Empowering Communities through Skill Development

A Joint Initiative by GTE and SSUS Team (Funded by the Bangladesh Government)

The Skill Development Training Center established by Green The Environment (GTE) and the SSUS Team in Chittagong City Corporation, Bangladesh, aims to empower marginalized groups, including youth, women, and job seekers, by offering hands-on training in fields that hold significant demand in both local and global markets. This initiative is funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and is designed to equip individuals with practical skills that will enhance their employability, encourage entrepreneurship, and improve their overall economic independence.

The primary areas of focus for training are:
1. Block Batik Trade
2. Computer Literacy
3. Fashion Design
Each of these fields has been identified as a critical skill set for the evolving economy of Bangladesh, where traditional arts, technology, and creative industries are booming.
The Skill Development Training Center has been carefully structured to promote a sustainable impact, ensuring that participants are not only equipped with valuable skills but are also encouraged to apply these skills practically. With this objective, GTE and SSUS aim to serve as catalysts in transforming communities, empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the local and national economy.

Activities

The Skill Development Training Center carries out a range of activities designed to achieve the program's objective. These activities are tailored to ensure comprehensive learning, practical exposure, and entrepreneurial success for participants.

1. Training Programs in High-Demand Fields

2. Workshops and Guest Speakers:

Workshops will be organized to give participants an opportunity to learn from industry professionals, entrepreneurs, and successful artisans. These sessions will provide valuable insights into market trends, business strategies, and the global fashion and craft markets. Guest speakers will share their experiences and advice, motivating participants to pursue their own entrepreneurial goals.

3. Practical, Hands-On Training:

Each training program is designed to involve participants actively in the learning process. Participants will engage in practical exercises where they can develop real-world products and solutions. These exercises are intended to simulate workplace challenges and give participants the skills needed to excel in their chosen industries.

4. Business Incubation and Support:

The program will also provide business incubation services to help successful graduates start their own enterprises. This includes mentorship, guidance on business planning, market research, and assistance in navigating legal and financial aspects of entrepreneurship.

5. Community Engagement:

Active engagement with local communities will be a continuous process throughout the training program. This helps ensure that participants remain grounded in the realities of the local market, and it also allows for community members to observe the progress of the program and participate in its success.

Impact

The Empowering Communities through Skill Development project has already begun to show promising results in improving the livelihoods of participants and their communities. Below are some of the key impacts expected and realized through the project:

  1. Improved Job Prospects: The specialized training in Block Batik, Fashion Design, and Computer Literacy equips participants with marketable, in-demand skills. This enhanced skill set significantly improves their employability. For youth and women in particular, these training programs provide a pathway out of unemployment and poverty.
  2. Promotion of Traditional Crafts and Fashion: The focus on Block Batik Trade and Fashion Design plays an important role in promoting local traditions and creativity. It helps revive and modernize traditional crafts, which are crucial to the cultural heritage of Bangladesh. Additionally, the program encourages creative industries such as fashion, thereby increasing the potential for local economic growth and attracting global markets.
  3. Increased Entrepreneurial Ventures: By emphasizing hands-on training and providing business incubation support, the program encourages entrepreneurship. Participants are not only trained to be employees but are also prepared to run their own businesses, thus fostering a self-reliant local economy. The expected outcome is the creation of several small businesses, particularly in fashion and craft industries.
  4. Enhanced Digital Literacy: The Computer Literacy aspect of the training ensures that participants are well-prepared to participate in the digital economy. As more industries move toward digital platforms, having strong computer skills is essential. The program aims to create digitally literate individuals who can work in a wide range of sectors, from technology to digital marketing.
  5. Social Empowerment of Women: One of the most significant impacts is the empowerment of women, especially through the Block Batik and Fashion Design programs. These fields offer flexible, creative work that women can often do from home or in small workshops, providing them with financial independence and a sense of purpose.

