MetLife and MIDAS to Train 500 Youths in Mobile Phone Repair

Press Release: MetLife Foundation and Micro Industries Development Assistance and Services (MIDAS) are to train 500 youths in Dhaka and Chattogram in mobile phone repair and entrepreneurship.

The two organisations have launched a two-year skills development programme aimed at helping young people gain practical skills and improve their employment prospects.

Participants will receive hands-on training in mobile phone repair and maintenance. They will also be taught skills to help them start and run their own businesses.

MetLife Foundation said Bangladesh has more than 187 million mobile phone connections, while smartphones are used by about 75% of households.

The growing use of mobile phones has increased demand for repair and maintenance services, creating opportunities for employment and small businesses.

The programme is intended to help participants develop skills that meet market demand and provide opportunities for employment, self-employment and income generation.

Ala Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MetLife Bangladesh, said economic opportunities were important for building financial security.

“Financial security starts with economic opportunity,” he said.

He said the partnership with MIDAS would focus on developing practical skills that are in demand in the job market and could help young people find work or become entrepreneurs.

Parveen Mahmud, Chairman of MIDAS, said the organisation would use its experience of working at the local level, alongside support from MetLife Foundation, to help participants develop the skills needed for employment and entrepreneurship.

She said the programme could also contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable environment for entrepreneurship in Bangladesh.