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The Building Youth Employability Through Skills (BYETS) project—implemented by Swisscontact and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—has launched the second batch of its five-month residential ICT training, specifically designed for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). In partnership with the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP), the training is being held at the CRP Manikganj training centre.
This initiative aims to equip young people with disabilities with the necessary skills to enhance their employability in the ICT sector. The curriculum covers a range of subjects, including Microsoft Office applications and digital marketing, tailored to suit the unique needs of the participants. A total of ten PwD trainees have enrolled in this residential course. Alongside accommodation, CRP also offers therapy sessions and psychological counselling, supporting both the physical and mental well-being of the participants.
One of the trainees currently enrolled in this training is Tahmina Akhtar Morium, a bright and determined young woman from Habiganj, Sylhet, where she lives with her mother, elder brother, and sister. Her brother, who runs a small local shop, is the family's sole breadwinner. A talented student and avid reader, Tahmina was pursuing nursing studies in 2022 when her doctor discovered a tumour in her spinal cord. Following a critical surgery in 2023 that successfully removed the tumour, she lost full mobility and now requires walking aids. As a result, she had to discontinue her nursing education.
Tahmina came to CRP seeking therapy. During her visit, she enquired about rehabilitation opportunities. It was then that CRP representatives introduced her to the BYETS project and encouraged her to apply for the training. When asked about her experience, she shared that she especially enjoys learning how to create logos. She also appreciates the supportive nature of the trainers, saying that their approachable and friendly behaviour brings her comfort.
Tahmina noted that, outside of this environment, she often faced discriminatory behaviour and intrusive questions about her disability, which left her feeling distressed. However, at BYETS training, surrounded by peers who also have disabilities, she has never felt inferior. Instead, she has found acceptance and solidarity among her training mates.
Looking ahead, she hopes to secure a desk job such as a receptionist or another computer-based role. In parallel, she also plans to explore freelancing opportunities in digital marketing, enabling her to become financially independent. Aware of her continued need for medical care and therapy, she is determined to gain the skills necessary to support herself through the BYETS training.
Similarly, another committed and promising trainee is Md Arshadul Islam, from Chattogram. He, too, was referred to the BYETS training while undergoing therapy at CRP Savar. Arshadul is the youngest of five siblings, with one elder brother and three elder sisters. After completing his Secondary School Certificate (SSC), he had to pause his education due to financial difficulties. His brother, a daily labourer, is the only earning member of the family.
Arshadul had been preparing to become a veterinary trainee. Tragically, just before Eid-ul-Adha in 2024, he sustained a serious spinal injury after being hit by a cow while assisting a senior with a medical assessment of cows. As a result of the injury, he now uses a wheelchair to move around independently. He was subsequently admitted to CRP for rehabilitation, where he continues to receive ongoing care and support.
It was at CRP that Arshadul learned about the BYETS training. He realised that, despite his physical limitations, he could still develop valuable ICT and digital marketing skills and earn a living. He has found the digital marketing components particularly engaging. He shared that the trainers are incredibly friendly and patient, often repeating lessons until every trainee fully understands the topic. Arshadul has been investing significant time and effort in mastering digital marketing to become a freelancer and work from home.
Despite his current challenges, Arshadul remains calm and focused. He is determined to become self-reliant by gaining the necessary skills to earn independently.
Through this customised ICT training, BYETS aims to open pathways for PwDs to enter the world of freelancing. By enabling trainees to work from home, the project helps them overcome mobility-related barriers to employment. With continued support in connecting trainees to freelancing platforms, this special intervention under BYETS reflects the project’s commitment to empowering socially excluded individuals—particularly those with disabilities—through skills development and meaningful employment opportunities.