Effectiveness of Skill Development Programs Implemented by Non-Governmental Organizations: A Qualitative Study in Khulna Region

Abstract

This paper investigates the efficacy of skill development programs provided by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the Khulna region, where such development programs have become central to improving the employability, self-reliance, and socioeconomic resilience of marginalized communities. This study employed qualitative research design, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Moreover, using a purposeful sampling technique, a total of 10 beneficiaries were selected (5 Khulna University students and 5 villagers). Furthermore, thematic analysis was used as the data analysis technique for this research. The results show that training organized by NGOs tends to align closely with the aspirations of the participants and offer relevant technical and soft skills, including tailoring, digital literacy, communication, and entrepreneurship. The respondents noted higher income prospects, greater financial autonomy, especially in women, and high levels of confidence and social empowerment. Nevertheless, key obstacles to program effectiveness that are reported in the study are a mismatch between skills and rapidly changing job markets, reliance on donor subsidies and intermittent funding, insufficient training resources, reach to remote populations, and support to persons with disabilities. It was observed that the limited training periods, old training modules, and poor job-placement mechanisms further limit long-term livelihood prospects by providers. The research highlights the necessity of increased market-responsive curricula, long-term financial models, enhancing the capacity of trainers, and employer-NGO alliances to improve job linkages. The recommendations to enhance sustainability are the expansion of community outreach, investment in inclusive training infrastructure, and post-training mentorship. Overall, the results can provide policy makers, development practitioners, and donors with practical ideas to make NGO-based skill development policies more refined and design more equitable, resilient, and employment-oriented programs.