SSD Academy is implementing a high-impact transition pathway for 200 Qwami Madrasah graduates in Cox's Bazar. In partnership with the ILO, we provide BNQF-aligned vocational training in demand-driven trades like GDF, DMF, TDM, PHCS, and EIM. The project ensures 80% employment outcomes through industry attachments and the establishment of dedicated Production Centres to foster self-reliance among youth and women.
This project is a unique initiative aimed at developing 200 pre-vocational graduates from five selected Qwami Madrasahs in Cox's Bazar into a qualified and skilled workforce. We officially launched this intervention following the signing of the Implementation Agreement (IA) on May 5, 2026. Beyond providing technical training, the project establishes 'Production Centres' to ensure both wage employment and self-employment opportunities for the graduates. The project is being implemented with a core focus on gender equality (ensuring a minimum of 60% women participation) and disability inclusion.
Project Overview
·
Project Category: Vocational Skills Development & Youth
Empowerment
· Lead Implementing Agency: Step-Up Skill Development Academy (SSD Academy)
·
Development Partner/Client: International Labour
Organization (ILO)
·
Project Framework: Improving Skills and Economic
Opportunities for Bangladeshi Community and Rohingya Women and Youth in Cox's
Bazar (ISEC Project)
·
Implementation Agreement (IA) Signed: May 5, 2026
·
Project Duration: May – November 2026
·
Geographic Focus: 5 Selected Qwami Madrasahs across Cox’s
Bazar district
Detailed Project
Content
1. Mission &
Strategic Intent
This project represents a critical bridge
from pre-vocational education to sustainable livelihoods for 200 young
graduates from the Qwami Madrasah system. The initiative recognizes that skills
training alone is insufficient; therefore, we have designed a structured
transition pathway that combines high-quality, BNQF-aligned technical education
with direct market linkages and supervised work exposure.
2. Target Beneficiaries
& Inclusion
·
Total Trainees: 200 Qwami Madrasah pre-vocational
graduates.
·
Gender Equality Mandate: A minimum of 60% of
all participants are women.
·
Social Inclusion: The project actively incorporates
disability-inclusive practices and safeguards for vulnerable youth.
3. Occupational
Training Streams
Training is delivered directly within the
premises of the five selected madrasahs in demand-driven trades:
·
Digital Skills: Graphic Design for Freelancing (GDF) and
Digital Marketing for Freelancing (DMF).
·
Technical Trades: Electrical Installation and Maintenance
(EIM).
·
Garments & Textiles: Tailoring and Dress
Making (TDM).
·
Health Services: Primary Health Care Service (PHCS).
4. The Production
Centre Model (Direct Earning)
A unique feature of this project is the
establishment of operational income-generating hubs:
·
TDM Production Centres: Two dedicated centres
for 80 trained women to fulfill real-market orders for garments and uniforms.
·
Service Integration: Digital and electrical graduates are
linked to service-based earning models through local SME partnerships and
freelancing portfolios.
5. Employment &
Market Linkages
Our goal is to ensure that at least 80% of
graduates successfully transition into wage or self-employment. To achieve
this, the project team facilitates:
·
Industry Attachment: Structured workplace exposure and
shadowing under local technicians and business owners.
·
ESS Coordination: Seamless referral of graduates to the
Employment Support Service (ESS) center at the Department of Youth Development.
·
Retailer Partnerships: Creating direct
connections between the production centres and local retailers to ensure a
steady flow of orders.
6. Quality Assurance
& Certification
·
Standardized Curriculum: All training utilizes
ILO-provided competency standards, Competency-Based Learning Materials (CBLMs),
and Trainee Record Books (TRBs).
·
National Recognition: Graduates are
prepared for formal assessment aligned with the Bangladesh National
Qualification Framework (BNQF).
·
Professional Staffing: The project is
managed by a high-level team, including a Training & Job Placement
Coordinator and a Market Linkages Officer, alongside 12 Lead and Assistant
Trainers.
SSD Academy – Step Up Skills. Step Into
the Future.
