PKSF’s RAISE project is making a positive impact in creating young microentrepreneurs. The World Bank Resident Representatives in Bangladesh commented after visiting the field-level activities of the RAISE project in Sirajganj, Bogra and Naogaon districts on 28 and 29 January 2024.

The five-year Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment (RAISE) project is being implemented in urban and peri-urban areas of the country with the joint funding of PKSF and the World Bank with the aim of enhancing human capacity in microenterprises.

Aneeka Rahman, Senior Social Protection Economist and RAISE Project Task Team Leader and Nushin Subhan, Operations Consultant, Social Protection and Jobs, World Bank were part of the delegation.

On behalf of PKSF, Dilip Kumar Chakravorty, RAISE Project Coordinator and General Manager (Program), Golam Gilane, Deputy Project Coordinator, RAISE and other officials of Project Management Unit accompanied the delegation. In addition, Chief Executives and other senior officials of the Partner Organizations (PO) hosting the delegation were present.

During this time, the delegation visited various activities of the RAISE project implemented by National Development Program (NDP) under Sirajganj District, TMSS and Gram Unnayan Karma (GUK) under Bogura District, and Dabi Moulik Unnayan Sangstha, Moushumi and Bedo under Naogaon District. During the two-day visit, the delegation observed the ongoing classroom-based ‘Life Skills Development’ training for Apprenticeship Program and ‘Business Management and Entrepreneurship Development (BMED)’ training sessions organized for young microentrepreneurs under the RAISE project.

The delegation also visited the hands-on technical training under the RAISE project’s apprenticeship program and job placement of the youths who completed the apprenticeship in January-June 2023 session. In addition, the delegation visited various microenterprises of COVID-19 affected micro-entrepreneurs and young entrepreneurs such as making ropes from jhut (scrap) fabric, making shawl from jhut (scrap) fabric and, making sweets and yogurt.

After the visit, Aneeka Rahman said that they deeply appreciate the excellent work on the ground that they witnessed by PKSF’s Partner Organizations. The impact of the RAISE project on young micro-entrepreneurs and unemployed youth, as well as the innovative business practices they have adopted, will contribute to the country’s green and resilient development.

Besides visiting various activities under the project, the delegation also had discussion meetings with the senior officials of TMSS, GUK, NDP, Mousumi, BEDO, and Dabi Moulik Sangstha on the project.

PKSF, an apex development institution established by the Government of Bangladesh (GoB), launched the $250-million RAISE project in February 2022. Under this project, 1.75 lakh youths and micro-entrepreneurs are receiving inclusive financial services as well as capacity enhancement support. The RAISE project is playing an important role in achieving the Perspective Plan 2021-2041 of the Government of Bangladesh and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by creating opportunities for youths to engage in dignified and decent work environments.