INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF EDUCATIVE COMMUNITIES
Interactive Map
Young people, aged between 18 – 35 years, make up approximately one third of the total population; those aged between 15 and 24 years are 19.53% of the population. In 2015, the literacy rate for those aged 15+ was 83.18%. Bangladesh ranked 147 on the Global Youth Development Index and Report 2016 (Commonwealth Secretariat 2016). Those working with this age group tend to hold a vocational diploma.
Experiencing similar economic and social disparities as their global counterparts, approximately 10.39% of young people were unemployed in 2016. Many are involved in hazardous, unacceptable forms of labour. The government has been given the responsibility of supporting the youth into an organized, disciplined and productive workforce.
A significant number of non-government organizations (NGO’s) have been working in Bangladesh over the last 30 years, trying to address the various issues affecting the lives of the vast number of poor people. However, very few NGO’s have taken initiatives to address the issues related specifically to young people.
Other pressures and challenges which affect the country, and particularly the youth, are:
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Over-population
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Lack of employment opportunities
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Income inequality leading to an increased discrimination between rich and poor
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Globalization
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Infrastructural problems
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Disparities in technology
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Competition in the export market
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Political involvement
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Barriers to implementing a youth policy
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Unskilled private sector.
The respondents’ interest is education for all, providing technical support to the fishery community as well as pure water and sanitation in the CHT area of Bangladesh. They also have a primary school for teaching the under privileged children and those who left school early. Many youth also give back by teaching here on a voluntary basis.
Bangladeshi members are interested in collaborating with others. Please contact the FICE office for further details.