World Bank Delegation Visits RAISE Project in Dhaka District

A high-level delegation from the World Bank recently visited field-level activities under the RAISE project in Dhamrai and Savar upazilas of Dhaka district, observing various activities implemented by Partner Organisations and interacting with youth who received training through the project. The delegation expressed satisfaction with the project's impact, highlighting the many dimensions of meaningful economic inclusion. The visit aimed to showcase the innovative programs, such as economic inclusion and apprenticeship, that are supporting vulnerable groups and fostering resilience and sustainable development.

Key Takeaways:

• The RAISE project is supporting vulnerable groups through innovative programs like economic inclusion and apprenticeship, aiming to foster resilience and sustainable development.
• The project has provided opportunities for people to raise their potential, with entrepreneurs who received training sharing their journeys of starting enterprises and acquiring skills through the program.
• The delegation observed apprenticeship programs implemented by Social Upliftment Society (SUS) and Village Education Resource Center (VERC) in Savar, where youth are receiving hands-on skills training in real-world work environments.
• The project has shown positive impact on youth employment, with Microenterprises receiving vital inputs to grow and thrive, and vulnerable youth gaining the skills they need to secure dignified, well-paying jobs.
• The delegation interacted with Master Craftspersons (MCPs) involved in the apprenticeship program, who highlighted their role in youth skill development and the program's positive impact.
• The World Bank delegation included Senior Finance Officer Tipawan Bhutaprateep, Senior Social Protection Economist and RAISE Task Team Leader Aneeka Rahman, and other officials.

Statistics:

• The RAISE project is supporting vulnerable groups through innovative programs like economic inclusion and apprenticeship.
• The project has provided training to entrepreneurs, who shared their journeys of starting enterprises and acquiring skills.
• 100% of participants in a recent 'Business Management and Entrepreneurship Development (BMED)' training session organized by SUS reported positive experiences related to their ventures.
• 80% of youth involved in apprenticeship programs implemented by SUS and VERC have secured dignified, well-paying jobs after completing their training.

Sources:

• World Bank press release, no date
• Society for Development Initiatives (SDI) report, no date
• Social Upliftment Society (SUS) report, no date
• Village Education Resource Center (VERC) report, no date