Empowering the Next Generation of Coastal Leaders
Youth comprise over 33% of the population in southwestern coastal Bangladesh. Without market-relevant vocational competencies or modern digital literacy, thousands of school leavers face underemployment or migrate to urban informal economies under precarious conditions.
RUSTIC's Program 6.7 establishes dedicated Youth Resource & Training Hubs equipped with computer laboratories, electrical training benches, and sewing machinery. The curriculum emphasizes both hands-on technical trades and life skills—leadership, digital freelancing, gender equity, and climate volunteerism.
6.7.1 ICT Literacy & Digital Freelancing Skills
Providing 3-month and 6-month certified courses in computer office applications, graphic design, data entry, and internet freelancing for rural secondary graduates.
6.7.2 Solar PV & Electrical Trade Certifications
Hands-on apprenticeship training in solar home system (SHS) maintenance, commercial electrical wiring, air conditioning repair, and mobile device hardware diagnostics.
6.7.3 Youth Micro-Enterprise Incubation & Start-up Grants
Mentoring young entrepreneurs in business plan drafting, market linkage, and providing seed capital toolkits for opening electrical repair shops, cyber cafes, and boutique centers.
Youth Program Achievements
- Youth Group Framework: 2 Trainers, 3 Leaders, 27 Entrepreneurs
- International F2F Training: Winrock International (Farmer-to-Farmer)
- Vocational Skill Domains: Tailoring, Handicrafts, Aquaculture, IT
- Fair Trade Linkages: Cooperative Sales & USA Outlet (Nebraska)