Training Programs
Nari Jibon offers two "tracks" for women to follow. Many women who come to Nari Jibon begin their journey with basic Bangla literacy and numeracy, and later continue to tailoring and business.
Bangla >> Tailoring >> Business
Some women choose to learn computers. English competency is a prerequisite for learning computers. Students take a competency exam prior to admission and are placed at the appropriate level of English instruction.
English 1 >> English 1.5 >> English 2 >> Microsoft Office
Additionally, women with the appropriate pre-requisites can learn photography, graphic design, and web design. Women are also are invited to participate in the creation of the online ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Magazine.
Nari Jibon was recently awarded a Rising Voices Blogging Grant that enabled staff to start two blogs: Bangladesh From Our View and Amader Golpo (Our Stories). These platforms give students and staff a place to share their work, thoughts and photos about Bangladesh, and help students to practice their new Bangla, English, computer and photography skills. The English blog has an international audience, currently averaging 70 hits per day, making this a great opportunity for Nari Jibon students to express themselves globally.
The Nari Jibon Bridge to Employment
An important aspect of the project is to connect women workers to employers. Staff are actively visiting potential employers throughout Dhaka, including non-governmental organizations, small and large businesses, tailoring shops, and schools. The staff interview these potential employers in order to know what kinds of employees these types of employers need, what kinds of skills they should have, and what types of salaries they are offering. The staff also promote Nari Jibon graduates as potential employees. These employment linkages are important for our students as many of them have found jobs through contacts established by Nari Jibon.
Nila, a graduate of the tailoring program, practices her skills in the Nari Jibon Tailoring Shop. The Shop provides both income to sustain Nari Jibon programmes, as well as a wonderful opportunity for students to hone their skills and learn more about running a business.
