In the far-flung corners of Bangladesh, where the sea whispers hope and hardship in equal measure, a digital revolution is quietly unfolding. The "Hands-on Skill Development Program for Internet-based Applications to Empower Underprivileged Youth," led by Songjog Foundation in partnership with the Internet Society Foundation, is proving to be a game-changer for youth in Cox’s Bazar, the remote island of Maheshkhali, and the coastal island Sandwip.
Bridging the Digital Divide in the Margins
For decades, the coastal and remote island communities of Bangladesh have battled against systemic neglect, limited infrastructure, scarce educational resources, and a lack of sustainable employment opportunities. This has especially impacted the youth, who are often forced to leave their communities in search of work or remain trapped in cycles of poverty.
Recognizing these challenges, Songjog Foundation set out to empower youth with 21st- century skills tailored to the global digital economy. Through its hands-on training program, participants have gained practical knowledge in Graphics Design, Digital
Marketing, Basic Computer Operations, and Python Programming, skills that are both
accessible and highly in-demand in today’s freelance and outsourcing marketplaces.
Empowering the Unseen
The program has touched the lives of hundreds of young people; many of them the first in their families to access a computer. In Maheshkhali, a remote island often cut off during high tides, the program brought digital education right to the doorsteps of young dreamers. In Sandwip, known for its resilience and vibrant youth, the training opened new horizons for income generation and self-reliance. And in Cox’s Bazar, where tourism and fishing dominate the economy, youth are now exploring new paths through online freelancing and entrepreneurship.
