Assignment Name: Baseline Survey of the “Vocational Skills Building and Employment Opportunities for Marginal Youth (VSBEOMY)”

Country: Bangladesh

Client Name: SKS Foundation and MJSKS (funded by VSO Bangladesh)

The “Vocational Skills Building and Employment Opportunities for Marginal Youth (VSBEOMY)” project aimed to enhance the employability, income, and social integration of marginal youth in rural Bangladesh. Funded by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and implemented by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in partnership with local organizations SKS Foundation and Mahideb Jubo Somaj Kallayan Somity (MJSKS), this project sought to address systemic challenges related to youth unemployment, gender disparity, and skill gaps in the labor market.

The primary goal was to equip youth club members with vocational, leadership, and life skills to improve their livelihoods and contribute to their communities’ socio-economic development. This initiative targeted 1,200 youth club members, of whom 720 were direct beneficiaries receiving structured interventions, including vocational training and employment facilitation. The intervention locations included Gaibandha and Rangpur districts, focusing on fostering self-reliance and reducing rural-to-urban migration pressures.

The baseline study conducted under the project provided critical insights into the socio-economic and educational status of beneficiaries, along with their leadership capabilities and awareness of life skills such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and health practices. The findings informed the design and delivery of context-specific training programs, contributing to the project’s overarching objectives of empowering marginalized youth.

DM WATCH executed this project with a comprehensive and well-structured methodology. The services provided included:

Project Inception and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Conducted inception meetings with VSO, SKS Foundation, and MJSKS to understand project goals, align methodologies, and finalize work plans.
• Developed a comprehensive framework for the baseline study, incorporating project-specific indicators and objectives.

Survey Design and Tool Development:

• Designed a mixed-methods research approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative tools to capture data on socio-economic conditions, educational background, and skill levels of youth club members.
• Prepared structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides, and Key Informant Interview (KII) protocols tailored to project needs.
• Pre-tested data collection tools to ensure clarity, validity, and reliability.

Capacity Building and Training:

• Conducted training sessions for enumerators and field supervisors on data collection techniques, ethical considerations, and the use of Digital Data Gathering (DDG) tools.
• Facilitated hands-on practice to enhance field staff’s proficiency in administering surveys and conducting interviews.

Primary Data Collection:

• Conducted household surveys with 1,200 youth and their families, capturing detailed data on income, education, vocational skills, and social participation.
• Facilitated 16 FGDs with youth club members, parents, and community stakeholders to explore perceptions of vocational training, leadership development, and gender roles.
• Conducted 30 KIIs with local government officials, employers, and NGO representatives to triangulate findings and assess systemic challenges in skill development.

Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyzed quantitative data using SPSS to generate descriptive statistics, trends, and baseline values for program indicators.
• Performed thematic analysis of qualitative data to derive nuanced insights into youth leadership, gender sensitivity, and environmental awareness.
• Created GIS-based maps to visualize the spatial distribution of youth club activities and service access.

Key Study Components:

• Vocational Training Needs Assessment: Identified skill gaps and recommended training modules, such as tailoring, basic computer skills, and small business management.
• Gender and Life Skills Analysis: Assessed gender-based barriers and proposed strategies to enhance women’s participation in income-generating activities.
• Economic Activities Review: Documented youth involvement in self-employment and wage-based work, highlighting areas for support and intervention.

Validation and Dissemination:

• Presented findings at validation workshops with VSO, partner organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Gathered feedback to refine recommendations and ensure alignment with local needs and priorities.

Strategic Recommendations:

• Proposed tailored training programs addressing identified skill gaps and incorporating soft skills such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and leadership.
• Suggested measures to strengthen linkages between youth and local government services, including technical training centers and employment facilitation programs.
• Recommended capacity-building initiatives for partner organizations to enhance their technical and operational efficiency.

Final Report and Advocacy:

• Delivered a comprehensive baseline report detailing findings, analysis, and actionable recommendations for program implementation.
• Prepared advocacy briefs to engage policymakers and development partners in supporting youth-centric vocational training initiatives.

The services provided under this assignment established a robust foundation for the VSBEOMY project, ensuring evidence-based planning and effective implementation. The project has the potential to significantly enhance the socio-economic prospects of marginal youth, empowering them to become active contributors to their communities.