CARE Bangladesh will train 2 lakh 45 thousand youth for skill development

CARE Bangladesh and its partner organizations have started a training program to develop the skills of 245,000 young men and women of the country. The program is aimed at youth between the ages of 18 and 35 who are out of education, employment and training. Its aim is to increase their employment and entrepreneurship opportunities through training.

The program was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Youth and Sports at the 'Youth and Employers Meet' organized at the Bangladesh Institute of Management at Sobhan Bagh in the capital on Wednesday (October 28). Aminul Haque

This training will be given under Economic Acceleration and Resilience for NIT (EARN) project. The trainees will get an opportunity to acquire technical, entrepreneurial development and social-emotional skills. The project is being implemented by the Directorate of Youth Development under the Ministry of Youth and Sports with the support of the World Bank.

State Minister of Youth and Sports in the speech of the chief guest. Aminul Haque said that creating employment opportunities is one of the main priorities of the government. For this, he emphasized on developing the necessary skills of the youth in accordance with the demand of the labor market.

The State Minister also emphasized the need to create real opportunities for youth employment and entrepreneurship. He assured the private sector, development partners and training institutions of all cooperation from the government to achieve this goal.

Kazi Moklechur Rahman, project director and additional secretary of the Arn project, said that the ultimate goal of skill training should be employment and income-oriented initiatives. The project is working to build skills of the youth as well as facilitate their transition from training to the workforce.

Care Bangladesh country director Ram Das said direct engagement with employers will help keep training relevant to labor market demands.

Care Bangladesh's senior strategic advisor and former US ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. was present as a special guest in the event. Miller. He said, ARN is not just a training program. It will play a role in enhancing the capacity and resilience of the youth by converting their potential into sustainable livelihood opportunities.

World Bank Implementation Specialist Ronak Jahan emphasized on expanding economic opportunities for young women and ensuring their meaningful participation in the workforce.

At the event, youth and employers discussed the gap between skills and workplace needs. Employers highlight the skills and qualifications required for recruitment. On the other hand, the youth participants shared their experiences and challenges in finding a job, entering the workforce and starting a business.

Various participatory sessions and panel discussions including 'Youth Take the Mic', 'Employers' Conversation' and 'Youth Cafe' highlighted the importance of training, career support and effective communication with employers. The youth representatives and participants discussed how these initiatives can increase youth employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

CARE Bangladesh is implementing the project with eight partner organizations. The organizations are Center for Disability in Development, The Earth Society, Eco-Social Development Organization, Jago Foundation, Mirpur Agricultural Workshop and Training School, Tahjingdong, Underprivileged Children's Educational Programs Bangladesh and Dhaka Ahsania Mission.

The project will be implemented in different areas of Rajshahi, Khulna and Mymensingh divisions and Chittagong Hill Tracts.

Care Bangladesh Deputy Country Director-Programs Emebet Menna, Care USA Senior Technical Advisor Youth Skills Sara Johnson, Care Bangladesh Coordination and Partnerships Director Amanur Rahman, PRAN-RFL Group Director Uzma Chowdhury, Bank Asia Senior Vice President Kazi Murtaza Ali, Mutual Trust Bank PLC Executive Vice President Mesbah Uddin Chowdhury and Walton Senior Executive Director. Kawsar Uddin Chowdhury.