Expected Outcomes

The Empowering Communities through Skill Development initiative is designed to yield sustainable outcomes that benefit not only the participants but also the wider community and the economy of Bangladesh. The expected outcomes are as follows:

  1. Enhanced Employability: The program will equip individuals, particularly youth and women, with practical skills that increase their chances of finding employment or starting their own businesses. This will have a direct impact on reducing unemployment rates in the region.
  2. Rise in Entrepreneurial Ventures: With the skills and support provided, we expect a significant increase in entrepreneurial ventures in the fashion and traditional craft industries. This will create jobs, boost the local economy, and promote local art and design on a national and global scale.
  3. Increased Economic Independence for Participants: The training will lead to economic independence for many participants, particularly women who have historically been underserved by formal employment sectors. The opportunity to engage in self-sustaining businesses will drastically improve their financial situations and lead to a stronger, more independent community.
  4. Stronger Local Communities: By creating a robust skill set in local communities, this project helps strengthen social cohesion and fosters a culture of cooperation, innovation, and local ownership. Communities will benefit from the social and economic integration of previously marginalized groups.

Beneficiaries Ratio

The program focuses on a diverse range of beneficiaries, with the following distribution:

These percentages represent the key groups targeted by the initiative. The program is especially focused on engaging youth and women, two groups that face particular barriers to employment and economic independence in Bangladesh.

Success Ratio and Sustainability

The program has already shown promising results, and the success ratio will continue to improve with ongoing evaluations. Indicators of success include:

The long-term sustainability of the project is ensured by integrating local communities into the process, creating a self-sustaining cycle where trained individuals are both employers and mentors, leading to the continuous growth of the local economy.

Most Shawar Afreen

Director of Finance
Green The Environment

Most Shawar Afreen, born on December 14, 1968, in Chougasa, Jessore, Bangladesh, is the Director of Finance at Green The Environment. She completed her BA and MA degrees, major  in Political Science, from Dhaka University. Most Shawar Afreen began her professional career as an Assistant Monitoring Officer at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Dhaka, before transitioning to a role as a Program Officer at the GOB-UNICEF Joint Education Program. Throughout her career, she has developed expertise in project management, project planning, MEAL, budgeting, human resource management, and administration. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has been an active participant in various social movements, including the Polio movement, HIV awareness, support for acid survivors, combating gender-based violence (GBV), and advocating for female education. Most Shawar Afreen’s dedication to both social causes and her professional excellence has made her a key figure in the development sector.

Robiul Islam

Chairman
Green The Environment

Robiul Islam, born on November 7, 1973, in Kotchandpur, Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, is the Chairman of Green The Environment. He completed his BA and MA degrees from National University. Robiul’s professional journey began as an Electrical Engineer at Biman Bangladesh Airlines, where he gained valuable technical experience. He later transitioned to a leadership role as the General Manager at HAN Apparels Ltd, where he further developed his management and strategic skills. Robiul has a diverse skill set, including project management, project planning, MEAL, budgeting, human resource management, and administration. Alongside his career, he has been an active participant in several significant social movements, such as the Polio movement, HIV awareness, support for acid survivors, combating gender-based violence (GBV), and advocating for female education. Robiul’s dedication to both his professional endeavors and social causes continues to drive his impactful work in Bangladesh.

Md Humayun Kabir

Vice Chairman
Green The Environment

Md Humayun Kabir, born on April 25, 1970, in Nobinagor, B.Baria, Bangladesh, is the Vice Chairman of Green The Environment. He completed his BSS at Nobinagor Government College, followed by a master’s in Islamic history from Cumilla Victoria College. Later, he earned an MBA from Darul Ahsan University. Md Humayun Kabir started his career as an Assistant Coordinator in MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) at PUP Bangladesh. Through his dedication and skills, he advanced to various leadership roles, eventually serving as the Executive Director of PUP Bangladesh. He has gained extensive experience in project management, project planning, MEAL, budgeting, human resource management, and administration. Beyond his professional work, he has been actively involved in various social movements, such as the Polio movement, HIV awareness, support for acid survivors, and combating gender-based violence (GBV). His vast expertise and commitment to social causes continue to make a positive impact in the development and social sectors of Bangladesh.

Md Mohsin

Secretary General
Green The Environment

Md Mohsin, born on January 1, 1992, in Senbagh, Noakhali, Bangladesh, is the Secretary General of Green The Environment. He completed his BA and MA at Tejgaon College under National University. Md Mohsin began his professional career as an Upazilla Program Coordinator in the BRWSSP project, where he developed significant expertise in project management, project planning, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), budgeting, human resource management, and administration. Throughout his career, he has actively contributed to various social movements, including the Polio movement, HIV awareness, support for acid survivors, combating gender-based violence (GBV), and advocating for female education. His dedication to both development work and social causes has made him a key figure in promoting positive change in Bangladesh.

