Pathways toward sustainable livelihoods

In a recent article in a leading Bangladesh newspaper, BHP Director John Richards and Shahidul Islam discussed “Why Bangladesh’s children are in school but not learning.” Basic literacy is a social driver of health because it is crucial for higher incomes. However, in South Asia most teenagers cannot read. The impact extends far beyond the education sector: artificial intelligence and technological advances are reshaping labour markets; countries are seeking to build knowledge-based economies. Bangladesh is home to a very large youth population, but more than half the workforce lacks functional literacy and numeracy skills.

Primary students at Bluebell School

Bangladesh Health Project is working with Oasis for Posterity [OFP] to tackle this problem on two fronts. Our primary prevention strategy is simple – ensure primary students can read! But many local youth come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds with very limited access to decent education. For these young adults, our secondary strategy is to strengthen their technical competence and confidence through practical, employment-oriented technical education.

Masonry students in an OIST classroom

OFP operates OIST - Oasis Institute for Science and Technology, a government-recognized not-for-profit technical-vocational college in Jaldhaka . OIST's Masonry Level-2 Skills Training Course, developed under the competency-based learning framework of the National Skills Development Authority, provides trainees with hands-on experience in modern masonry and construction practices. During the training, participants learn essential construction skills including the use of masonry tools and equipment, brick wall and foundation construction, plastering and mortar mixing, curing techniques, and workplace safety practices.

This initiative is especially meaningful for youth from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities, as it equips them with employable skills, confidence, and pathways toward sustainable livelihoods. Through such programs, OFP continues its mission of human resource development, poverty reduction, and community empowerment.