A delegation from the U.S. Department of Labor visited YPSA in Chottogram on 28 October 2026 to observe its initiatives to eliminate hazardous child labour and support climate-displaced and vulnerable communities. The delegation comprised Ms. Leena Khan, Labor Attaché, U.S. Department of Labor, and Mr. MD. Saifuzzaman Mehrab, Labor Specialist, U.S. Department of Labor. The visit was facilitated by Mohammad Ali Shahin, Advocacy Focal Person at YPSA.
During the field visit, the delegation observed child labour practices and working conditions in the Bastuhara area near Fisharighat, with particular attention to dried fish processing yard. The delegates interacted with workers of different age groups, including children, to gain firsthand insight into the challenges associated with hazardous child labour and the working conditions in the sector.
Beneficiaries of YPSA’s Free Kids Project who had successfully transitioned out of hazardous child labour were also present with their parents and caregivers. They shared their experiences and highlighted how the project’s interventions including vocational training for adolescents and livelihood support for caregivers had helped their families reduce economic pressures and avoid sending children into hazardous work.
Reflecting on the project’s approach, Ms. Leena Khan said, “The approach of YPSA on reducing child labour is very holistic. Especially, the vocational training for adolescents and livelihood training for caregivers is very community-friendly, based on my observation.”
The delegation also held discussions with leaders of the Dried Fish Yard Cooperative Society to understand the challenges faced by workers, including women’s working conditions and the broader socioeconomic difficulties affecting the community. Ms. Khan expressed her interest in exploring ways to support the workers and address the challenges discussed during the visit.
Mohammad Ali Shahin emphasized YPSA’s commitment to community-driven child labour interventions and highlighted the need for stronger research, advocacy, and support from the government and international organizations to develop more effective, evidence-based solutions.
Following the field visit, the Free Kids Project team held a discussion with the delegation on the project’s activities, achievements and ongoing efforts to support children and their families. Ms. Khan expressed her appreciation to the project team and beneficiaries for their efforts and the positive interventions being implemented at the community level.
The Free Kids project, implemented by YPSA, under the Climate Action at Local Level (CALL) programme, the project is supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Solidar Suisse Bangladesh.
The Free Kids Project is implemented by YPSA under the Climate Action at Local Level (CALL) programme, with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and Solidar Suisse Bangladesh.
