‘YouthCan!’ initiative for vulnerable youths launched in Bangladesh

SOS Children's Villages Bangladesh yesterday at a virtual event launched the global initiative "YouthCan!" in Bangladesh, to support young people who have lost or are at risk of losing parental care. 

According to Dr Md Enamul Haque, national director of SOS Children's Villages Bangladesh, the initiative has been working in 31 countries and has established six global and more than 130 corporate partnerships. Bangladesh is the 32nd country under the initiative.

The risk of labour market and social exclusion is especially high for youths who have lost or are going to lose parental care. They lack support, network, positive role models, employability skills, training and work experiences, he said.

"This initiative will create direct opportunities for youths, empowering them through training, mentorship and work experience to have a better transition to employment," he added.

ICT State Minister Zunaid Ahmed Palak launched the initiative at the programme and assured to establish seven Sheikh Rasel Digital Computer Labs in seven working districts of SOS Children's Villages Bangladesh.

In addition, ICT Division is going to establish 300 School of Future at upazila level, which will allow students to gather experience on various technologies. "Collaboration can be made with SOS members so that they too can have the opportunity to gather these experiences," he said.

Rajneesh Jain, international representative of SOS Children's Villages, said if youths get proper education at the right time, it will help them to stand on their own feet and successfully become responsible citizens.

H Eggar, global project manager of "YouthCan!", presented ways how partners can help, such as mentoring, sponsorships and training.

Mahbub ur Rahman, CEO of HSBC Bangladesh, said they have been working with SOS Children's Villages Bangladesh for the past 13 years and if needed, will provide mentorship.

Grameenphone Bangladesh CEO Yasir Azman, who was the guest of honour, also committed to get associated with the project.

Mohsinul Haque, director of human resource at Coca Cola Bangladesh; Md Shamsul Arefin, head of human resource at Woori Bank; and Shoab Alam of SOS Dhaka, among others, spoke at the event, which was broadcasted live on The Daily Star's Facebook page.