On November 20, 2024, LP4Y inaugurated a new Training and Development Center (TDC) in Dhaka. The event was attended by a diverse group of individuals, including LP4Y’s current and past trainees, Catalysts, and officials, as well as the French Ambassador to Bangladesh, Marie Masdupuy, and representatives from partner NGOs and organizations.
Charles, the Dhaka team leader, extended a warm welcome to all attendees. In her inaugural speech, Ambassador Masdupuy highlighted the importance of such initiatives in empowering young people. Alex, the Country Coordinator, provided an overview of LP4Y’s work in Bangladesh, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to creating opportunities for marginalized Youth. Tanvir Arif, a Coach at the TDC, detailed the 6-month training program, which includes 5 months of intensive training and 1 month of job search assistance. Sadia Afrin, LP4Y Alliance Finance Project Manager, discussed her experiences working at the center and the financial processes involved. Faisal Shuvho, representing a partner organization, also spoke at the event. Falguny Akter, a previous trainee and now Vice President of LP4Y STAR Club (LP4Y alumni club), shared her personal success story and the positive impact of the TDC program. Two current trainees, Zara and Tahsin Tanjil, introduced the center to the guests and conducted a brief tour.
Charles concluded the event by outlining LP4Y’s plans for 2025, which include the opening of a Little Angel Academy (a daycare for working mothers), expanding the impact on young people, increasing the sustainability of the TDC, and organizing the first Youth International Inclusion Forum (YIIF) in Dhaka. This new TDC is expected to play a crucial role in empowering young people in Bangladesh, providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed, while embodying LP4Y’s bigger ambitions to expand its reach, foster sustainable change, and inspire a future where every excluded Youth has the chance to thrive.
In Bangladesh, LP4Y has successfully accompanied 626 young people, with a focus on women’s empowerment. A remarkable 100% of young women and 46% of all participants have secured employment, demonstrating the transformative power of LP4Y’s programs.
Sadia Afrin: A Journey of Growth, Transformation, and Bigger Ambitions
I have been through a significant journey in supporting Youth at LP4Y since 2022, especially witnessing the transition from the old center to the new one. The challenges we faced — particularly with limited space — was really tough, as I saw firsthand how essential the training was for these young people’s futures.
The difficulty of not being able to accommodate all the Youth who need support is a painful reality, especially when the training programs can be a crucial step toward their independence and self-sufficiency. I experienced how this lack of space could lead to some dropping out, which is disheartening both for the Youth and for us also, as we were trying to support them in such an important part of their lives.
One of the Youth, Zuthi, who began her 6-month training on October 12th, shared her thoughts about the transition to the new TDC. As someone who has experienced both centers, she mentioned:
"The new center is much brighter and more open, with better ventilation. It feels more spacious, and we now have the opportunity to work on gardening, making our center greener and more sustainable. We now have a large open field where we can do icebreakers in the morning or to do briefs in the morning and at the end of the day. It's also a great space for organizing larger events."
Overall, the new center provides a more supportive and versatile space for learning, personal growth, and community building, reinforcing LP4Y’s commitment to empowering Youth and giving them the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in life. This transition is not just about a physical move but a deeper transformation, where the Youth now have an environment that truly supports their aspirations, encourages collaboration, and equips them to face the challenges ahead with confidence.
Source of the article: News Hour (accessible here)
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