Strengthening Networking of Youths

Empowering Youth through Networking and Skill Development: Ongsho Foundation’s Initiative

In an era where the potential of youth is increasingly recognized as a driving force for national growth, creating avenues for their skill development and employment has become paramount. Ongsho Foundation, a registered organization with the Department of Youth Development (DYD), Bangladesh, is actively contributing to this mission through its project, “Strengthening Networking of Youths.”

With a strong focus on bridging the gap between education and employment, the foundation provides critical training in areas like web design and development, graphics design, digital marketing, and freelancing. These skills are designed to not only prepare young individuals for employment but also empower them to become self-sufficient entrepreneurs. The initiative is backed by the Department of Youth Development and has been instrumental in shaping the lives of many young individuals.

Moreover, the foundation’s Executive Director, Mohammad Mohidul Islam, was awarded the respectable National Youth Award in 2020 as the best self-employed individual in Bangladesh, a testament to his dedication and the effectiveness of Ongsho Foundation’s programs.

The Importance of Strengthening Youth Networks

One of the key challenges faced by young people, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh, is the lack of access to opportunities. Whether it’s in education, employment, or entrepreneurship, youths often struggle to find platforms that allow them to showcase their potential and develop their skills. Ongsho Foundation’s Strengthening Networking of Youths project aims to address these gaps by providing young people with the resources and connections they need to succeed.

1. Networking for Career Development
Networking plays a crucial role in career development. By building connections with industry professionals, mentors, and peers, youths can access new job opportunities, gain industry insights, and learn from the experiences of others. The Strengthening Networking of Youths project focuses on creating such networks by organizing events, workshops, and training sessions where young individuals can interact with professionals from various fields.

2. Bridging the Skills Gap
There is often a disconnect between what is taught in educational institutions and what is required in the job market. Employers increasingly seek candidates with practical skills that can be applied immediately. Through training in web design and development, graphics design, digital marketing, and freelancing, Ongsho Foundation ensures that youths are equipped with the skills that are in high demand in today’s digital economy.

3. Fostering Entrepreneurship
For many young people, the traditional path of seeking employment may not always be viable or appealing. Instead, many are drawn to the idea of starting their own businesses. The foundation recognizes this entrepreneurial spirit and provides training that not only prepares participants for employment but also equips them with the knowledge and skills to start their own businesses. The freelancing and digital marketing courses, in particular, enable youths to generate income independently.

Key Training Programs Offered by Ongsho Foundation

The foundation’s training programs are tailored to meet the evolving needs of the job market, especially in the digital and creative industries. By focusing on areas such as web design, graphic design, digital marketing, and freelancing, the foundation aims to create a generation of tech-savvy, entrepreneurial youths who can contribute meaningfully to the economy.

1. Web Design and Development

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is essential for businesses of all sizes. Web design and development skills are in high demand, and this course is designed to provide participants with the necessary knowledge to create professional websites. The training covers:

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript: Core technologies for building websites.
Responsive Design: Ensuring websites work well on all devices, including smartphones and tablets.
WordPress and Other CMS Platforms: Creating and managing websites using popular content management systems.
eCommerce Websites: Designing websites that support online sales, enabling participants to cater to the growing demand for eCommerce solutions.

The web design and development course is ideal for youths looking to enter the tech industry or start their own web development business. With these skills, participants can offer freelance services, join tech companies, or create websites for local businesses.

2. Graphics Design

With the rise of social media and online marketing, the demand for skilled graphic designers has never been higher. Ongsho Foundation’s Graphics Design course provides participants with the skills they need to create visually appealing designs for both print and digital media. Key areas covered in this training include:

Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator: Mastering the industry-standard tools for graphic design.
Logo and Branding Design: Learning how to create memorable logos and develop a cohesive brand identity for businesses.
Social Media Graphics: Designing engaging posts, banners, and advertisements for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Print Media: Creating brochures, business cards, and posters.

By the end of the course, participants are equipped with a portfolio of work that showcases their design abilities, making them ready for employment or freelancing opportunities.

