The representation mission of Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) in Bangladesh has launched a new project to provide handicraft training for women from poor families, to help them achieve self-sufficiency, in cooperation with the Turkish Red Crescent and Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS).

The project was inaugurated at Camp-17 in Cox’s Bazar District, southern Bangladesh, in the presence of representatives of camp management authorities, the Turkish Red Crescent, BDRCS, and the beneficiaries.

Under the project, 1,100 women from refugees and host communities will receive training in several fields, such as fishery manufacturing, poultry farming, indoor farming, and sewing.

It is part of QRCS’s ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions of women at camps and local communities who face economic difficulties, by providing vocational training in essential areas to help them earn their livelihood and ensure family stability.

This initiative signifies the commitment of QRCS and its partners to supporting and empowering the most vulnerable groups, by providing them with the necessary tools and skills to ensure a permanent source of income and improve their socioeconomic conditions.

Earning a living is central to a better quality of life and financial independence for those in need. By having a permanent source of income, they become able to meet their basic needs and achieve family security. This is beneficial to both persons and communities, by increasing productivity and reinvigorating the economy.

Creating a source of livelihood for poor people is essential to social justice and capacity-building at the individual and community levels. Guided by the Global Jobs Pact, QRCS has in place a strategic plan for family training/employment and job creation to help create an engaged and proactive generation that serves itself, the family, and the community at large.

The 2024 plan involves 20 diverse livelihood projects at a total cost of over QR17mn, for the benefit of about 44,000 people in Yemen, Niger, Sudan, Somalia, Bangladesh, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.

Among the key activities is the provision of training and tools to work in mobile maintenance, sewing, carpentry and furniture manufacturing, sheep farming, household utensils manufacturing, shops, cooking, agriculture, fishing, and cheese and dairy milk production. Also, there will be specialized vocational training and funding for income-generating start-ups.

During 2023, QRCS implemented many projects to help improve the standard of living for poor, affected, and disabled people.