The initiative provides market-relevant training for 400 women and youth across Cox’s Bazar Sadar, Ramu, Pekua, and Moheshkhali. Through courses in computer operation, digital marketing, graphic design, and tailoring, participants build digital skills and income-generating opportunities.

Project Completion Report

Leaving No One Behind: Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh (ISEC)

Project Background

The project “Leaving No One Behind: Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh (ISEC)” was designed to strengthen livelihood opportunities, skills development, and economic empowerment for vulnerable communities in Cox’s Bazar district.

The initiative focused on providing market-oriented vocational and pre-vocational training to youth and women, particularly those studying in madrasa institutions and individuals from underserved communities.

Through structured training programs and competency-based learning, the project aimed to equip participants with practical technical skills, digital literacy, and income-generating abilities to enhance their employment prospects and economic resilience.

Project Partnership and Support

The project was implemented through strong collaboration between international donors, development organizations, and local training institutions.

Coordinated By:

• Department of Youth Development (DYD)

Funded by

• Government of Global Affairs Canada

• Government of Netherlands

Supported by

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Implemented by

• BRAC

• a2i (Aspire to Innovate)

• International Labour Organization (ILO)

Training Provider

• SSD Academy (Step-Up Skill Development Academy)

These partnerships ensured that the training programs followed international development standards and competency-based learning frameworks.

Project Location

The training activities were implemented across Cox’s Bazar district in Bangladesh, covering several key upazilas including:

• Cox’s Bazar Sadar

• Ramu

• Pekua

• Moheshkhali

These areas were selected due to their high need for skills development programs, youth employment opportunities, and women's economic empowerment initiatives.

Project Target Group

The project primarily targeted:

• Youth from madrasa institutions

• Young job seekers

• Women interested in livelihood opportunities

• Individuals seeking vocational skills training

A total of 320 + 80 learners (400 participants) benefited from the program through pre-vocational and vocational training courses.

Training Programs

The project delivered two main categories of training:

1. Pre-Vocational Training

• Computer Operation and Graphic Design (CO&GD), Pre-Voc-Level-01

• Tailoring and Dress Making (TDM), Pre-Voc-Level-01

2. Vocational Training

• Digital Marketing for Freelancing (DMF), BNQF, Level- 03

• Computer Operation (CO), BNQF, Level-02

Each course was designed to provide practical skills aligned with labor market demands and digital economy opportunities.

Pre-Vocational Training Implementation

The pre-vocational training program introduced madrasa learners to technical and creative skills, preparing them for future vocational training or employment opportunities.

Each course included:

• 72 total classes

• 5 hours per training session

• Practical hands-on training

• Competency assessments

• Continuous monitoring and evaluation

Rashidia Azizul Uloom Madrasah Yeatimkhana & Hafzakhana (RAUMYH) – Ramu

This training center provided Computer Operation and Graphic Design training to madrasa students.

Training Details

• Location: Chaillatali, South Mithachari, Ramu, Cox’s Bazar

• Learners: 80 male participants

• Training start date: 18 August 2025

• Total classes planned: 72

• Completed classes: 47

• Class duration: 5 hours per session

By the time of reporting, 40 participants successfully achieved full competency, demonstrating strong skills in basic computer applications, graphic design tools, and digital creativity.

Ehyea-Ulumiddin Madrasha & Yatimkhana (EUMY) – Moheshkhali

This training program also focused on Computer Operation and Graphic Design.

Training Details

• Location: Chaillatali, Kalamarchada, Moheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar

• Total learners: 80 male students

• Start date: 1 September 2025

• Total classes: 72

• Completed classes: 38

• Session duration: 5 hours

Participants developed skills in Microsoft Office, graphic design fundamentals, and digital communication tools, preparing them for future opportunities in the digital economy and freelancing sector.

Mohammadia Arabia Hafezia Madrasha & Etimkhana (MAHME) – Ramu

This training program introduced madrasa learners to ICT skills and creative design tools.

Training Details

• Location: Joarianala, Ramu, Cox’s Bazar

• Learners: 80 male participants

• Training start date: 14 September 2025

• Planned classes: 72

• Completed classes: 28

• Duration: 5 hours per class

The program enhanced students’ technology awareness and digital literacy, which are essential skills in today’s job market.

Hazrat Ayesha Chiddika (R.) Girls Madrasah – Pekua

To strengthen women’s economic empowerment, a Tailoring and Dress Making training program was conducted exclusively for female learners.

Training Details

• Location: D.C Road, Chowmahoni, Pekua, Cox’s Bazar

• Total learners: 80 female participants

• Start date: 14 September 2025

• Planned classes: 72

• Completed classes: 28

• Class duration: 5 hours

Participants learned sewing techniques, garment design, measurement, cutting, and dressmaking skills, enabling them to start home-based tailoring businesses or employment in local garment sectors.

Vocational Training Implementation

In addition to pre-vocational training, the project provided advanced vocational skills training through professional training institutions.

Digital Marketing for Freelancing – SSD Academy, Cox’s Bazar Branch

This vocational course focused on developing digital entrepreneurship and freelancing skills.

Training Details

• Location: Gorakghata Municipality, Cox’s Bazar

• Total learners: 40 participants

• Male: 27

• Female: 13

• Start date: 27 September 2025

• Planned classes: 72

• Completed classes: 13

• Class duration: 5 hours

• Competency achievement rate: 82%

Learners gained knowledge in:

• Social media marketing

• Search engine optimization (SEO)

• Freelancing marketplace management

• Online branding strategies

These skills open opportunities for online employment and global freelancing platforms.

Computer Operation (Level-2) – SSD Academy, Moheshkhali Branch

The second vocational course provided advanced computer operation training.

Training Details

• Location: Kalur Dokan, Moheshkhali

• Total learners: 40 participants

• Male: 18

• Female: 22

• Training start date: 27 September 2025

• Planned classes: 72

• Completed classes: 13

• Class duration: 5 hours

• Competency achievement rate: 78%

Participants gained advanced skills in office applications, digital documentation, and workplace computer operations.

Project Achievements

The project achieved significant outcomes in skills development and youth empowerment.

Key Results

• Total training centers: 6

• Total participants: 400 learners

• Male participants: 285

• Female participants: 115

• Training courses delivered: 4 skill areas

• Training hours delivered per learner: 360 hours

Impact on Women and Youth

The project played a vital role in improving economic opportunities for women and youth in Cox’s Bazar.

Major impacts include:

• Increased digital literacy among madrasa students

• Improved employability and job readiness

• Expanded freelancing opportunities

• Enhanced women’s income-generating skills

• Strengthened community awareness of skills development programs

Many participants reported improved confidence and motivation to pursue entrepreneurship, freelancing, or employment opportunities.

Sustainability and Future Opportunities

To ensure long-term sustainability, the project recommends:

• Expanding training programs to additional rural communities

• Providing advanced freelancing and digital marketing courses

• Establishing career placement and mentorship programs

• Supporting graduates with entrepreneurship and startup opportunities

These initiatives will help create sustainable livelihoods and economic resilience for communities in Cox’s Bazar.

Conclusion

The project “Leaving No One Behind: Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth in Cox’s Bazar” successfully empowered hundreds of young people with practical vocational skills and digital competencies.

Through collaboration with international donors, development partners, and local institutions, the initiative has created a strong foundation for inclusive economic development, youth employment, and women’s empowerment in Bangladesh.