Many marginalized communities in Bangladesh, deprived of formal education due to financial constraints, are left searching for employment.
With limited educational backgrounds and few skills, they struggle to secure income-generating work.
The Institute for Environment and Development (IED), a non-governmental organization, has helped pave income avenues for low-educated young people across eight districts through technical skills development training.
IED's Senior Coordinator, Md Hamiduzzaman, presented these findings at a seminar on Monday at the Folk Center in Mohammadpur, Dhaka.
Ferdous Ahmed Uzzal, Editor of Paribesh Barta; Mahbub Alam, Convener of Savar Public Initiative; Ananto Dhamai, former President of Bangladesh Indigenous Youth Forum; Indigenous student leader Shanto Soren; development worker Masum Hossain; and journalists from various media outlets attended the event.
IED reported that this alternative employment initiative has boosted confidence among these young men and women, brought financial stability to their families, and increased educational participation.
Monthly earnings for the trained individuals range from a minimum of Tk6,000 to as high as Tk40,000.
The organization has trained 967 individuals in various trades in five districts, including 203 indigenous youth.
Indigenous trainees shared that their acquired skills have reduced the social distance between them and mainstream communities, enhancing mutual respect and improving their socio-economic status.
According to IED, skill training through workshops or local businesses has shown tremendous success in local job markets.
It is environmentally friendly compared to government or NGO-run technical training centers.
Traditional training programs have a 90% dropout rate, and many do not utilize their acquired skills.
However, under IED's direct supervision, 95% of individuals trained in workshops or businesses are now generating income by applying their skills.
IED believes that expanding such initiatives, especially among indigenous youth, could significantly improve their financial and social standing.
The organization currently operates this training model for indigenous communities in three districts.
IED identifies interested young individuals and arranges 10-month training programs in local markets and workshops.
Each trainee receives Tk30,000 for travel and meal expenses.
One such beneficiary, Pradip Hansda from Godagari, Rajshahi, had to drop out after eighth grade due to family financial struggles.
Unemployed, Pradip applied for the IED's skill development training in automobile repair.
After completing 10 months of training at Tito Workshop in Rajabari, he began working there.
His reputation soon spread.
Later, with a loan from a private organization, Pradip opened the "Pradip Motorcycle Servicing Center" at Gopalpur Mor.
He now earns around Tk40,000 per month and has even created job opportunities for two others, Bodhinath Soren and Bishwajit Orao.
Ferdous Ahmed Uzzal, Editor of Paribesh Barta, commented that this is an effective model.
Though IED works on a small scale, it has the potential for a broader reach. The government could also support it financially.
Mahbubul Alam suggested that financial institutions could also participate in such projects.
Selecting interested and qualified individuals for training leads to positive outcomes.
