Ilman Farabi comes from Meherpur, a quiet border district in Bangladesh. Like many others, his life took a sharp turn after the COVID-19 pandemic. To support his family financially, he started working as a walking Foodpanda delivery rider&nbsp;- yes, on foot, not even a bicycle.Every day, he would deliver food around the city, then rush back to attend his university classes. After that, it was hostel chores and study time. Life was exhausting and making ends meet was still tough. He tried different side hustles - tutoring, helping with research - but nothing really made a big difference.Then something changed.He stumbled upon Grameenphone Academy. Curious, he signed up for a few online courses and masterclasses. One that really caught his interest was on UX design. Gradually, he heard about Freelancing Factory Program, an upskilling hands-on training program of GP Academy, and he decided to give it a shot.To his surprise, he got selected.From there, everything started to shift. For the next five months, Ilman gave it his all. He learned, practiced, asked questions, and kept pushing forward - day and night. With the help of the mentors and instructors, he built real skills. And soon, he landed his first freelance gigs.In 7 months, Ilman had earned over $7,998 - his first ever income from freelancing.From walking miles to deliver food to working with clients around the world from his laptop - Ilman’s journey is a reminder that even the toughest situations can turn around when opportunity meets determination.And this? It’s just the beginning for him.

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">When we were growing up bullying used to happen face to face. It was mainly in the form of peer pressure bullying. It was done mostly to your face or behind your back verbally. Trust me I know firsthand as I not only was bullied by a classmate as a young kid, but I also witnessed bullying to others even after that happened to me. Unkind words have immense impact on anyone. Fortunately, I had a very kind teacher who gave me courage to fight back. She taught me to see why the bully was weak. Understanding his perspective and his reasons. You may have heard the saying, “Before you criticize or judge someone, walk a mile in their shoes.” This quote is all about empathy or kindness. &nbsp;Kids nowadays still must deal with bullying in two folds - in real world and in a virtual environment. Technology has become a new and current avenue for bullying to occur. This type of bullying is known as cyberbullying.   &nbsp;Being bullied is never a fun experience be it online or offline. It hurts the same. Therefore, kindness has never been more needed than it is now. In parallel pandemic has not only opened a new and unknown world of interaction for us and for our children. We are all coming together in online space where the rules, manners and approach is new. But that does not mean the regular rule of interaction like decency, kindness and empathy is not applicable in here. In fact it is much important in online space than in real world. What Aesop said more than 2,000 years ago sums up the basic: “No act of kindness no matter how small, is ever wasted.” &nbsp;Few easy rules that can keep kindness around and active &nbsp;&nbsp; To understand empathy, children can be told to imagine themselves in another person’s shoes with a narrative to help them understand impact of unkind words. &nbsp;· &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Help them imagining an internet user as more than a username in reality: that there is a real person with real feelings on the other end of online interactions. &nbsp;· &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Applying real world rules  involving smiling, waving, eye contact, and welcoming gestures therefore makes all the difference.  This will encourage children to both visualize the real people behind computer screens, and to critically consider the nature of their actions and words online.  &nbsp;· &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Always good resource helps. These days children like learning through gamification. Here Digiworld game can come into play as this is an interactive game that teaches through gamification. It is age appropriate and an interesting activity that can be played together. </div>

Small acts of kindness make a better world

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">The post COVID-19 era marks a significant change in the minds of the young people. They have witnessed how the world has adapted to so much change in matter of days. Early in their lives they have encountered a deep reality and I see that influencing their plans for the future. &nbsp;With disruptions and changes in ways of learning, interacting, transacting and overall behaving in the society, young people are moving away quickly from the legacy beliefs of a defined future with a 9 to 5 job. What is clear is that becoming an entrepreneur is quickly becoming the number one choice for “Generation Next” – as many young people already want to break away from the fixed salary jobs. It’s not just the established big businesses that help society get through a crisis like COVID-19 but a new generation of up-and-coming entrepreneurs who are fostering innovation, ensuring future sustainability, focusing on building safe, equitable business models are strong contenders in the game. &nbsp;The revolutionary startups who are struggling yet hungry to establish something new are the biggest source of inspiration to young minds! I see two primary traits of these future startups: number one is agility and the other is resilience. Consumer expectations have changed. People are much more at ease with using new technology. So It is certainly becoming easier to become an entrepreneur and think beyond geographic boundaries. Cloud-based tech business has more than halved costs in starting and running a business. It’s also much easier to access new technology. Websites and platforms that integrate a tech stack enable small businesses to market products to a wider audience, with better connections and transparency between buyers, sellers, and partners. Thus, becoming an entrepreneur and building a small business is now the number one option when it comes to the gen Z young people. &nbsp;·&nbsp;The young people are more informed and at par with global concerns, they have high awareness on building a sustainable world and speak a common language. They are more equipped to make the largest impact in the society, such as &nbsp;·&nbsp;They see what others see, but see it from several different angles and perspectives·&nbsp;They are good at spotting and observing the emerging trends even before it is noticed·&nbsp;They are creators, who do not mind taking risk, looking weird or sounding ridiculous·&nbsp;They get propelled by how they can make it work, focused on multiple solutions·&nbsp;They are interested in how a seemingly unnoticed common problem or pain of masses can create opportunity for a new business·&nbsp;They fail often, but get around the failures by resounding success·&nbsp;They disrupt the existing and set new trends by thinking, asking, doing what was not done by most·&nbsp;They are the biggest learners; they learn from every walk of life and from everyone·&nbsp;They challenge status-quo, themselves and the experts &nbsp;Let’s encourage our next generation to follow this behavior of constant learning from everywhere. Let’s encourage them try and fail and learn. Whenever their passion, idea and time to market are in resonance there is bound to be many more Steve or Gates or Ayman or Afeef in the limelight. The future entrepreneurs will create the leap of our economy. We need not only a young workforce who are fit to join work but even more people to think differently and contribute to the creation of more and more jobs in the market. To create something fabulous that has a 10X ripple effect in the economy. The Gen Z entrepreneurs will propel the growth of Bangladesh to become the developed nation of 2041.</div>

