A 10-day long soft skills training has started in Paba upazila with the aim of improving the living standards of marginalized professionals by increasing their skills and confidence. The training was inaugurated in the Upazila Parishad (UP) conference room under the project 'Livelihood Improvement of Marginalized Professional Communities of Bangladesh (2nd Phase)'. Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, inaugurated the training as the chief guest, emphasizing the importance of soft skills in today’s competitive market. He highlighted that while traditional professions remain a primary source of livelihood, the lack of soft skills such as communication, behavior, time management, and customer service is hindering the progress of many marginalized professionals. The training aims to address this gap by providing essential soft skills training and financial assistance to help these professionals become self-reliant and contribute more effectively to the economy. The program will run until September 24, with participants receiving certificates and a one-time grant of Taka 18,000 to develop their professions and improve their living standards.
Training Overview and Objectives
The training is designed to equip 30 professionals from 10 traditional professions, including blacksmiths, potters, cobblers, barbers, folk instrumentalists, Nakshi kantha artisans, and bamboo and cane product makers, with essential soft skills. These skills are crucial for effective communication, professional behavior, time management, and customer service. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to improve the livelihoods of marginalized communities by providing them with the necessary skills and financial support to become self-reliant.
Government Initiatives and Support
The government has recognized the need to support marginalized professionals not just with financial aid but also with skill development. Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, MP, stressed that providing only financial assistance is not enough; marginalized professionals must acquire skills to become self-reliant. The training is a step towards this goal, aiming to enhance the professionals’ ability to contribute to the country’s economy and improve their own living standards. Each participant will receive a one-time grant of Taka 18,000 to support their professional development.
Community and Stakeholder Involvement
The training workshop was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ibnul Abedin and conducted by Upazila Social Service Officer Mohammad Hossain Khan. The program saw the presence of district BNP member Sheikh Maqbul Hossain, Paba Upazila BNP convener Ali Hossain, member secretary Abdur Razzak, joint convener Sultan Ahmed, and Nowhata Municipal BNP president Rafiqul Islam Rafiq. Their involvement underscores the community’s commitment to supporting marginalized professionals and improving their livelihoods.
