USAID’s YouthRISE (2nd Phase) project strengthens youth resilience and social cohesion through vocational skill development. Implemented by Shushilan with support from IRC and BBC Media Action, SSD Academy trained 136 youth in computer training, EIM, TDM, and driving in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar.
The YouthRISE project in Whykong and Baharchara, Teknaf trained 136 young people in digital and technical skills including computer applications, EIM, TDM, and driving. Supported by USAID, IRC, and BBC Media Action, the initiative promotes youth employability, community engagement, and economic empowerment.
Project Completion Report
USAID’s Youth are Resilient, Interconnected, Socially Cohesive and Engaged (YouthRISE) – Phase II
Project Title: Youth are Resilient, Interconnected, Socially Cohesive and Engaged (YouthRISE) – Phase II
Funding Organization: USAID
Media Partner: BBC Media Action
Technical Support: International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Implementing Partner: Shushilan
Training Provider: Step-Up Skill Development (SSD) Academy
Project Location: Whykong & Baharchara, Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
Total Trainees: 136 Youth Participants
Trades Covered: Computer Training, Electrical Installation & Maintenance (EIM), Tailoring Dress Making (TDM), and Driving Training
1. Executive Summary
The YouthRISE Phase II Project was implemented to strengthen youth resilience, promote social cohesion, and enhance employability opportunities for young people in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. Supported by USAID and implemented by Shushilan, the project aimed to empower youth through vocational and technical skill development training programs.
Step-Up Skill Development (SSD) Academy served as the training provider, delivering structured skill development programs in Computer Training, Electrical Installation & Maintenance (EIM), Tailoring & Dress Making (TDM), and Driving Training.
The project successfully trained 136 youth participants from local communities in Whykong and Baharchara, equipping them with market-relevant technical skills, practical knowledge, and career opportunities.
Through hands-on training, mentorship, and practical assessments, the program enabled participants to develop professional competencies, digital literacy, technical expertise, and entrepreneurial mindset.
The project contributed significantly to:
Youth empowerment
Skill development
Economic opportunities
Community resilience
Social cohesion among youth
2. Project Background
Youth unemployment and lack of vocational training opportunities remain significant challenges in Cox’s Bazar region, particularly in Teknaf and surrounding communities. Many young people lack access to quality skill development training, limiting their ability to participate in the workforce.
The YouthRISE Activity was designed to address these challenges by providing technical and vocational training opportunities to youth. The project focuses on strengthening resilience, community engagement, and livelihood opportunities.
Phase II of the project expanded training opportunities and introduced multiple vocational trades, allowing participants to develop diverse skills aligned with local and national labor market demand.
This initiative plays a critical role in supporting sustainable youth employment and socio-economic development in Bangladesh.
3. About SSD Academy
Step-Up Skill Development (SSD) Academy is a leading technical and vocational training institute in Cox’s Bazar, committed to providing high-quality skill development programs.
The academy focuses on practical, job-oriented training programs designed to equip students with skills needed for employment, freelancing, and entrepreneurship.
Key Highlights of SSD Academy
Established: 2023
Government Registered Training Institute
Affiliated with technical education and vocational frameworks
Provides 36+ skill development trades
Offers training in IT, vocational skills, digital marketing, freelancing, and technical professions
Focuses on youth empowerment and employment creation
SSD Academy works closely with international development organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to implement impactful training programs.
4. Project Objectives
The main objective of the YouthRISE Phase II Training Program was to empower youth through market-driven skill development training.
Specific Objectives
Enhance youth employability through vocational training
Develop practical technical skills among participants
Promote social cohesion and community engagement
Provide youth with livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities
Improve digital literacy and technical competency
Strengthen community resilience and economic development
5. Project Implementation Areas
The training program was implemented in two key locations:
Whykong Training Center
Whykong is one of the largest local marketplaces in Teknaf. The area has a significant youth population with high demand for technical and vocational training opportunities.
Baharchara Training Center
Baharchara is a rural community where many youth lack access to formal technical education and employment opportunities. The training program helped address this gap by providing hands-on vocational training programs.