GEN Z future entrepreneurs

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">Sadmeena, Proshanta and Maliha are few among the many graduates from Grameenphone’s upskilling platform. Their experience at the Grameenphone Academy are testaments of the real needs and impact in the lives of young people.Sadmeena’s storyI am Sadmeena Promi, working as a Curriculum Developer, BRAC IED (in Early Childhood Development Program) also an explorer of Grameenphone Explorers Program where over 340 bright students from all over the country had gathered and showed their interest. The experience of the GP Explorer 2.0 program was quite incredible where this program included a variety of virtual and live interactions between participants and mentors, with a focus on improving communication, entrepreneurship, and digital skills. It provided a conceptual understanding learning setting in which we were able to meet with industry leaders, work in groups, and receive ongoing guidance from our coaches. That had a significant impact on the overall experience, and I believe that this is the program's unique feature: it allows individuals to go beyond their main strengths. For example, the few GP Explorers sessions on developing technical skills inspired me to pursue new interests, and I was awarded the "Commonwealth of Learning: Grow with Google '' scholarship as a result. And it was in this way that the GP Explorers program expanded my horizons. Secondly, I'm aiming to carry my learning forward and progressively transform into my area of expertise using the information I gained during the program on technical skills, leadership, and soft skills. Hence, I am really thankful Grameenphone’s initiative to organize GP Explorer-youth development program aimed at upskilling and preparing us for future.Proshanta’s storyHi! This is Proshanta Bhowmik, currently studying for master’s degree in IT from Macquarie University. I am a proud explorer of Grameenphone Explorers, where the program not only taught me communication skills and digital marketing, but also presented me with a comprehensive view of acceptable employment practices. It prepared us all for the job market, and as a result, I was able to secure my first job before the end of the program. As explorers, we had the opportunity to test our ideas, knock through boundaries, and rediscover ourselves. Along with the course contents and weekly mentorship, we also received something unique called the Masterclass, where large corporate experts and changemakers presented their practical expertise, listened to our ideas, answered our questions, and directed our views in the proper path. The GP Explorers program encouraged us to look for new chances and use them to further our education. We had the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a wide range of people. This helped us become better team players, leaders, and communicators. I feel prepared to embrace the transformation and contribute to the advancement of my country as a result of the GP Explorers program. Every obstacle or stepping block, in my opinion, creates innovative approaches. If Covid-19 was the key barrier in my situation, GP Explorer provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and improve my skills. Thank you for having a wonderful experience, Grameenphone.Maliha’s StoryI am Sarwat-A-Maliha, currently working as a Digital Ninja of Grameenphone Academy, Grameenphone Ltd. I am an explorer of Grameenphone Explorers where the program gave me a broad overview of acceptable workplace behavior along with communication, digital marketing &amp; entrepreneurship skills. It trained us all for our future careers, and I was able to land my first job before graduating. I never thought I would get the first job with the first interview of my life because I always had a fear of facing interviews but through adequate training and coaching, this program really helped me to overcome the fear and get my first job. GP Explorers program gave me the chance to broaden my skills and sharpen my talents. Thank you for having a wonderful experience, Grameenphone.</div>

Shaping the future of young people

From Walking the Streets to Working Online.

