A dedicated team from the International Labour Organization’s ISEC project successfully conducted courtyard meetings on Sonadia Island on January 24 and 25, 2025. The initiative aimed to engage the local community in discussions about skill development, inclusive employment opportunities, and sustainable livelihoods.
The meetings, facilitated by key team members including Maksudul Haque and Ma Tin Tin, alongside a committed group of volunteers, provided an essential platform for community members to voice their needs, aspirations, and challenges.
Embolden Bangladesh as a volunteer youth club, navigating the team to the Sonadia Purbapara. The sessions highlighted the importance of empowering isolated and marginalized communities like those of Sonadia Island through tailored interventions that address their unique circumstances.
Participants are very skilled, as they can make nakshi katha, homemade curtains, and seashell products. As the sea is full, they want to offer a local and tribal fish menu.
The participants are highly enthusiastic about learning about diversified design and color matching. They are also interested in developing new products. The 10 participants from the courtyard meeting are participating in a 3-day entrepreneurship development training in Moheskhali Upazilla.
Speaking about the experience, project coordinator Maksudul Haque remarked, “We kinda hopeful, soon the moheskhali Adinath market, Rakhaine market in moheskhali and later the inclusion of their products in marine drive markets will displayed as islandian home crafts.”
The courtyard meetings focused on understanding the local context, gathering insights about the community’s needs, and fostering dialogue on sustainable economic initiatives.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report/Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Courtesy
