NEET Youth: The Overlooked Strength of Our Generation

 

As Bangladesh strides towards economic growth and technological innovation, one pressing issue remains: a large segment of the nation’s youth is being left behind. The Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) youth are often marginalized, overlooked, and misunderstood, with many being labeled as unmotivated. However, this portrayal fails to account for the complex web of systemic barriers these young people face, including an outdated education system, a saturated job market, and a lack of relevant skills. While society may point fingers at them for being disengaged, it is crucial that we shift our perspective and ask a more important question: have we, as a nation, failed to create viable pathways for their participation in education, training, or employment?

In Bangladesh, NEET youth refer to young individuals aged 15 to 24 who are neither pursuing education, engaged in employment, nor participating in training. The NEET rate stands alarmingly high, with nearly 40% of youth categorized as NEET, and 61.7% of them are women, highlighting societal barriers such as gender discrimination and early marriage. Rural areas have a higher proportion of NEET youth, although urban areas also exhibit significant numbers due to job market saturation and the lack of relevant skills.

The issue is deeply rooted in economic, educational, and social barriers. Poverty, limited access to quality education, and a rigid job market significantly contribute to youth disengagement. Despite the potential of vocational training, it is undervalued in society and lacks sufficient infrastructure. Moreover, outdated curricula in educational institutions and a mismatch between academic qualifications and job market needs further limit employability. For many, societal expectations, particularly for young women, create additional barriers, preventing them from pursuing career opportunities or engaging in meaningful training.

Many NEET youth possess self-taught skills in areas like freelancing, creative work, or informal sector jobs. Despite facing challenges, their entrepreneurial spirit is evident, though they lack institutional support to scale up their efforts. These individuals often have hidden skills, such as digital talent, vocational expertise, and problem-solving abilities, which remain largely unrecognized. Unlocking and investing in these talents could significantly benefit their personal growth and contribute to the country's development.

The education system in Bangladesh faces several challenges, such as rote learning, a lack of vocational education, and a mismatch between degrees and market needs. Opportunities are limited in the employment sector due to public sector job saturation and private sector demands, compounded by a lack of career guidance. Cultural restrictions, safety concerns, and lack of financial independence further hinder women, making it harder for them to enter the workforce. Mental health issues, such as frustration, anxiety, and depression, are also prevalent, as many youth struggle with prolonged unemployment.

The Bangladesh government has launched several initiatives to address NEET youth. However, their effectiveness is often limited by a mismatch between the skills taught and job market needs. For years, key agencies such as the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports have struggled to harness the potential of NEET youth, trapped in bureaucratic inefficiencies. Despite numerous initiatives and success stories, real, transformative changes remain out of reach. In contrast, the Ministry of Finance, though small in size, has demonstrated a more effective approach by leveraging financial support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), turning the untapped potential of NEET youth into valuable skills through targeted programs.

While development partners and I/NGOs have long advocated for change, their efforts have largely resulted in empty success stories that fail to bring about meaningful impact. NGOs like BRAC, Plan International, Oxfam, Swisscontact and Grameen Bank, alongside the private sector, support youth employment through training programs and financial aid, though accessibility remains a challenge for many. Microfinance institutions offer loans to young entrepreneurs, providing financial support, but the process needs to be more accessible. Bangladesh Bank SME Department, Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), and Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) run entrepreneurship development programs with financial support from the Finance Division, under the Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP) and Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Program (SICIP).

The digital economy plays a significant role in reducing NEET rates, offering new employment opportunities. Freelancing and online work have positioned Bangladesh as a major outsourcing hub, while platforms like Daraz, Foodpanda, and Sheba.xyz have opened avenues for e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship. Additionally, tech-driven education platforms, such as Mojaro, Bohubrihi, CodemanBD, Shikhon and Shikhbe Shobai, equip youth with market-relevant skills, enabling them to thrive in the digital economy.

To harness the potential of NEET youth, several steps can be taken. Bridging the gap between education and employment through skill-based curricula, vocational training, and career counseling in schools can prepare youth for the job market. Encouraging startups and self-employment through financial aid and mentoring programs will empower young entrepreneurs. Social awareness and a mindset change are crucial, as recognizing the potential in every youth, whether in formal jobs or alternative career paths, can drive their success. Finally, collaboration between the government and private sector is needed to create sustainable employment models that cater to the diverse talents of NEET youth.

The challenge of NEET youth in Bangladesh is not a reflection of their potential, but rather of systemic failures that prevent them from realizing their capabilities. The country's youth, especially those excluded from education, employment, or training, possess untapped skills that, if properly nurtured, could drive national progress. To transform this potential into reality, a comprehensive approach is needed one that aligns education with market demands, provides targeted vocational training, and fosters an inclusive job market that embraces digital entrepreneurship and micro-entrepreneurship. While some government initiatives have made developments, a fundamental shift in policy and mindset is crucial to breaking the cycle of underemployment and disengagement. By establishing an individual Ministry for skills development, Bangladesh can unlock a generation of talent ready to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s growth. This is not just an investment in the youth, but in the future of Bangladesh itself.


Md. Nurunnabi is a columnist &
Research Development Secretary
at TVET Professionals’ Network.