In the tranquil town of Chandpur, Bangladesh, a young woman named Mymuna Bin Shahid nurtured a dream of becoming a doctor. Her dedication to her studies was unwavering, and she was well-prepared for her Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams. However, life took an unexpected turn when her mother suffered a debilitating stroke just before the exams. Amidst the emotional turmoil and increased responsibilities, Mymuna's exam results didn't reflect her true potential.As her mother's health declined, the family moved to her grandmother's home for support. Soon after, Mymuna entered marriage. Societal expectations and familial advice led her to pause her academic pursuits. Yet, her creative spirit remained undiminished.Mymuna had always found solace in painting. One day, her father-in-law observed her artwork and encouraged her to explore graphic design. With a broken laptop, she began self-learning through YouTube tutorials. Recognizing her determination, her husband gifted her a new laptop, reigniting her passion for learning. Despite her efforts, initial attempts at freelancing didn't yield immediate success.Her breakthrough came when she discovered the 'Freelancing Factory' program by Grameenphone Academy. This initiative offers 64 interactive online classes focusing on UX/UI design and WordPress development, aiming to help students start earning within a few months through mentor-led training. Through this program, Mymuna not only honed her design skills but also learned about client management.Her dedication paid off when a UK-based organization reached out to her via LinkedIn, seeking her expertise in website and logo design. This opportunity marked the beginning of her professional journey in the digital design world. She earned $1,580 in 7 months of her upskill.Mymuna's story is a testament to resilience and the power of continuous learning. From personal setbacks to professional achievements, she transformed challenges into steppingstones, inspiring many along the way

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">Fourteen-year-old Tahmina (not her real name) a happy go lucky girl had all the usual dreams of an adolescent girl. But that changed when she met a boy she liked and upon persistent request shared couple of intimate pictures. This was the turning point when she was constantly under pressure to have a more intimate relationshipFortunately, she was aware of 1098, the helpline for children and called the helpline during pandemic. Initially she was very unsure and scared, but after few calls she found the much needed assurance and comfort which gave her the courage to open up. So she sought help from the call center counselor. The call center agent reassured her and gave her more examples of support.  Her story is not unique. She reported that she had developed a relationship with a 16 year old boy during the lockdown and at one point of their interaction through popular digital communication app she shared two private photos with him. She never thought she would be at any risk as she trusted him and had an emotional attachment with the boy. However, after she shared the pictures the entire scenario changed. The boy became more demanding and wanted much more intimacy in the relationship. Which made Tahmina uncomfortable, and she refused. This made the boy more adamant, and he started threatening her with dire consequences by making the photos digitally viral.  At this point Tahmina remembered the helpline number that she had noticed in one of the online safety banners, a co-branded communication part of Grameenphone Unicef online safety project.Learning the details the psychosocial counsellor, social worker, and the manager decided to contact the boy. They counselled him, including informing him of the legal and social consequences of his misconduct. Multiple session made him conscious and ashamed which led him to a promise to change his approach.Since then the helpline has checked with Tahmina few times and learned that the boy is behaving very well and has not bothered her ever since. Tahmina thanked Child helpline 1098 for their support and for helping her to overcome this problem of online abuse. Since then she has been trained on online safety and she has promised to be digitally cautious and smart.As part of a comprehensive child protection system, the government of Bangladesh has set up child helplines, to strengthen programmes and support children and their families, through a 24- hour toll-free telephone service. The programmes serve to build the capacity and increase the number of call centre agents. Grameenphone, in partnership with UNICEF, has extended its support to strengthen the service, whether it is the training of call centre agents to psychological counsellors or the core operation of the centre. </div>

A life changing phone call

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">Grameenphone completed the enhancement of its deep-sea network capacity in the Bay of Bengal. As a result of the wider mobile network range, fishermen and commuters on the deep sea will now be able to communicate through GP with the mainland.We are providing this deep-sea network coverage from the point of Cox’s Bazar, Kuakata, Char Kukrimukri in Bhola, and Char Montaz in Patuakhali, up to 38 km from the Bangladesh coastlineFrom the currently available data, more than 500 vessel units use Grameenphone’s services to connect with the mainland. With this advancement, we once again reiterate its promise to empower societies through connectivity solutions.Every year the coastal area faces a lot of natural disasters such as cyclones, tornadoes and tidal waves which results in loss of lives as well as damage in the economy. The average loss per year can accumulate up to BDT 45 billion due to these natural disasters. Apart from natural disasters, pirate activities also hamper the livelihoods of fishermen and commuters.This network development is poised to aid these bread earners and commuters at sea and keep them safe with prompt communication with relevant authorities and with their families.</div>

