Don't muck up youth skills training

The objective of the government's skills development programmes is to help unemployed youth and women from disadvantaged groups to get jobs or be self-employed, thus eradicating poverty. However, as a report by Prothom Alo indicates, these programmes are being run in a manner that defeats the purpose. The report sheds light on a Madaripur District Council programme that provides free training in sewing, driving and computer skills to selected participants. However, despite the significant funds allocated, it has largely failed to deliver results due to mismanagement and irregularities in the selection and training processes.

Each year, 155 women receive sewing training, and a sewing machine upon completion. Additionally, 200 people receive computer training and 120 receive driving training, with financial incentives for each participant. However, the process is marred by lack of proper vetting as participants are often selected not based on eligibility but recommendations by powerful individuals, leaving out those truly needing it.

For many, the certificates earned in this process serve as little more than paper decorations. Some among them have managed to acquire sewing machines without ever attending any training session, while some of those attending driving training had vehicles of their own. Moreover, the training sessions are conducted haphazardly, uninspiringly, and often without providing hands-on practical experience.

As a result, most trainees remain jobless or otherwise unable to use their training in related professions. This means that the 30 million or so taka spent over the 10 years of this programme has hardly benefitted the targeted population. Madaripur, thus, offers a case study in how an important initiative to help the poor can derail in the absence of proper management and oversight – not just during training but also afterwards to ensure its effectiveness.

An ideal programme should target the most eligible of participants and give them proper training. It should also track their professional journey, and even help find gainful employment if necessary. We, therefore, urge the government to conduct a thorough review of all skills development programmes and undertake necessary reforms. Otherwise, these will continue to fall short of their intended goals.