Since the massive influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, Cox’s Bazar has undergone drastic changes. Previously a quaint town famous for its stretching sea beaches and soothing sceneries, the tourism district became a ceaseless hub of activity almost overnight. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), 866,457 Rohingya refugees are residing in Bangladesh now.

However, Cox’s Bazar continues to be one of the poorest and environmentally vulnerable districts in the country. The high levels of activity surrounding the Rohingya crisis have created a massive strain on the local infrastructure and economy of Cox’s Bazar, contributing to a rise in communal tension in the region.

Many Bangladeshi host communities remain in poverty, and as prone to exploitation as the refugee communities themselves. In such a challenging, often hostile climate, young men are particularly prone to resorting to violence and extremism due to economic and social frustration. Under these circumstances, United Nations Development Programme’s Community Cohesion Project in Cox’s Bazar seeks to provide alternative livelihood options to youths in Rohingya and host communities by building their skills and enhancing community cohesion.

“I was unemployed for years. I couldn’t get any work due to a lack of skills and proper education,” recounted 21-year-old Md Younus from Whykhong union in Teknaf, “I completed a three-month course of basic electrical wiring and solar system from November 2021 to January 2021  at Uttaran Technical Training Center in my union. Since then, I’ve been working as an apprentice under expert electricians and now my training is nearing its end.”

“I’ve been earning some money by using these skills as well. My family is also happy that I am finding work and adding value to my community,” he added.

For 20-year-old Yeasmin Akther, life was beginning to lose meaning as she and her family had to grapple with poverty every day. “I was only surviving at one point. Now, I feel as if I am actually living out my days and working hard,” she said.

Yeasmin received training on tailoring and operating an industrial sewing machine from the same training centre from October 2021 to January 2021   in Whykhong Union. “I’m towards the end of my apprenticeship now. I have learned so many new things from this hands-on experience after the training,” said Yeasmin, “I have received quite a few orders for clothes from people in my communities. I brought it to my workplace and used the machine there to complete the orders. I am trying to save money so that I can buy my own machine and work harder. That income will go a long way for me and my family.”

Yeasmin and Younus are only two of the 5,000 people who have received various market-based skills training under UNDP’s Community Cohesion Project. Of the total trainees, 2,500 were Rohingya women and girls while the other half were youths from host communities.

In light of World Youth Skills Day, it is important to recognize the value of skill-building, especially in communities with high levels of tension and economic vulnerability. In such hostile environments, learning new skills is not just a productive activity for the youth; it acts as a ray of hope amid exceedingly difficult times.

UNDP’s Community Cohesion Project is also implementing Cash for Work (CfW) schemes to generate employment for these skilled youths. The project aims to increase the economic resilience of host and Rohingya communities and create cohesion and harmony among these communities. Empowerment and skills-building of the youth are major steps in the right direction, and UNDP will continue supporting the youth for a better, more resilient Bangladesh.