Enabling rural fishing community with deep sea network

Dream Unbroken: From Child Marriage to Earning 1,579 from upskilling

Sometimes, transformation begins quietly, with a fear, a habit, or a belief that has held someone back for years. For Bondona, Bishwanath, and Joya, the digital world once felt distant, risky, or simply not meant for them. But their stories changed. And today, these stories reflect the heartbeat of our mission.&nbsp;Bondona: From “This isn’t for people like us” to “I can access any service confidently”. Bondona once believed that government services were reserved only for the privileged or well-connected. Forms, applications, online portals, these felt intimidating and out of reach.Through our Digital Inclusion for Marginalized Communities program, she discovered something powerful: access belongs to everyone. Today, she navigates digital government services independently, confident that her identity and rights truly belong to her. Her empowerment is not just personal, it is generational.&nbsp;Bishwanath: From Sharing Passwords to Protecting His Digital Identity. For Bishwanath, online safety was a concept he had never been taught. Sharing his bKash password seemed harmless, just part of daily life. Everything changed when he learned about digital financial safety through our program. Today, he is not only protecting his own accounts but guiding others in his community to do the same. A small shift in awareness created a ripple of protection and trust across his surroundings.&nbsp;Joya: Finding Her Voice in a Safe Digital Space. Joya’s silence online wasn’t from lack of ideas it was from fear. Harsh comments and offensive messages kept her from expressing herself, learning, or even connecting with her peers. Through our training on online safety, digital rights, and responsible participation, Joya found the courage to reclaim her voice. Now, she engages confidently, uses digital platforms for learning, and inspires other young girls to speak without fear. Her journey is a reminder that safe spaces spark bold futures. More Than Technology: A Journey of Transformation.These stories illustrate what our Digital Inclusion for Marginalized Communities initiative truly stands for. It is not just about teaching digital skills. It is about unlocking dignity, opportunity, and confidence, especially for young girls, young people, and underserved communities.&nbsp;Behind every story is a new beginning. Behind every face is resilience. And these stories show only a fraction of the 3.3 million lives we have touched across eight marginalized communities.&nbsp;A Future Where Access Is a Right, Not a Privilege👉 Click the links below to watch two more stories of impact.<a href="https://intel.telenor.com/linkshim?l=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F1266706325286971&amp;i=eyJpdiI6Ii8wTlhhR2pxVHF5YnhKNkE2ZTFMc2c9PSIsInZhbHVlIjoiYWhIZDJCOTZXbU1XelJWQTFLM0djQT09IiwibWFjIjoiMjM5MzI1N2Q3NGI3ZjFmZWFhZmFjN2JmNDM2OGRiN2FmMmNjNGQ1MzgyOWVjYmJhMmQ4N2FkYjRhMzdhNmNhZiIsInRhZyI6IiJ9">https://www.facebook.com/reel/1266706325286971</a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/reel/1412318520552818">https://www.facebook.com/reel/1412318520552818</a>&nbsp;

Millions of Lives. One Journey of Digital Empowerment.

