The “Domestic Worker Learning Platform” was launched on Wednesday to help enhance the skills, and job opportunities for over four million domestic workers in Bangladesh.
The initiative is being implemented by UCEP Bangladesh, in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and Oxfam in Bangladesh, under the "Suniti" project. Through the learning platform, domestic workers will have the opportunity to receive free training.
On Wednesday, Brigadier General (Retd) Dr M Sakhaawat Hossain, adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Labor and Employment of the Government of Bangladesh, inaugurated the modern Digital Learning System (LMS) platform (https://ucepskills.com/module/domestic-work-training) at a hotel in Dhaka. The website is designed to provide not only domestic workers but also the youth of the country with opportunities to enhance their skills through various online training programs.
Chief guest, Sakhaawat Hossain said, “In today's competitive job market, technical and practical skills are essential for survival. Through this platform, domestic workers will have the opportunity to enhance their skills. The UCEP Skills Academy is a timely platform for young people that will play a significant role in shaping their future.”
The initiative taken for domestic workers is expected to enhance their skills and enable them to make a greater contribution to the country's workforce, according to Ashish Dhamle, the Country Director of Oxfam in Bangladesh, who was present as a special guest.
He stated, “Oxfam and UCEP have been working with over 4 million domestic workers for a long time. We are working towards their inclusion in labor laws, fighting for their recognition and rights as workers. Initiatives like this, which prioritize them, will inspire us. I believe the UCEP Skills Academy will pave the way for this transformation.”
The event was chaired by Uzma Chowdhury, the esteemed vice chairperson of the UCEP Board of Governors. In her opening remarks, she stated, “Since 1972, UCEP Bangladesh has been working to empower disadvantaged youth through education and training. This initiative will be further expanded through the digital platform, making it possible to bring technical education to marginalized communities across the country.”
Dr Mohammad Abdul Karim, the Executive Director of UCEP Bangladesh, stated, “UCEP has been training over 30,000 youth each year in 42 trades. This new online platform will provide the opportunity to receive training from anywhere in the country at any time. It will reduce time and costs, boost confidence, and increase employment opportunities.”
Nasreen Afroz, executive chairman, NSDA; and Dr Kh M Kabirul Islam, secretary at Technical and Madrasah Education Division, also spoke at the event as special guests.
Content of this digital learning center has been prepared with the aim of enhancing the skills of domestic workers, including training in domestic work, food and beverage, and more. Additionally, there are topics for youth such as computer training and mobile application development.
It is noteworthy that, for the first time, the "domestic work" has been brought under formal technical training through this online platform, making the training system more inclusive and progressive. Furthermore, this platform is committed to establishing a quality and inclusive education system for all, which will significantly contribute to increasing employment and self-employment in the country.
Bd pratidin English/ Afia
