The International Labour Organization (ILO) has launched a new initiative to help communities recover from the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar in March, affecting over 17 million people.

The “Enhanced Livelihood Recovery and Community Resilience Project” focuses on rebuilding key infrastructure such as schools, health centres, roads, and water systems in the Inle Lake and Mandalay regions among the hardest-hit areas.

Funded by Japan’s Social Safety Net programme and ILO resources, the project will create over 25,000 workdays through local employment under the Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP). At least 30% of jobs are reserved for women, with special inclusion for persons with disabilities and displaced families.

Beyond reconstruction, the project will train residents and village committees in construction, project management, and community development helping them lead future recovery efforts.

ILO said the initiative aims to “restore both livelihoods and dignity” by combining decent work with sustainable community resilience. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.