Since 2023, WAVE Foundation, with support from Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF), has been implementing the Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project to strengthen youth employment in urban and peri-urban areas. The initiative targets young micro-entrepreneurs and semi-educated unemployed youth through soft-term loans, skill development, and apprenticeship programs, aiming to build sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurial capacity.
Under the AGGRASHOR RAISE–Youth component, a 16-day Business Management and Entrepreneurship Development Training was conducted from 2 September to 5 October 2025, benefiting 300 participants (218 women, 82 men) across Khulna, Jashore, Meherpur, Jhenaidah, and Chuadanga districts. The training equipped youth with practical skills on business planning, leadership, workforce management, production, risk assessment, environmental awareness, and occupational safety, strengthening their ability to initiate and sustain enterprises.
To expand employment opportunities, the project also organized a two-day Master Craftsperson Orientation between 27 August and 14 October 2025, covering six batches with 130 participants (89 men, 41 women). This enhanced their mentoring capacity for six-month trade-based apprenticeships, ensuring high-quality skill transfer to marginalized youth.
Complementing technical skills, Life Skill Development Training was provided in two batches on 19–23 October and 26–30 October 2025 for 52 apprentices (33 men, 19 women). Through interactive sessions, participants learned leadership, communication, problem-solving, financial literacy, resilience, and teamwork skills critical for employment or entrepreneurship.
Overall, the RAISE project is empowering youth to secure livelihoods, build businesses, and contribute to local economies, demonstrating how targeted training, financial support, and mentorship can transform informal sector employment opportunities.
