TPW Desk:

BRAC’s Skill Development Program (SDP) has created employment opportunities for 1,200

young women who were previously disadvantaged and lagging behind in coastal areas

vulnerable to climate change. School dropouts are provided with hands-on training under

BRAC Skills Training for Advancing Resources (STAR) model as apprentices under local

businessmen in the Ustad-Saagred system, which is believed to be more effective than

traditional on-the-job training.

Sharlina Hussain-Morgan, the Director of Public Engagement at the US Embassy delivered her speech at the event.

This training has been provided to young women in coastal areas from January 2023 to

March of this year under the 'Alternative Learning Pathway for School Dropout Girls in

Climate Vulnerable Regions of Bangladesh' project, implemented by SDP in collaboration

with the US Embassy.

On this occasion, a programme titled 'Bridge to Success: Alternative Learning Pathways

Project Learning and Knowledge Dissemination was organised on Monday, 1 April 2004 at

BRAC Centre in Mohakhali, Dhaka.

Some of the young women who received training shared their experiences and achievements. Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman, Associate Director of BRAC SDP moderated this session.

In her address, Sharlina Hussain-Morgan, the Director of Public Engagement at the US

Embassy, emphasised, "While this training programme may have concluded for now, it is not

the end, it is the beginning. Our aim is to witness a substantial influx of female entrepreneurs

in Bangladesh, who will make significant contribution to the nation's economy.”

Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman, Associate Director of BRAC SDP, underscored the

accomplishments of the SDP and Star Model initiatives during the programme, noting that

over 71% of the young women who underwent training have secured employment. Of this

percentage, 11% participants were persons with disabilities.

Safi Rahman Khan, Director of Education, SDP, and Migration expressed gratitude during

the event. He emphasised the significant endeavours underway within the programme,

particularly regarding the marketplace. Enhancing inclusivity within this market, especially to

bolster the participation of women and individuals with disabilities, remains a vital focus.

Some of the young women who received training through this project shared their

experiences and achievements.

The guests inaugurated the day-long Eid Fair held at the BRAC Central Plaza, where

various products made by the trained youth from BRAC were displayed. The fair included

various events such as clothes, jute products, bamboo and rattan products, furniture,

pottery, beauty salon services, mobile phone servicing, etc. Additionally, there were

bioscopes and fascinating magic shows.

Since its inception in 2012, the STAR programme has provided training to over 120,000

youths. Among them, approximately 64% are female, and 10% are persons with disabilities.

Alongside BRAC, partners in this initiative include the Bureau of Non-Formal Education

(BNFE), UNICEF, and the International Labour Organization (ILO).