E-learning software launched for Bangladesh RMG workers, managers

E-learning platform UpSkill, designed to raise workers and managers’ compliance awareness levels in the RMG sector, has been launched in Dhaka.

Feedbacks from the participants who took part in the software’s pilot test were also shared at the BRAC Centre Inn on Thursday.

The software has been developed by GreenGrade Solutions Limited with financial help from UKaid through its 'Trade in Global Value Chain Initiative'.

Sarah Cooke, the DFID Country Director, and Sharon Sadeh, GreenGrade Managing Director, were present at the launch.

UpSkill is available online and works in tablets as well. GreenGrade claims that it costs 90 percent less than other courses and includes topics such as hygiene, factory conditions, and effective management.

The ‘user-friendly’ learning platform does not require any prior knowledge of compliance. Users can access the course at their convenience, and a customer help centre is available for guidance.

At the end of the course, participants need to take a test to obtain a certificate.

The UpSkill project requires participating factories to join in an integrated ethical compliance study. The course intends to raise ethical compliance levels in factories.

DFID’s Cooke said, "Providing training through learning technology is very practical and efficient. It's low-cost.”

She said it was based on best international practices but also well-grounded in the local Bangladesh context.

“That means it is very relevant to the factories that you yourselves are working in and has lots of examples from here," she added.

After the pilot phase in 24 factories, UpSkill planned to train at least five managers in 300 factories over the next 18 months, she said. “That means over 300,000 workers will be reached though this technology."

Spelling out UKaid's support for the platform she said, "Labour compliance and safety are high priorities for us. We are actively engaged on a number of fronts.

“Our work is focused on improving building safety and working conditions… (to) help empower workers and also employers to take responsibility across the supply chains.”

To elaborate, she said they were funding the implementation of national action plan on fire and building safety, and working through the ILO and their donors.

“Best of working conditions and building safety will lead to better productivity. It's a win-win. What is good for workers is good for businesses.

“The RMG sector in this country will lift many people out of poverty in future. And the UK government is proud to be funding this initiative," she said.

Explaining UpSkill's suitability for Bangladesh, Sadeh cited Bangladesh’s young labour force and its growing familiarity with the mobile learning scene.

“They are using mobile phones, tabs. A study in US has shown the computer-aided learning tools improved significantly the skills of staffs, students and other learners,” he pointed out.

He said the course had been designed keeping in mind the country’s demographic profile, technology, and the experience gained in other countries.

Leading audit and research organisations had helped in improving and checking the content, he added.

The results of the pilot project were announced at the end of the programme. Most of the participating RMG managers and factory owners appeared to be happy with the software.

The pilot course was offered free, but there would be a special price for interested factories till January next year.