&nbsp;In the quiet corners of Bangladesh from tea gardens in Sylhet to alleys in Narayanganj, from flood-prone char regions to courtyard gatherings in rural towns, a silent transformation is taking root.It’s powered not by machines, but by hope. At its heart is a simple but powerful idea: everyone deserves a safe, empowering digital space. In an increasingly digital Bangladesh, knowing how to use the internet safely and meaningfully is no longer a luxury it’s a lifeline, a gateway to education, essential services, and livelihood opportunities. However, the benefits of connectivity do not reach everyone equally. For many communities, tea garden workers, people with disabilities, the transgender community, girls and youth at risk of Child Early Forced Marriage (CEFM) and those living in climate impacted or remote areas, access to the digital world is blocked not just by infrastructure, but by a lack of digital literacy and opportunities to learn, social stigma and safety concerns.Opening digital doors for the left behindThe initiative was born to bridge that gap. To bring the power of digital knowledge and opportunity to the people who need it most. Launched in 2023, the Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth Project, &nbsp;a joint effort by Plan International Bangladesh, Telenor, and Grameenphone set out to bridge the digital divide for the country’s most marginalised communities with a mission to improve digital knowledge, skills, and safety. When the journey took shape, it wasn’t built for the mainstream. It was crafted for those who usually don’t make it into the frame, the tea pickers, the transgender youth, the girls dropping out of school, the children growing up on the streets, the families broken by climate disasters, and those with disabilities navigating a world not designed for them.A digital awakening, a path to possibilityBy equipping these communities with digital skills, a door opens to knowledge, to income, to belonging. This transformation empowers people not just to access information, but to change their own stories - earn a living, speak up, and step into spaces they were once excluded from. To be seen. To be heard. And to shape not only their futures but also contribute meaningfully to Bangladesh’s growing digital economy.&nbsp;Impact that goes beyond numbersThe impact has been breathtaking: as of 30 April 2025, over 3.3 million people have been educated and empowered with digital skills, opening new doors they never imagined possible. Behind each number is a voice, a dream, a family. Behind each session, a local facilitator, someone from their own community patiently walked them through the digital world, in a language and rhythm they understood.Adapting learning to fit lives and landscapesCourtyard sessions, a culturally embedded learning space in rural Bangladesh, were held to create safe and familiar environments where girls and families could speak freely. Here, the internet was no longer something to fear it became a tool to dream. Eighty-four youth-led campaigns bloomed across the country, championing safe internet use and digital literacy in schools, on the streets, and in community halls. Five hundred local leaders — elders, teachers, religious figures — were engaged to anchor the work and ensure it lived beyond workshops and training. And where roads couldn’t go, the radio did. Carefully crafted programs sparked dialogue in distant corners, reaching an estimated 2.8 million listeners, many of whom had never heard themselves reflected in mainstream media before. It was entertaining, accessible, and most importantly, inclusive, reaching even those who couldn’t read or write.Not a campaign, but a movementThis wasn’t just a campaign; it was a movement built on trust. And it worked because it was layered, thoughtful, and deeply local. This initiative began not with instruction, but with intention — to listen deeply, to learn, to understand, and to nurture change from within. But real change doesn’t come from one-off training. Trust was placed in young people, shaping them into digital ambassadors, and in respected community voices, elders, teachers, and influencers who could carry the message forward in ways that felt authentic and embraced. 150 community facilitatorswere trained as long-term changemakers rooted in their own villages, towns, and neighborhoods. And throughout it all, a keen ear for the community’s voice drove our actions. Impact isn’t measured in attendance sheets, it’s heard in stories, seen in everyday shifts, and felt in the confidence of someone who once felt invisible. A dynamic, responsive framework ensured that community voices are shaped at every step. Regular storytelling circles, feedback loops, and space for honest reflection. When communities spoke, the efforts adapted. When something wasn’tworking, the response evolved. The outreach extended to communities that had been left behind. And in return, they reached back with curiosity, resilience, and with an unshakable hunger to learn. Because in the end, this isn’t just about statistics. It’s about dignity. The kind that grows when someone finally feels seen, connected, and in control of their own future.&nbsp;&nbsp;<img src="" data-entity-uuid="19020957-fa2d-43c7-a4d6-2044fd523b00" data-entity-type="file" width="977" height="823" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1" uploadprocessed="true">&nbsp;

From Margins to Mainstream

Natore bootcamp with passionate&nbsp;participant Ayan7th Oct 2024&nbsp;&nbsp;Meet&nbsp;Mr. Al-Imran Ayan, a passionate&nbsp;14-year-old student in the eighth grade&nbsp;who is eager to learn about entrepreneurship. He recently attended the GP Accelerator Natore bootcamp alongside his parents.At this young age he is surprisingly passionate to learn the mindset of those who have built successful ventures, learning how unicorn startups operate, and listening to stories of founders of creating startups based on creative ideas. He aims to use these insights in his&nbsp;entrepreneurial journey to create employment opportunities for more people and for a better future. He recognizes that this can significantly benefit society and help those in need.Ayan Said&nbsp;“I am very excited to participate in the bootcamp! I have had the opportunity to meet a variety of people, interact with them, and learn a lot about business and IT that I hope to utilize in the future.”From ideation to prototype testing, the bootcamp experience was filled with valuable learning opportunities, including pitch preparation, demo practice, Q&amp;A sessions, and more. Our goal is to ignite a spark in participants to address local challenges and nurture future passionate enthusiasts like Ayan, who will lead us toward a brighter future for Bangladesh.

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">It is a great honor for Grameenphone to be recognized by SDG Brand Champion Award for the work we are actively doing to empower societies, specially focusing on Youth Empowerment, Digital Inclusion &amp; Online Safety.We have received the honorable mention in the category of sustainable partnership &amp; institutions. Grameenphone stands out as one of the few organizations in Bangladesh working with such strong array of global and local development partners such as UNDP, Plan International, UNICEF, Cisco, BDRCS &amp; BRAC to create a positive impact in the lives of millions.The recognition from the Brand Forum and the honorable jury is a great inspiration for taking our journey forward to Empower Societies!Big shout out the GP team who has been supporting, inspiring and delivering all the hard work! Congratulations to the team</div>

