Diamer’s youth optimistic about learning from Chinese experts

Fresh graduates of Diamer during screening test. [Photo/DBDP)

GILGIT, Jan 15, (Gwadar Pro)-The youth of Diamer are optimistic about learning from Chinese experts who were sent by POWERCHINA, the main contractor of the Diamer Basha Dam Project (DBDP), as interns under the Youth Internship Program Cohort-II.

Together, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP) and Diamer Basha Development Company launched a Youth Internship Program for Diamer's recent graduates. On December 19-20, interviews for the Diamer Youth Internship Program were held. After screening tests and interviews, 28 young graduates were chosen for the internship program. They are divided into three categories: civil engineering, geology, and sub-engineering (DAE Civil).

Following brief orientation sessions, the successful candidates will work with POWERCHINA and Frontier Work Organisation (FWO) at DBDP for three months.

Shabir Ahmed, an aspiring civil engineer, has been placed in the civil engineering category with POWERCHINA. "I'm very excited to work with Chinese experts because, as you know, the Chinese are the world's construction leaders. Working with Chinese engineers at the DBDP site is an honor for me," he told Gwadar Pro.

Israr Ahmad is another young civil engineer who has been assigned to POWERCHINA. "Fortunately, I will have the opportunity to learn modern techniques from Chinese experts; I hope to take up a high-tech job in the future based on the experience gained during the internship program," he told Gwadar Pro.

Muhammad Arif, a young geologist who will work with POWERCHINA’s team at the site said: “I have the degree but I have no experience in the field; Chinese engineers are good teachers; I will do my best to learn from them”.

Another Diamer graduate, Ashraf Ali, will have the opportunity to work with Chinese geologists at DBDP.

"It is an honor for the entire family that Ashraf Ali is working with a Chinese company," Ashraf Ali's brother, Sherzaman Danish, told Gwadar Pro over the phone.

Muhammad Azam has been assigned as an intern at POWERCHINA under the category of Sub-Engineer (DAE Civil). “It’s the beginning of my career and I’m happy to be an intern with CHINAPOWER,” he told Gwadar Pro, adding, “Inshallah, I will learn a lot from the Chinese engineer and will use my experience for the progress of my country in future,” he said. 

Diamer's youth have previously benefited from the DBD Project. Some of the project's young geologists and engineers began their careers as interns and are now working as Geologists and Senior Engineers.