes.

c. Employee will be placed for an initial 3 months On the job training period after which the employee is eligible to become permanent under a contract.

d. Employer agrees that the employee will be sent for four (4) one-day Continuing Education Courses per annum.

e. Other terms and conditions include that of a standard employment contract; 90-day probationary period, leave/sick, increments etc.

f. Based on the Employer requirements, 3 graduates will be available for interview from which the Employer may hire a graduate that seems best suited for the Employers home needs.

i. Kindly note that the TAFF –VTI graduates are trained for up to 10 hour working days with arrival in the early AM hours with departure in the early PM hours.

TAFF-VTI |HOW DO I SIGN UP:

For further details Kindly visit our website www.taffoundation.org

Or Call us at: 021-35291217

TAFFoundation

PARTNERS

CLIENT

Signatories

Zia School of Industrial Catering