A degree is no longer a sufficient requirement in the digital economy today because practical computer skills are now essential for bread and butter. However, in Bangladesh, there are still a large number of young people who do not have access to focused, employment-oriented training, particularly in the disadvantaged communities.
On the basis of its motto, which is, “Committed to the welfare of humanity,” Shoshi Foundation has initiated a program of empowering young people, women, and underserved groups by teaching them digital skills. Having the major orientation on computer education, this project is expected to provide people with the opportunity to obtain the practical, work-ready skills, which allow them to get involved in the modern workforce and advance their socio-economic status.
Since technology continues to shape every sector, this program can be viewed as a significant move towards closing the digital divide and generating new opportunities ahead to the upcoming generation.
Background of The Project: Digital Skill Development Programme
Shoshi Foundation has been dedicated at all times to solving important social issues. Digital divide is one of the most urgent problems nowadays as a large number of people, particularly those in minorities, do not have access to even the most basic computer education.
This disparity is more apparent in Bangladesh. Financial situations cause many students to leave school at a young age thus crunching their future opportunities. The situation has only been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the events that followed it, as many people are now unemployed and unable to find alternative ways to earn their livelihood.
Concurrently, there are limited access to computer education especially in the rural and low income regions caused by lack of trained instructors, monetary and appropriate infrastructure. This digital divide makes income inequality even bigger, as digital skills are now a requirement in non-technical and technical workplaces.
Women, people with disabilities, and those in a disadvantaged background are some of the most affected and they are usually left behind in the transition to a digital economy.
In response to these issues, Shoshi Foundation has presented a computing training program that seeks to offer free of costs computer skills training. It is aimed at empowering students, unemployed people, and underserved communities with practical knowledge that would result in employment, the ability to be a freelancer, and financial independence.
Through the provision of these necessary skills, the foundation is not only looking to better the lives of individuals but also to take part in the long term community and economic growth.
Our Journey
Since its beginning, the project has been met favorably by the community with more than 500+ registrations from all potential learners. According to the organized capacity, approximately 300 students have been chosen, which will guarantee a specific and quality training.
The program will be performed in 5 organized batches with 5 qualified instructors by supporting the program, which will also enable personalized instructions, enhanced interactivity, and proper acquisition of skills.
Meanwhile, the online learning system is actively operational, and students are already graduating their courses and are making good headway. This adventure is not only involvement but a developing trend of digital empowerment as well as skill based education.
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Some Important Objectives of the Project
Job-Readiness & Career Skills
Other than technical training, the program is geared to equip the youth with the necessary job-ready skills that are needed in the current competitive market. The participants are made to be able to communicate, collaborate and solve problems, in order to gain confidence in the real life working conditions.
Moreover, the learners are provided with practical information on how to write a resume, apply online, and prepare for an interview, so that they are completely ready to become a part of the working force after the course is over.
Training in freelancing and digital marketing is also part of the program, allowing participants to discover other sources of income other than conventional employment.. This equips them with the ability to work independently, earn online, and build sustainable careers in the digital economy.