3. Digital Marketing

In the digital economy, businesses rely heavily on online platforms to reach their target audience. The Digital Marketing course provides participants with the skills needed to plan and execute effective marketing campaigns across various digital channels. Key components of the course include:

Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Improving a website’s visibility on search engines like Google.
Social Media Marketing: Utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to reach and engage customers.
Content Marketing: Creating valuable content that attracts and retains customers.
Email Marketing: Building and managing email campaigns to nurture leads and drive sales.

This course is particularly beneficial for youths who want to pursue careers in marketing or start their own online businesses. By mastering digital marketing techniques, participants can help businesses grow their online presence and drive more traffic to their websites.

4. Freelancing on Marketplace

Freelancing offers youths the flexibility to work on their own terms and explore various industries. The Freelancing course at Ongsho Foundation focuses on teaching participants how to find freelance opportunities, manage clients, and build a successful freelance business. The course covers:

Freelance Platforms: How to use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to find work.
Client Management: Communicating with clients, negotiating rates, and managing project timelines.
Time Management: Balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines.
Building a Portfolio: Showcasing skills and previous work to attract new clients.

By the end of the course, participants are ready to enter the freelancing world, offering services such as web design, graphic design, content writing, and digital marketing.

Recognition and Impact: The National Youth Award

A key highlight of the foundation’s success is the recognition of its Executive Director, Mohammad Mohidul Islam, who received the National Youth Award in 2020. This prestigious award, given by the Government of Bangladesh, recognizes outstanding contributions to youth empowerment and self-employment.

Mohammad Mohidul Islam’s achievement not only serves as an inspiration to the participants of Ongsho Foundation’s programs but also underscores the effectiveness of the foundation’s approach to skill development and youth empowerment. His leadership has been pivotal in driving the organization’s vision forward, and the National Youth Award is a testament to the foundation’s impact on the community.

The Role of the Department of Youth Development (DYD)

The Department of Youth Development (DYD) plays a crucial role in supporting Ongsho Foundation’s Strengthening Networking of Youths project. As a government body dedicated to the empowerment of young people, DYD provides funding, resources, and strategic guidance to ensure the success of the project. The collaboration between Ongsho Foundation and DYD ensures that the training provided aligns with national priorities and contributes to Bangladesh’s broader goals of economic development and poverty reduction.

The Broader Impact on Youth and Society

The impact of Ongsho Foundation’s project extends beyond individual participants. By providing youths with skills in web design, graphics design, digital marketing, and freelancing, the foundation is contributing to the creation of a skilled workforce that can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. This, in turn, has broader implications for Bangladesh’s economy and society.

1. Economic Growth
Skilled youths are better positioned to contribute to the economy, either by joining established companies or by starting their own businesses. By equipping youths with in-demand skills, the foundation is helping to create a more competitive workforce that can drive innovation and economic growth.

Job Creation: The entrepreneurial skills taught through the foundation’s programs enable participants to create their own jobs, rather than relying solely on traditional employment opportunities. This is particularly important in a country like Bangladesh, where the job market can be competitive, and unemployment rates among youths are high.
Reducing Poverty: By empowering youths to become self-employed or secure well-paying jobs, the foundation’s programs contribute to poverty reduction. As more youths gain financial independence, they can support their families and invest in their communities, creating a positive ripple effect.
Social Empowerment: The training provided by Ongsho Foundation also contributes to social empowerment, particularly for marginalized groups. By offering equal access to training opportunities, the foundation ensures that youths from all backgrounds, including women and those from rural areas, have the chance to succeed.

At The End

Ongsho Foundation’s Strengthening Networking of Youths project is a beacon of hope for young people in Bangladesh. By providing training in web design, graphics design, digital marketing, and freelancing, the foundation is empowering youths to take control of their careers and futures. Supported by the Department of Youth Development

and led by the visionary leadership of Mohammad Mohidul Islam, the foundation is making a significant impact on the lives of youths, the economy, and society as a whole.

Through initiatives like this, Ongsho Foundation is not only addressing the immediate needs of unemployed youths but also contributing to the long-term development of Bangladesh by creating a generation of skilled, empowered, and socially responsible individuals.