Discussion on youth skills development, employment prospects held in Kathalia

Members of Bashundhara Shuvosangho have held a discussion in Kathalia upazila of Jhalakathi on ways to engage young people in the workforce through technical education, information technology skills, freelancing and initiatives based on the local economy.

The Kathalia upazila unit Shuvosangho organised the discussion, titled “Employment Prospects for Young People and Ways to Tackle Unemployment through Skills Development” at the Kathalia Press Club on Wednesday.

Faruk Hossain Khan, a journalist and coordinator of the Barishal region of The Hunger Project-Bangladesh Peace Ambassador Network, chaired the event.

Among others, social workers Md Rafiqul Islam, Md Ibrahim Hossain and Md Sohag Hawlader; journalists Shah Jamal and Md Mahbub Poran; Md Mamun Hossain; union parishad member Shaheen Khan; Anjan Shil; and Bashundhara Shuvosangho Adviser Md Abdus Salam spoke at the programme. 

The organisation’s general secretary, Md Siam Talukder, moderated the discussion.

The discussion highlighted the importance of creating alternative income opportunities alongside conventional jobs. 

Speakers discussed the prospects of acquiring skills in technical trades, computer operation, graphic design, digital marketing, web development and freelancing. 

They said that, alongside academic qualifications, practical work experience, communication skills and technological proficiency could improve young people's chances of entering the workforce.

The speakers also pointed to self-employment opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, livestock rearing, food processing and small businesses. 

They suggested exploring business opportunities in these sectors based on local demand and economic activities in Kathalia. 

However, they stressed that aspiring entrepreneurs should have a clear understanding of market demand, production costs, capital requirements and sales prospects before launching a business. In this regard, market linkages, financing and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs were considered important alongside training.

The meeting also discussed ways to provide young people with accessible information about vocational training, offer job preparation and career guidance, and identify employment opportunities at the local level. 

Participants suggested coordinating with the upazila youth development office, technical education institutions, local businesses and training centres to inform young people about relevant training programmes and employment opportunities.

The need to create suitable training and employment opportunities for young people from low-income families, as well as persons with disabilities, was also emphasised. 

Participants highlighted the importance of ensuring access to the necessary equipment after training, opportunities to gain practical experience through apprenticeships, and pathways into income-generating activities.

The event facilitated an exchange of views on the causes of youth unemployment, the importance of skills development and opportunities for self-employment alongside conventional jobs. 

Participants identified vocational education, practical skills development and coordination among local institutions as key ways to expand employment opportunities for young people.