Education and Training for Social Change: Analyzing a Social Welfare Model for Grassroots Development in Bangladesh

Abstract

The shortage of skilled workers is the major barrier to economic prosperity in Bangladesh. A third of its population falls between 10-24 years old but the youth forces are not well-trained with technical education and social knowledge. The present study shows how philanthropic endeavors can contribute to improving the vulnerable conditions of the rural population by providing social services, training, and skill development programs in a developing nation. Recent research findings show that private philanthropy plays a key role in financing education in developing countries. According to OCED reports (2019, 2020, and 2021), domestic foundations supported the education sector above all other sectors while the giving capacity of private foundations is endangered by the recent global economic crisis. Amidst the economic vulnerability and pandemic, a domestic private philanthropic organization namely SIMEC foundation continued its support for the ongoing training and social development projects. The present study examines the social welfare mechanism by private and domestic philanthropy in Bangladesh and the disruption during COVID 19 pandemic. It indicates how such endeavors can be effective in the implementation of SDGs in Bangladesh. The study has been conducted following a mixed method. For the data collection survey, FGD and interviews were conducted among 300 recipients of the skill development training and educational support by the foundation. Research findings indicate an effective contribution of the initiative to the individual and social development of the respondents.