Empowering youth through vocational training in Bangladesh

Aloshikha Vocational Training Centre (VTC), situated in Barisal, Bangladesh, is committed to empowering young people from low-income families to build a brighter future. With around 150 students enrolled in courses such as mechanical engineering, electrical training, tailoring, welding, and IT, the school aims to deliver education that blends theory with hands-on practice. However, as the school is not yet integrated into a larger ecosystem, challenges in management and teaching quality limit their mission.

Trainers and teachers teaming up

To address these challenges, Aloshikha sought the expertise of PUM expert Joke Bos to collaborate in two key areas:
1. Enhancing the management of the vocational center.
2. Strengthening the teaching capabilities to ensure effective, engaging learning for students.

The collaboration began online in spring 2024 with the creation of a detailed activity plan. For management improvements, the focus was on engaging the leadership team through meetings and interviews with key officials. To enhance teaching quality, three interactive workshops were organised for teachers. The program also included a visit to another vocational school in Bangladesh to share and adopt best practices.

The project yielded significant outcomes:

• Teaching Quality: Teachers participated in workshops on activating didactics, exploring how young people learn, the importance of a growth mindset, and effective teaching strategies. The sessions were hands-on, allowing teachers to practice and implement various engaging techniques immediately. Feedback from the team was overwhelmingly positive.

• Management Improvements: The school received practical recommendations to distribute leadership responsibilities, create annual and long-term plans, and improve financial management. The advice emphasised building partnerships with local businesses, other schools, and the community to enhance opportunities for students.

These changes are set to improve the school’s organisation, teaching methods, and connection to the local job market, benefiting the regional economy over the long term.