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Sightsavers, BBDN launch project to skill youth with disabilities

Staff Correspondent
25 Oct 2022 00:00:00 | Update: 25 Oct 2022 00:11:37
Sightsavers, BBDN launch project to skill youth with disabilities
Md Mahfizur Rahman, managing director of SME Foundation, is pictured at the national launch of Futuremakers with others on Monday – Courtesy Photo

International charity organisation Sightsavers, in collaboration with Bangladesh Business and Disability Network (BBDN), on Monday nationally launched a project to support youth with disabilities in the labour market by providing technical skills and employability training, career guidance and job placements.

The 18-month-long project, titled ‘Futuremakers’, is already being implemented in Manikganj, Narayanganj and Tangail, with support from local organisations working in the districts, reads a press statement. 

Manikganj Disabled People’s Organization to Development, Narayanganj Sadar Upazila Protibondhi Unnayan Parishad and Tangail Disabled Peoples Organization to Development have already begun working on the project since July 2022.

The project will support 720 women and men with disabilities to learn new skills and improve their chances of securing a job or starting their own enterprises, without needing to relocate from their homes, said the press statement.

Md Mahfizur Rahman, managing director of SME Foundation, graced the national launching of Futuremakers as the chief guest on Monday whereas Ardashir Kabir, president of Bangladesh Employer’s Federation was present as a special guest.

Speaking at the event, Amrita Rejina Rozario, country director of Sightsavers Bangladesh, said youths with disabilities are much less likely to be employed or working in appropriate conditions compared to their peers. The Covid-19 pandemic has made them even more helpless.

Md Mahfizur Rahman said, “SME Foundation prioritises women and youth entrepreneurs in our programming, and we will tie up with the Futuremakers project to identify areas of joint collaboration especially identifying and providing training to youth with disabilities in the project districts.”

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