The 9th batch of free sewing training organized by Alor Kafela and implemented by Smile For All (SFA) has officially begun in Mirpur, Kushtia. An inaugural ceremony was held on Saturday, August 22, at Naodapara Choudwar Secondary Girls’ School to mark the beginning of the new training batch.

The program was inaugurated by Barrister Ragib Rauf Chowdhury, Chairman of the Legal Education Committee, Bangladesh Bar Council, who attended the event as the Chief Guest.

Dr. ASM Musa Kabir, Chief Adviser of Smile For All, attended the program as the Key Speaker. Special Guests included Md. Nurul Islam Master, former President of Naodapara Choudwar Secondary School and Adviser of Alor Kafela, and Md. Marfat Afridi, President of Mirpur Press Club. The event was chaired by Seyef Rul Amin, Adviser of Alor Kafela.

The program was conducted by Al Bukhari Anik, Acting Director of Smile For All. Members, volunteers, and representatives of both Alor Kafela and Smile For All were also present at the event.

Around 35 women learners are participating in the new batch. The two-month training program will consist of 20 classes and will be conducted by SFA’s skilled trainer Arifa, with the support of an assistant trainer. The training is designed to provide participants with practical sewing skills along with essential basic skills that can help them pursue income-generating opportunities.

Building Skills, Creating Opportunities

Smile For All has been implementing free sewing training programs since 2025 under the patronage of Dr. ASM Musa Kabir. With the completion of eight previous batches, nearly 200 women have already received training through the initiative. Many of them are now using their skills to earn income and contribute to the financial well-being of their families.

For SFA, the sewing training program is more than simply teaching a vocational skill. It is part of a broader effort to create opportunities for women to become more confident, skilled, and economically independent.

Speaking at the event, Dr. ASM Musa Kabir said that empowering one woman can have an impact far beyond her individual life. When a woman gains the ability to earn, her additional income can help strengthen her entire family. He emphasized the importance of expanding initiatives that contribute to women’s skill development and economic empowerment.

Chief Guest Barrister Ragib Rauf Chowdhury praised the social initiatives of Alor Kafela and Smile For All. He said that when young people come forward to serve communities and take initiatives for social development, society should stand beside them. He also expressed his willingness to support the organizations whenever needed.

SFA’s Commitment to Empowerment

Speaking about the initiative, Al Bukhari Anik, Acting Director of Smile For All, said:

“For us, sewing training is not simply about teaching a skill; it is about creating an opportunity for a woman to stand on her own feet. We believe that when a woman becomes skilled, the positive impact extends beyond her own life to her family and community. We are pleased to work with Alor Kafela in implementing this initiative, and we hope every learner of the 9th batch will be able to use the skills gained through this training to build a more self-reliant future.”

The initiative reflects Smile For All’s broader vision of creating practical opportunities for people at the community level. Through skill development, SFA aims to encourage individuals—particularly women—to turn their abilities into sustainable sources of income.

As the 9th batch begins its journey, the organizers hope that the participants will complete the two-month training with useful sewing skills and the confidence to explore income-generating opportunities. Beyond individual skill development, the initiative is expected to contribute to women’s empowerment and strengthen the economic capacity of families within the local community.

Smile For All believes that sustainable change often begins with a small opportunity—and sometimes, that opportunity starts with learning a skill.

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