SDG Brand Champion Award 

launching of Freelancing Factory8th Oct 2024Grameenphone Academy launched Freelancing Factory to expand the opportunity of earning $100K by 100+ students!In Bangladesh, every year 2 Mn youth are added to the job market while only a handful of jobs are on offer. Thus, it is hardly possible to match employment opportunity for this huge flock. Other side of the story, the biggest freelancing platform Upwork is ready with 10 Mn jobs to offer and worldwide, the average earning of a freelancer per hour is $21. If we can&nbsp;ensure the skills match, Bangladesh can be the biggest supplier in the global freelancing market, and this can become our national economic success story!With this objective, Grameenphone Academy has launched&nbsp;‘Freelancing Factory’&nbsp;with an ambition to make a pool of 106 students to earn $1000 in 8 months through a mentor-led upskilling program.&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=100011508513778">Hans Martin</a>, Chief Corporate Officer of Grameenphone, officially kicked off the program and accoladed the diverse cohort with a demography of 40% female and 19% outside of Dhaka. Two young mentors, Yasin Ahmed and Muntasir Hasnat, have taken the challenge to guide the selected students to make this pilot project a success. The students will learn UX/UI and Web development through WordPress through 64 online class during this time in two (2) separate batches.Two students from audience panel shared their experience and expectation which are testimonials for the validity of the initiative. Tamanna, resident of Borguna-Amtoli, came to Dhaka just to join the session. She completed a number courses from different platforms including Grameenphone Academy but she is in need of hand holding instructions to implement the learning to earning. Tamanna is one of the qualified students, out 600+ applicants, who passed the two level assessments.Ragib Raiyan; BSc Engineer from Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Trishal-Mymensingh; with hearing challenge expressed his hope and confidence to start earning through this guided learning program.&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=61551122788092">Sayeda Tahya Hossain</a>, our Chief Human Resources Officer, motivated the participants and encouraged them to learn skills and look for opportunity to apply them in a wider domain. Grameenphone CEO,&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=100010586894848">Yasir Azman</a>, inspired the crowd with the story of Zero to one, encouraging the youth to break the zero and start their earning journey. Overwhelmed to see and hear the stories of the enthusiastic youth, our CEO also expressed his desire of being a freelancer if he got the opportunity to restart his career!The following workshop was conducted by both the instructors who shared the curriculum and the detailed learning plans for the next Eight (&nbsp;months. Students were inquisitive expressing their solid expectation from the program.Head of Talent Management,&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=61556448276639">Rifaqat Rasheed</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://telenor.workplace.com/profile.php?id=100011382407829">Farhana Islam</a>, Head of ESG along with their team also joined the session and expressed their intention to make the program scalable to create a rolling and sustainable impact to the economy of Bangladesh.Finger crossed for the Freelancing Factory to kick start the earning journey!&nbsp;

launching of Freelancing Factory

Natore bootcamp with passionate participant Ayan

How Sumita is educating communities through radio6th Sep 2024Sumita Rabidas is passionate about uplifting the quality of life for minorities and advocating for their human rights. She produces community radio programmes that educate marginalised communities on a variety of topics including digital skills to improve their livelihoods.Sumita knows hardship. She grew up in the Gaibandha district in northern Bangladesh and is a member of Rabidas indigenous community. As one of few indigenous girls in her district to go to elementary school, her achievements were sadly often dismissed. She was often forced to clean classrooms, after classes. Indigenous minorities in Bangladesh, with their own languages and customs, experience higher poverty rates<a href="https://www.telenorasia.com/stories/turning-personal-hardships-into-social-activism/#_ftn1">[1]</a>&nbsp;and have lower incomes than the national average.“My father worked as a cobbler while my mother took care of the household. Money was scarce growing up, and this meant that I had to work and study to help the family. Seeing sacrifices my parents made for me to be able to go to school pushed me to continue my education,” says Sumita.Her desire to get out of poverty was a key motivator for her to complete her education. With support from teachers in high school, she obtained a scholarship. She could finally afford a study desk and a schoolbag. She eventually graduated with a degree in sociology from Bangladesh University.“My own experience was a catalyst for me to want to improve the lives of people in my community and other minorities. Often, I had nowhere to turn to, so my will and inspiration to speak out for them comes from within.”She got a taste of activism and journalism, when she volunteered at a community radio station that shone a spotlight on issues of indigenous people.Educating youths through radioToday, she works as a programme coordinator at Bangladesh Community Radio Association (BCRA) – a coalition of advocacy-focused community radio stations. These local radio stations play a vital role in providing information to people in remote and underdeveloped areas, where national media has limited coverage.One of the key projects Soumita works on is the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.telenor.com/media/newsroom/announcement/joining-hands-to-create-safe-digital-spaces-for-girls-and-young-people/">Safe Digital Space for Girls and Youth (SDSGY) Project</a>, an initiative by Plan International Bangladesh, Grameenphone and Telenor.The Project aims to address the multifaceted challenges of cyberbullying, online harassment, misinformation, and other digital risks faced by girls and youths in Bangladesh. Within the first year of implementation, the SDSGY Project’s digital literacy lessons reached 280,000 people through the network of BCRA’s radio stations.“I am very proud to be part of this project because it is helping youths improve digital skills. Because of its impact, I consider it a highlight in my career! Organisations should implement innovative programmes that achieve significant impact, introduce fresh approaches, and drive meaningful behavioural changes.”Through in-person community activities, youths from marginalised groups learn how to protect themselves online, make informed decisions and engage positively in digital spaces. Trainers also collaborate closely with teachers to better understand youth’s needs and priorities.Amplifying marginalised voices“Connectivity has been very useful in reaching marginalised and indigenous communities, as many of them work irregular hours. We put recordings of our radio programmes online, so that they can listen and learn on demand, extending access beyond traditional broadcasting hours. We also interact with audiences via email and on social media platforms. We can tailor radio programmes to meet the specific interests of our listeners and experiment with formats – from discussions on topical issues to spoken dramas,” Sumita explains.Popular shows include lessons on protecting passwords, identifying misinformation, dealing with online bullying and avoiding scams and have been useful.She recalls one example. “A caller asked a guest speaker on my show if he should respond to a foreign donor’s request to fund a campaign. After evaluating the information, the expert advised the caller to block the person as it was most likely a scam. The expert advised listeners to verify the authenticity of such requests and not trust easily. They can double check facts through local authorities or international NGOs.”Sumita is optimistic about the future and wants to explore different approaches for indigenous minorities to be proficient in digital skills from young. “I would love to establish tech clubs in rural villages across Bangladesh. I want to help young people explore technology and gain digital skills, to help them out of poverty earlier in life. Perhaps one day, the next Bill Gates can emerge from one of these villages.”

