Dhaka:The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and UNICEF have successfully completed a $5.94 million project designed to equip out-of-school adolescent girls and young women in Bangladesh with essential market-driven skills and employment opportunities.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the project, titled 'Empowering Out-of-School Adolescent Girls and Young Women with Market-Driven Occupational Skills, Transferable Skills, and Job Placements', reached nearly 17,000 girls and women aged 15-24 across seven districts from July 2022 to September 2026.
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Boby Hajjaj attended the closing ceremony in Dhaka as the chief guest. The initiative was funded by the government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA and implemented by UNICEF in collaboration with relevant government agencies and local partners.
The project aimed to assist marginalized young women in overcoming barriers to education and economic participation by providing vocational and transferable skills training, workplace apprenticeships, employer engagement, and entrepreneurship support. It also connected aspiring entrepreneurs with financial institutions to help them access necessary financial services and achieve greater economic independence.
Beyond skills development, the initiative sought to address social barriers that often limit young women's participation in education and economic activities. Community engagement and social and behavior change initiatives were conducted to enhance awareness and encourage families and local communities to support young women's education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
As the project concludes, its market-oriented and employment-focused approach aligns with the government's efforts to expand inclusive learning and economic opportunities nationwide. Government initiatives led by the Bureau of Non-Formal Education, such as the Alternative Learning Opportunities programme and the expansion of the SKILFO model, demonstrate the country's commitment to strengthening non-formal education and skills development. This alignment is expected to sustain the project's achievements beyond KOICA's support.