World Vision Bangladesh, Gildan Launch Transformative Projects
In an ambitious move to empower young girls and bolster children's literacy, World Vision Bangladesh, together with Gildan, a global leader in apparel manufacturing, has unveiled two pioneering initiatives: "Goal for Growth" (GFG) and "Empowering Next Generation" (ENG).
The launch event, hosted at World Vision Bangladesh's National Office in Dhaka, showcased commitment and collaborative spirit, with significant attendance from local and international stakeholders, including a notable delegate from the High Commission of Canada.
Fostering Skills and Confidence through Sports. The GFG initiative is designed to empower young girls through football, a sport chosen for its universal appeal and effectiveness in teaching teamwork, resilience, and leadership. This project targets 100 girls, split evenly between the daughters of Gildan employees and girls from local community schools. It aims to impact these young athletes and their broader community circles, totalling approximately 1,000 individuals. Scheduled to run from October 2024 to September 2025, GFG is more than a sports program; it's a launch pad for young women to gain confidence and skills that transcend the playing field.
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Enhancing Literacy and Educational Access Parallel to GFG, the ENG project seeks to transform educational access and quality for children, particularly those facing barriers to conventional schooling.
This three-year initiative focuses on interactive learning techniques, such as Reading Buddies and Make-and-Take activities, which are proven to engage children more deeply in the learning process. ENG is committed to directly involving 150 children and indirectly benefiting around 1,000 community members, including the families of Gildan employees and residents.
A Commitment to Sustainable Development Gildan has a longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility, with substantial investments in community development initiatives across its operational regions. "Our partnership with World Vision is a testament to our belief that the long-term sustainability of our business relies on building healthy, resilient, and thriving communities," stated Juan Carlos Contreras, Senior Vice President and Country Manager of Gildan.
Endorsement from Canada Highlighting the international dimension of this partnership, Ms Debra Boyce, the Senior Trade Commissioner from the High Commission of Canada, praised the initiatives for aligning closely with Canadian developmental priorities overseas, which focus on education, health, and empowering women and girls. "Canada and Bangladesh share longstanding and incredibly warm ties. It's a proud moment to see such impactful collaborations take shape," she remarked during the event.
This story of collaboration and community development is more than just a local narrative; it's a model of how global partnerships can effectively address and support local challenges, turning aspirations for empowerment and educational access into tangible outcomes.
