Brac’s Skill Development Program (SDP) has taken significant strides in uplifting disadvantaged young women in climate-vulnerable coastal areas, thanks to support from the US embassy. Through the “Alternative Learning Pathway for School Dropout Girls in Climate Vulnerable Regions of Bangladesh” project, SDP has provided essential training to 1,200 young women from January 2023 to March of this year, offering them newfound opportunities for employment and empowerment.
Under the innovative STAR model, participants receive hands-on training as apprentices in the Ustad-Saagred system, a method proven to be more effective than traditional on-the-job training. This initiative aims to bridge the gap for school dropouts and equip them with practical skills for sustainable livelihoods.
During a special event titled “Bridge to Success: Alternative Learning Pathways Project Learning and Knowledge Dissemination,” held at Brac Centre in Dhaka, the achievements of the program were celebrated. Sharlina Hussain-Morgan, Director of Public Engagement at the US embassy, highlighted the program’s continuation and its potential to foster female entrepreneurship, thereby bolstering Bangladesh’s economy.
Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman, Associate Director of Brac SDP, commended the success of the program, revealing that over 71% of trained young women have secured employment, with 11% of participants being persons with disabilities.
Director of Education, SDP, and Migration Safi Rahman Khan emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance inclusivity within the marketplace, particularly to empower women and individuals with disabilities.
The day-long Eid Fair, inaugurated by guests, showcased products crafted by trained youth, including clothes, jute products, furniture, and more. The event also featured entertainment such as bioscopes and magic shows, adding vibrancy to the occasion.
Since its inception, the STAR program has trained over 120,000 youth, with a significant portion being females and persons with disabilities. Partnerships with organizations like the Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNFE), Unicef, and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have been instrumental in driving the success of this initiative.