How Sumita is educating communities through radio

At Grameenphone Academy, we aim to empower young professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the modern job market. Today, we highlight the journeys of three individuals whose lives have been transformed through our programs.Khadiza: From Student to Digital MarketerAs a student in the Department of Economics at Begum Badrunnessa Govt. Girl’s College, Khadiza harnessed the vast array of courses offered by GP Academy to pave her way into a career in digital marketing. Through programs like Facebook Marketing, MS Excel, WordPress, and Career Launchpad, she developed essential skills that she now applies in managing multiple pages and boosting sales for organizations like Hotel Dhaka Express and Japanita Fab LTD. GP Academy gave her the confidence to thrive in a competitive field while balancing her studies, allowing her to also contribute to the United Nations Youth and Students Association of Bangladesh.Nayeem: Exploring New Paths in IT Nayeem, a B.Sc. student passionate about the IT field, found GP Academy to be a valuable resource for his curiosity and career exploration. From courses on AI and digital marketing to entrepreneurship, the academy has equipped him with knowledge across different sectors. Not only have these courses enriched his academic pursuits, but interactive sessions and visits to the GP House have also fostered a sense of community and practical experience. For Nayeem, GP Academy represents an ongoing journey of growth, where every course opens a new door of opportunity.Zannatul: Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice in UI/UX For Zannatul, a final-year CSE student at the Islamic University of Technology (IUT), GP Academy’s Industrial Attachment Program was a turning point in her career. Initially, she had a basic understanding of UI/UX design, but the mentorship from GP Academy experts, especially the MyGP app's UI/UX team, gave her invaluable insights into applying her knowledge in the corporate world. Courses like Career Launchpad and CV writing further helped her transition from academia to the corporate sphere with confidence. Now, as a UX designer ready to enter the job market, Zannatul believes the program has set her up for long-term success.

Empowering young professionals though GP Academy

Imagine a day without your phone—a tool you rely on for everything from staying connected to accessing essential services. Now, consider that 15% of the population in Bangladesh can’t access this lifeline, not because they don't want to, but because they can't afford it or lack the necessary digital literacy.Our Digital Inclusion for Marginalised Communities Project, in collaboration with Plan International, is changing this reality. We’re on a mission to equip 2.35 million marginalized girls and youth with vital digital skills and online safety training. This initiative is more than just a project; it’s a transformative journey that is bringing the power of the digital world to those who have been left out.Success in NumbersOur progress speaks for itself. We have covered 28 districts, reaching some of the most isolated and hard-to-reach communities. Our innovative approach, including partnerships with 8 radio stations, has ensured that even the remotest areas are not left behind. In these communities, we’ve worked hand-in-hand with 1,500 community leaders, ensuring that local voices are heard and their needs are met. To date, we have reached and either trained or educated 1.9 million people. Impressively, 70% of our trainees are women, highlighting our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women through digital literacy..<table width="341"><tbody><tr><td>Unlocking potential:A deaf and mute student from outside Dhaka has found new opportunities through our digital literacy training. The course introduced him to online resources where he could explore and learn photography. With this newfound knowledge, he is now preparing for a professional course that will enable him to earn an income, showcasing the transformative impact of our</td></tr></tbody></table>A Collaborative EffortThe success of this project is a testament to the power of collaboration. Our recent exposure visit, which took place from May 19 to 21, was a pivotal moment that brought together key stakeholders. The visit included representatives from Plan Norway, Plan Bangladesh, Telenor Asia (TnA), as well as our own leadership team, including the CEO, CMO, and CHRO. The presence of our CXOs, alongside relevant Circle Business Heads (CBHs) and dedicated team members, underscored the importance of this project within our organization and to our partners.These leaders didn’t just observe; they engaged directly with beneficiaries, listened to their stories, and witnessed firsthand the profound impact our project is having. This kind of deep engagement has fueled our efforts and ensured that the project remains closely aligned with the needs of the communities we serve.have been instrumental in showcasing the real-world impact of our efforts, earning the project well-deserved recognition and support.Looking AheadAs we continue this journey, we remain committed to reaching even more people, breaking down the barriers of digital exclusion, and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in the digital economy. The road ahead is long, but with the milestones we’ve already achieved, the path forward is filled with promise.This project is not just about numbers; it’s about the real, lasting impact on lives, communities, and the nation. We are proud of what we have accomplished so far and excited about the change we will continue to create together.

