By Tohura Khatun Lily, from Rajshahi
A discussion meeting on rights, skill development, and training linkages for the urban poor was held recently at Baharampur slum, organized by BARCIK. The event aimed to connect slum youth and women with employment opportunities, training programs, and basic urban services.
Jannatul Ferdous, an officer from UCEP Rajshahi, attended as guest speaker and introduced UCEP’s free skill development training programs. She said, “Unemployed youth and women under 40 can receive training with stipends and job placement support.” She added that such initiatives can help marginalized communities achieve economic independence.
Participants shared that financial hardship and lack of information had kept them from accessing training opportunities. One resident, Momtaz Begum said, “I always wanted to work and be self-reliant, but didn’t know how to access training. Today I learned where to start.”
The discussion also highlighted the community’s long-standing struggle for safe water access. Residents decided to form a temporary committee to pursue water connections from WASA and Rajshahi City Corporation. Speakers said, “Skill development, safe water, and basic services are citizens’ rights.”