These locations were strategically selected to maximize community participation and impact.
6. Training Trades and Participants
The project provided training in four major vocational trades.
Each training program included structured theoretical sessions, practical training, assessments, and certification.
7. Training Curriculum and Learning Modules
The training curriculum was designed to ensure participants gained practical skills aligned with industry demand.
Computer Training Modules
Basic computer operations
Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Internet and email communication
Digital documentation
Freelancing basics
Online safety and cyber awareness
Electrical Installation & Maintenance (EIM)
Electrical safety procedures
Wiring systems and electrical circuits
Installation of electrical equipment
Electrical troubleshooting
Maintenance of electrical systems
Tailoring & Dress Making (TDM)
Sewing machine operation
Pattern design and cutting
Garment construction
Fabric handling
Fashion design basics
Driving Training
Road safety and traffic rules
Vehicle control techniques
Practical driving lessons
Basic vehicle maintenance
Driving test preparation
8. Training Methodology
The training programs were delivered using interactive and practical learning methods to ensure maximum skill acquisition.
Training Approaches
Classroom-based theoretical instruction
Hands-on practical training sessions
Group discussions and teamwork
Live demonstrations
Assignments and practice exercises
Continuous performance evaluation
Participants also received mentorship and career guidance to help them transition into employment or entrepreneurship.
9. Key Project Activities
The following activities were conducted during the implementation of YouthRISE Phase II:
Training Preparation
Community outreach and participant selection
Orientation sessions for trainees
Preparation of training materials and modules
Training Implementation
Conducted regular classroom sessions
Delivered practical training workshops
Provided training equipment and tools
Conducted continuous skill assessments
Monitoring and Supervision
Regular visits by project coordinators
Monitoring of training progress
Evaluation of trainee performance
Final Assessment and Certification
Written examinations
Practical assessments
Viva examinations
Certificate distribution ceremony
10. Project Outputs
The YouthRISE Phase II project successfully achieved several important outputs:
136 youth trained in vocational skills
Four vocational trades successfully implemented
Improved technical competency among participants
Enhanced digital literacy among youth
Increased employment readiness
Strengthened community engagement
11. Project Impact
The project has created significant positive impact in the Teknaf region.
Youth Employment Opportunities
Participants gained skills that allow them to seek employment in:
Government and private sector jobs
NGOs and development organizations
Local businesses
Self-employment opportunities
Freelancing and digital services
Economic Empowerment
The training has increased the potential for youth to generate income and support their families.
Social Cohesion
Youth from different communities participated together in training programs, promoting social harmony and collaboration.
Community Development
Skilled youth contribute to local economic development and community resilience.
12. Beneficiary Participation and Community Engagement
The project followed a community-centered implementation approach, ensuring strong participation from beneficiaries.
Engagement Strategies
Community meetings
Trainee feedback sessions
Group discussions
Participatory training activities
This ensured the project remained inclusive, transparent, and accountable.
13. Challenges and Lessons Learned
Although the project was successfully implemented, some challenges were encountered.
Key Challenges
Limited training time for some technical trades
Resource limitations in rural areas
Varying skill levels among participants
Lessons Learned
Practical training significantly improves learning outcomes
Community engagement strengthens project impact
Continuous monitoring ensures effective implementation
14. Sustainability and Future Opportunities
To ensure long-term impact, SSD Academy plans to:
Expand vocational training programs
Introduce advanced technical courses
Develop entrepreneurship support programs
Create job placement opportunities
Strengthen partnerships with employers
These initiatives will support sustainable youth employment and skill development in Bangladesh.
15. Conclusion
The YouthRISE Phase II Training Program successfully empowered 136 youth participants in Teknaf through vocational skill development and practical training.
The collaboration between USAID, BBC Media Action, IRC, Shushilan, and SSD Academy played a vital role in delivering high-quality training programs and creating opportunities for youth.
The project demonstrates the power of skills development initiatives in promoting youth empowerment, social cohesion, and economic resilience.
Prepared By
Step-Up Skill Development (SSD) Academy
Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
