Utilisation of all individuals' latent talent must for dev

Opportunities must be given to people to develop and utilise the talent they are born with, said speakers at an experience sharing meeting on "Career Development Programme for the Women from Marginalised Communities".

"Every person is born with some talents or skills, which remain unexplored if society does not give opportunities to the individuals," said Shaheen Anam, executive director, Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF).

Since 2010, the non-government development organisation has been providing 6-month career development training and internship to young women of marginalised communities who include indigenous women, persons with disabilities and people facing occupational marginalisation.

The training course includes human rights and governance, communication and facilitation, leadership and report writing, and basic computer skills.

Yesterday, at the experience sharing meeting at The Daily Star Centre, 26 young women, who completed the training from the last two batches, were given certificates.

"We can do anything if opportunities are given," said Rehana Akhter who refused to identify herself as a person with disability.

"I do not think I am visually impaired in this era of technology," said Rehana, currently studying Masters in Sociology at Eden Mohila College. She took the training from MJF.

She recounted how her employers appreciated her job as a tele-marketing agent in a buying house.

Nabami Kisku, a history student of Rangpur's Carmichael College, told the story of how she got her present job at Gram Bikash Kendra through the career development programme.

Dr Shamim Imam, director, Chittagong Hill Tracts Programme, MJF informed that till date 83 young women received the training and about 50 percent either got jobs or job offers.

Naba Bikram Kishore Tripura, secretary to the CHT ministry, assured that his ministry would extend cooperation to keep the programme going.

Sanjeeb Drong, chairperson, Indigenous People Development Services, requested inclusion of indigenous men and more people from Khasia and Monipuri communities of Sylhet.

Nirupa Dewan, member, National Human Rights Commission; and Amitabha Bhattacharjee, consultant, also spoke.