Amid the growing gap between educated unemployment and the shortage of skilled workers, technical training is emerging as a powerful solution. In Naogaon, 100 young men and women have taken a step closer to self-reliance by receiving skill development certificates under the PRISE Project, jointly implemented by Ghashful and BRAC.
Certificate awarding ceremonies were held on Sunday (14 June) at Satihat in Manda Upazila and at Nazipur in Patnitala Upazila. Alongside 100 trainees, 50 Master Craft Persons (MCPs) also received certificates.
Speakers at the events emphasized that unemployment is not only a personal challenge but also a national economic concern. While higher education rates are increasing, job creation has not kept pace, leading to a growing mismatch between supply and demand in the labor market. In this context, practical and technical skills training can play a transformative role in addressing unemployment.
The sessions were chaired by Deputy Director Jayanta Kumer Bosu. The events were facilitated by PRISE Project Branch Coordinator Md. Mosharraf Hossain, with support from project supervisors.
At the Satihat event, Union Parishad Chairman Md. Shafiqul Islam Chowdhury Babul attended as Chief Guest, highlighting that transforming youth into a skilled workforce will strengthen the rural economy. At Nazipur, Upazila Youth Development Officer Ashish Kumar Ghosh emphasized that practical and technical education builds confidence and enables youth to become self-employed.
Special guests included BRAC Skills Development Programme Zonal Manager Md. Farhad Hossain, Ghashful Assistant Director K.M.G. Rabbani Bosunia, Zonal Manager Mohammad Anwar Hossain, Project Coordinator Sirajul Islam, and Area Managers Jewel Rana and K.M. Ahsan Habib.
Speakers reiterated that certificates alone cannot solve unemployment—skills and practical capabilities are essential to create jobs and nurture entrepreneurship. Through initiatives like PRISE, unemployed and unskilled youth are being empowered to build sustainable livelihoods.
As the certificates were handed over, the eyes of the young participants reflected new aspirations—of standing on their own feet, supporting their families, and one day creating opportunities for others.