Transforming lives through Digital Inclusion

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">Grameenphone took a timely initiative in the fight against the coronavirus. It supplied 50,000 sets of professional-grade medical PPE to 12 hospitals, listed under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). This was done during the initial stages of the pandemic when the medical frontline workers had little to no protection whilst saving lives.At Grameenphone, we believe, it is possible to overcome any obstacle with the power of a united force. We also feel that it is our duty to help lessen the burden of those who work diligently and are committed towards the betterment of a society and its people.The names of the 12 hospitals that received the PPE are listed here:<div class="custome-bullet"><ul><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Kuwait-Bangladesh Friendship Government Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Kurmitola General Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Dhaka Medical College and Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Dhaka Mahanagar General Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Mugda Medical College and Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Narayanganj 300-bed Hospital</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Sir Salimullah Medical College</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Mymensingh Medical College</li><li>Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College</li><li style="font-family:Source Sans Pro;">Sheikh Russel Gastro Liver Institute and Hospital</li><li>Infectious Diseases Hospital.</li></ul>Also, in a separate drive, Grameenphone with the Foreign Investor’s Chambers of Commerce &amp; Industry (FICCI) contributed 1,000 high-quality ICU Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Combined Military Hospital (CMH), in a joint effort to combat Covid-19.</div></div>

Grameenphone handovers 50,000 PPE

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">At the initial stages of the lockdown, daily-wage-earners have suffered significantly as their means of income depended on regular work.In addition to Government initiatives, Grameenphone has taken a joint initiative with BRAC, the world’s and Bangladesh’s largest Non-Government Development Organization, “Dakche Amar Desh” to provide emergency food assistance for the ultra-poor families of the country, who have been hit the hardest due to the pandemic. With a fund of BDT 15 crore, emergency food assistance among 1,00,000 ultra-poor families has been established. Each family received BDT 1500 for two weeks’ essential food supplies. On top of that, many compassionate members of the society have responded to our call and extended their hand of cooperation in this initiative.</div>

Dakche Amar Desh (My Nation Calls)

<div class="custom-page-basic-font-size source-sans-pro">
 
 In the dynamic growth landscape of Bangladesh, where digital transformation plays a pivotal role, it is important to understand, as we journey forward, how we can create an all-inclusive experience for all, especially vulnerable communities. Spearheaded by Grameenphone in collaboration with Plan International, a baseline survey on vulnerable communities shines a spotlight on digital behavior, emerging digital divides and their impact on societal inequalities.
 
 
 Covering 17 districts, the survey explores the digital needs of diverse, marginalized communities, ranging from ethnic and religious minorities to tea garden workers and climate-affected populations. With both quantitative and qualitative insights gathered from 4,800 respondents, Focus Group Discussions, and Key Informant Interviews, this survey is pivotal in addressing digital inclusion gaps within the country. Grameenphone’s unwavering commitment reflects their dedication to advancing digital inclusion, ensuring a brighter, more inclusive digital future for Bangladesh. Detail report will shed
 
 
 
 <a class="btn btn-primary pid3397" style="background:rgb(0, 120, 207);border-radius:3px;border:none rgb(0, 120, 207);box-shadow:none;box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(255, 255, 255);cursor:pointer;display:inline-block;font-family:Telenor, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Helvetica, Arial, &quot;Noto Sans Bengali&quot;, sans-serif;font-size:16px !important;font-weight:400;height:auto;line-height:16px;margin-bottom:0px;outline:none 0px;padding:10px 24px;text-align:center;text-decoration:none;touch-action:manipulation;transition:background 0.2s ease 0s;user-select:none;vertical-align:middle;white-space:nowrap;" href="https://cdn01.grameenphone.com/sites/default/files/inclusive-digital-future.pdf" target="_blank">Inclusive Digital Future</a>
 

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Baseline survey on vulnerable communities

Inclusive Digital Future

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