British High Commission and The Asia Foundation visit SKILL-IT of Latif Master Foundation in Bagherhat.

Masum Hawlader, Bagherhat. A delegation from the British High Commission and The Asia Foundation visited SKILL-IT - Skill Institute of Technology, an institution of Latif Master Foundation in Bagherhat on Monday, 14 September. The delegation included, Ms. Louise Bainon, Governance Advisor, British High Commission; Sarah L. Taylor, Team Leader, The Asia Foundation; Ms. Shahnaz Karim, Governance Advisor, British High Commission; Ms. Rosie Coombes, Political Counsellor, British High Commission; and Rafiqul Islam, Executive Director, Rupantor. During the visit, the delegation members inspected SKILL-IT’s ongoing training programs, training infrastructure, and various skill development initiatives. Later, they participated in a discussion meeting with representatives of various local civil society and development organizations. In the discussion meeting, special emphasis was placed on caregiver training and Japanese language training. along with various vocational trainings, to create a skilled workforce for overseas employment, reduce unemployment, and expand job opportunities for youth. Emphasis was also given to making skill development and training programs more contemporary, considering the demands of the international labor market. At the time, importance was also placed on capacity building at the local level based on Public Private Partnership, utilizing existing local resources and potential, and creating opportunities for sustainable development and employment through resource mobilization with the coordinated initiatives of various stakeholders.It was expressed that effective partnerships among local institutions, civil society, the private sector, and development partners can create new possibilities for human resource development in Bagherhat. The meeting also discussed potential areas of future cooperation between The Asia Foundation and Latif Master Foundation in skill development, youth employment, good governance, capacity building, and local-level development activities. The delegation members appreciated the multifaceted development activities of Latif Master Foundation. In particular, they praised the foundation’s initiatives to enhance the capacity of the local community through education, skill development, employment, social services, and humanitarian activities. Dr. Md. Faridul Islam, former Secretary and Founder of Latif Master Foundation, coordinated the delegation’s visit and discussion program. He briefed the delegation about Latif Master Foundation, SKILL-IT, and its various ongoing and future activities. Those involved expressed optimism that the visit and discussion meeting will play _an important role in making local development in Bagherhat more dynamic through skill development, job creation, optimum use of local resources, and Public-Private Partnership.