Building community resilience through improved livelihood opportunities in Bhasan char Island.

To support the Government of Bangladesh’s relocation strategy under the Ashrayan Project-3, PROTTYASHI implemented a livelihood initiative in Bhasan Char aimed at enhancing the resilience of Rohingya refugees through skills training and income-generating opportunities.

The project offered non-formal vocational training in trades such as tailoring, handicrafts, and shoemaking, complemented by life skills and financial literacy sessions. With a strong focus on gender inclusion, the majority of participants were women. In addition, selected individuals engaged in Cash for Work (CFW) programs across sectors including WASH, health, and site management.

To promote post-training economic engagement, trained beneficiaries received in-kind input support to launch their own small-scale income-generating activities. To facilitate market linkage and promote products made by the beneficiaries, PROTTYASHI established KHAWAB, a Resource Mobilization Hub in Bhasan Char, and Nakshikatha, a physical retail outlet located in the Cox’s Bazar tourist zone. These platforms enabled the beneficiaries to showcase, promote, and sell their handmade products to broader markets beyond the camp setting.

According to the project’s impact assessment, the majority of beneficiaries reported improved knowledge of sustainable business practices and noted increased economic resilience through the acquired skills and employment opportunities. Overall, the project played a vital role in fostering self-reliance, gender empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods for the Rohingya population in Bhasan Char, aligning with national relocation priorities and humanitarian objectives.

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