Azad Mia

Executive Director
Green The Environment

Azad Mia, born on February 1, 1973, in Senbagh, Noakhali, Bangladesh, is the Executive Director of Green The Environment. He began his academic journey with a BSS from Chowmuhani Government Saleh Ahmed College, followed by a Masters in Commerce (MCom) from Jagannath University and Dhaka College, and later earned an MBA from Darul Ahsan University. His professional career started at Sanirvor Bangladesh as an Assistant Coordinator in the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) department. Through his dedication and hard work, he quickly advanced to roles with increasing responsibility, eventually becoming the Director of the organization. Azad possesses a wide range of skills, including project management, project planning, MEAL, budgeting, human resource management, and administration. His career is also marked by his active involvement in several social movements, such as Polio eradication, HIV awareness, support for acid survivors, and combating gender-based violence (GBV). With his vast experience and commitment to social change, Azad Mia continues to make significant contributions to both environmental and social causes.

Soumendra Debnath

Director of Partnership Development and Resource Management
Green The Environment

Soumendra Debnath is a young Climate activist form the Southern coastal (mangrove Forest Sundarban) area in Bangladesh. Who was completing study for a master’s degree in development studies at American International University Bangladesh. He has volunteered with several national and international organizations for more than five years. He is experienced in project and program management with four years of volunteer experience in this field and is skilled in project proposal writing, budget management, planning, risk management, resource management, report writing, team collaboration, documentation, raising, and Donors Relations. Soumendra have lots of working experience with international organization like The Hunger Project, Talents to Germany, Daraz, UNFCCC, IUCN and some local like Roots Bangladesh, Badhon, ETC. Currently Soumendra working with Green The environment HQ as a Director of Partnership Development and Resource Management. Soumendra also member of UNESCO Global Youth Community and Member Of Advisory Board Of climate Crisis commission, IUCN

 

Rowsonara Begum

Director
Green The Environment

Rowsonara Begum, born on August 1, 1973, in Begumgonj, Noakhali, Bangladesh, is the Director at Green The Environment. She completed her BSS from Chowmuhani Government Saleh Ahmed College. Rowsonara has a diverse professional background, having worked with various organizations, where she gained a wealth of experience in report writing, research work, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), budgeting, human resource management, and administration. Throughout her career, she has been deeply involved in several social movements, including the Polio movement, HIV awareness, support for acid survivors, combating gender-based violence (GBV), advocating for female education, and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Her multifaceted expertise and commitment to social causes have made her an influential leader in both her professional and activism endeavors.

 

Kazi Momotaz Zaman

Director
Green The Environment

Kazi Momotaz Zaman , born on March 5, 1973, in Gobinda, Pabna Sadar, Pabna, Bangladesh, and later moving to Kazipara, Dhaka, is a dedicated Director at Green The Environment. She completed her BA and MA, major in Sociology, from Rajshahi University. Throughout her career, Kazi Momotaz has worked with various organizations, gaining extensive experience in project management, project planning, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), budgeting, human resource management, and donor relations. She has also made significant contributions to several social movements, including the Polio movement, HIV awareness, support for acid survivors, combating gender-based violence (GBV), advocating for female education, and the climate movement. Kazi Momotaz’s passion for social change and her leadership in both professional and activist roles have solidified her as an influential figure in Bangladesh’s development and environmental sectors.

Md. Atikur Rahman Chowdhury

Director
Green The Environment

Md. Atikur Rahman Chowdhury, born on February 8, 1970, in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, is a Director at Green The Environment. He completed his BBS, and MBS degrees at Islami University, and later earned his MBA from the same institution. Md. Atikur Rahman Chowdhury began his professional career as the Manager of Admin & Finance in the UPHCDP project Bangladesh, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing administrative and financial operations. He has developed strong expertise in project management, project planning, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning), budgeting, human resource management, administration, and software accounting. In addition to his professional achievements, he has actively contributed to several important social movements, including the Polio movement, HIV awareness, support for acid survivors, combating gender-based violence (GBV), and advocating for climate justice. His dedication to both his career and social causes has made him a key figure in driving positive change in Bangladesh.