Hands-on Skill Development Program for Internet-Based Applications to Empower Underprivileged Youth (3rd Phase)

SSD Academy, in collaboration with Songjog Foundation, is empowering 48 youth from underserved communities in Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar. Through an intensive, 3-month Graphic Design for Freelancing Level-3 program (360 total hours), participants develop market-aligned digital skills. The initiative prepares local talent for global freelancing platforms, leading to nationally recognized NSDA Level-3 certification and sustainable economic growth.

This project delivers standard, competency-based technical training to two batches of 24 trainees each in Maheshkhali. Guided by the NSDA Level-3 framework, the curriculum blends practical graphic design expertise with global freelance marketplace strategies. By maintaining rigorous benchmarks for attendance, project delivery, and NSDA assessments, SSD Academy bridges the local digital divide and fosters long-term self-reliance among coastal youth.

Project Title: Graphic Design for Freelancing Level-3 Skill Development Initiative Implementation Lead: Step-Up Skill Development (SSD) Academy Development Partner: Songjog Foundation Location: Maheshkhali, Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh Primary Keywords: Graphic Design Freelancing, NSDA Level-3, SSD Academy, Songjog Foundation, Skill Development Maheshkhali, Youth Empowerment Cox's Bazar

Project Overview To address unemployment and bridge the digital skills gap in coastal Bangladesh, Step-Up Skill Development (SSD) Academy has partnered with Songjog Foundation to implement the Graphic Design for Freelancing Level-3 training program. Hosted in Maheshkhali, this ongoing project provides rigorous, industry-grade technical and vocational training to 48 selected youths from marginalized and underserved backgrounds, divided into two dedicated batches of 24 participants.

Key Project Metrics & Structure

Target Beneficiaries: 48 youth trainees across 2 structured batches (24 trainees per batch).
Course Duration: 3 months, totaling 360 hours of intensive training (5 days per week, 5 hours per session).
Curriculum Standard: National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) Level-3 competency standard.
Trainer Profile: Certified industry professionals with verifiable global freelance marketplace track records.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Market Readiness: Minimum 70% of trainees prepared for immediate deployment on global freelancing platforms.
NSDA Assessment: 100% participation in the formal NSDA Level-3 assessment, with an 80% competency achievement rate.
Discipline & Retention: Minimum 90% class attendance threshold across all registered learners.
Project Deliverables: 100% submission rate for hands-on design assignments and real-world client simulation projects.

Impact and Objectives The training program equips coastal youth with practical design expertise, brand identity development tools, and digital marketplace competencies. By pairing hands-on classroom instruction with institutional NSDA certifications, the initiative provides youth in Maheshkhali with the credentials and digital agency needed to achieve financial self-reliance through international freelancing economies.