Expanded Program Component

Rationale

Restricted movement, geographic isolation, and limited formal employment opportunities on Bhasan Char have left many Rohingya refugees—particularly women—without viable pathways to income generation. However, the Rohingya community possesses deeply rooted skills in sewing, embroidery, weaving, and traditional craft production, which are culturally acceptable, home-based, and adaptable to constrained environments.

Village Home proposes a structured vocational training and micro-enterprise development program focused on sewing and culturally specific crafts that preserves Rohingya cultural identity while enabling economic self-reliance. These activities are low-capital, scalable, and suitable for women, youth, and persons with limited mobility.

Program Objectives (Vocational Component)

• Equip Rohingya women and youth with market-relevant sewing and craft production skills.

• Preserve and adapt traditional Rohingya textile and craft practices for contemporary markets.

• Establish community-based production units and cooperatives.

• Create sustainable income opportunities within the restrictions of Bhasan Char.

• Strengthen women’s economic participation while respecting cultural norms.

Target Beneficiaries

Estimated initial cohort: 500–800 trainees, scalable based on resources.

Training Tracks

Training Methodology

Training of Trainers (ToT): Identify skilled Rohingya tailors and artisans to serve as instructors.

Women-Only Training Spaces: Ensuring cultural appropriateness and safety.

Small Group Instruction: 15–20 trainees per cohort.

Hands-On Learning: Minimum 70% practical instruction.

Literacy-Adapted Materials: Visual guides and demonstrations.

Training duration:

• Beginner Level: 8–12 weeks

• Advanced/Specialization: Additional 6–8 weeks

Micro-Enterprise & Cooperative Development

Village Home will support graduates through:

• Formation of women-led sewing and craft cooperatives

• Shared access to equipment and materials

• Production scheduling and quality standards

• Cooperative savings and reinvestment models

• Transparent income-sharing mechanisms

Where appropriate, home-based production models will be used to accommodate caregiving responsibilities and mobility constraints.

Market Linkages and Income Pathways

Recognizing movement restrictions, Village Home will pursue indirect and ethical market access, including:

• Bulk procurement by humanitarian agencies (school uniforms, household items)

• Partnerships with fair-trade organizations

• NGO and donor gift procurement

• Limited mainland and international market pilots through approved channels

• Branding emphasizing handcrafted, refugee-made, culturally authentic products

Protection and Safeguards

• Voluntary participation with informed consent

• Protection against exploitative labor practices

• Gender-based violence risk mitigation

• Transparent pricing and wage structures

• Coordination with UNHCR protection frameworks

Expected Outcomes

• At least 70% of trainees generate consistent income within six months of completion

• Increased household economic stability

• Improved psychosocial well-being among participants

• Preservation and adaptation of Rohingya cultural heritage

• Reduced dependency on humanitarian aid

Monitoring and Evaluation (Vocational Component)

• Skills competency assessments

• Income tracking and cooperative performance reviews

• Participant feedback and satisfaction surveys

• Gender and protection impact monitoring

Sustainability

This vocational program is designed to require minimal external inputs after start-up, be managed increasingly by refugee-led committees, produce transferable skills applicable to future repatriation or resettlement, and strengthen dignity and agency during prolonged displacement.