Canada is contributing $19.8 million over four years to the Skills Training and Enhancement Project in Bangladesh. The project, implemented by the World Bank, began in 2011 with funding from the Government of Bangladesh and the World Bank.
The goal of the project is to create a better-trained, more qualified workforce, and opportunities for men, women, and youth living in poverty so they can earn a better living. The project promotes the development of technical and vocational education and training programs that meet the needs of businesses. It aims to increase the number of students and trainees enrolled in education and training programs, including students and trainees from impoverished backgrounds, and the employability of graduates from these programs.
The project includes:
- strengthening the quality and relevance of training in selected public and private training institutions;
- financing pilot initiatives to better link schools and training institutions, businesses, and the government in order to expand and improve the available training opportunities; and
- strengthening the knowledge and skills of key government bodies responsible for managing and overseeing technical and vocational education and training, particularly in the areas of curriculum development, instructor certification, and quality assurance.
In 2014, Bangladesh was confirmed as a country of focus for the Government of Canada’s international development efforts. It is also one of Canada’s 10 maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) countries of focus.
Bangladesh was chosen based on its level of need and its ability to use development assistance wisely, and on Canada's capacity to make a difference. Bangladesh has been one of Canada's largest development assistance recipients for the last four decades.
The objectives of Canada’s international development program in Bangladesh are to create opportunities for children and youth and to stimulate sustainable economic growth. Equality between women and men, environmental sustainability and good governance are integrated into all programs. Continuous dialogue and consultation among development partners (government, non-government, private sector and donors) guides Canada’s investment choices with respect to international development.
Canada's MNCH efforts in Bangladesh are focused on strengthening health care delivery at the community level, and on preventing and treating major illnesses that contribute to maternal and child mortality.
