A skills development program for 1,000 Rohingya has been launched at Camp 11 in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, with support from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Bangladesh.
National humanitarian development organization Impact Initiative inaugurated the program, titled “Sustainable Opportunities for Livelihoods, Advancement and Resilience (SOLAR),” at the Multipurpose Building of Rohingya Camp 11 on Tuesday.
Md Shariful Islam, deputy secretary and Camp-in-Charge of Camp 11, attended the inauguration as the chief guest, while Impact Initiative Chief Executive Officer Md Enayet Hossain chaired the event.
Under the SOLAR initiative, 325 participants will receive practical, market-oriented technical training in tailoring and dressmaking, block printing and batik, mobile phone servicing, gas burner repair and climate-smart agriculture.
Another 675 participants will receive soft-skills training focused on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, workplace behavior and other essential life and employability skills.
Speaking at the inauguration, Shariful Islam said skills development and practical livelihood training could play an important role in strengthening the capacity and self-reliance of the Rohingya community.
“Initiatives such as SOLAR will help participants develop practical skills and prepare themselves for future livelihood opportunities,” he said.
Enayet Hossain said Impact Initiative was creating opportunities for the Rohingya community to develop practical and market-relevant skills with support from the Chinese Embassy.
“Through the SOLAR initiative, we aim to strengthen their capacity, resilience and prospects for sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The initiative aims to complement humanitarian assistance with skills development and livelihood-focused interventions, helping Rohingya community members build practical capacities and improve their prospects for self-reliance amid prolonged displacement.
With support from the Chinese Embassy and implementation by Impact Initiative, the program is expected to expand skills and livelihood opportunities for Rohingya community members in the camp.
