Report 2010

Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS)Shibgonj Road, Netrakona, Bangladesh

Preface

I have the pleasure to present the annual report 2010 to our donors, friends and well wishers. SUS has already passed 23 years by acquiring so many diversified experiences.

In 2010, SUS has given more emphasis on gender, rights, climate and food security issues. SUS has shared and exchanged its ideas, views and learning with different stakeholders and donors as well. SUS has revisited its programs by considering its capacities and limitations. SUS has started activities of “SUS Hospital” with a view to provide quality health services among the poor and backward people especially women and children by keeping the slogan “Our goal is service, not trading”. SUS has strengthened its relationship with different government and non-government institutions.

SUS discussed, reviewed and resolved all strategic issues in its committee executive as well as management team. The project managers and their equivalents have been empowered to deal with the issues.

The national and foreign donors have provided their funds and necessary technical supports with a view to establish our goal and objectives. At the same time, SUS has enabled to build up donors’ confidence due to its efficiency, accountability and transparency. I would like to offer my thanks and gratitude to the people of different professions and classes who provided their unconditional cooperation and assistance to implement the initiatives.

I wish to pay my thanks to my dearest and committed staffs who worked hard with trust and sincerity to succeed the endeavors.

Thanks are rightly due for all development partners and program participants who extended their hands of cooperation all the times to make the journey worthy and meaningful.

Begum Rokeya Executive Director

Abbreviation AFAL Access to Food security and Accelerate

Livelihood towards Bio-diversity ASK Ain O Salish Kendra BRAC Bangladesh Rural Advancement CommitteeCAP Community Action Plan CBO Community Based Organizations CAMPE Campaign for popular education CFW Cash For Work CHASHI Concern and Habituate on

Agriculture Sovereignty through Household Initiative

CLEPP Community Led Extreme Poor Project CPF Community Policing ForumCDD Center for Disability in DevelopmentCP Cerebral Palsy CRA Community risk AssessmentCRE Community Response in Education CV Community VolunteerDRP Disability Rehabilitation Project ECD Early Childhood Development EKATA Empowerment, Knowledge and Transformative

Action ECG Electro CardiographyEPI Expanded Program on ImmunizationFDP Family Development PlanFGD Focus Group DiscussionFSUP Food Security for Ultra PoorHH HouseholdHRM Human Resource ManagementHRLS Human Rights and Legal Services IGA Income Generating ActivityGIP Governance Improvement PlanGRCBP Gender Responsive Community Based Policing GO Government OrganizationLF Local FacilitatorLGED Government Engineering Department LGSA Local Governance Self AssessmentMDG Millennium Development Goal

ME Micro EnterpriseMF Micro FinanceMFMSF Micro Finance for Marginal and Small Farmer MNP Manobadhikar Natya Parishad MNS Manobadhikar Nari SomajMoU Memorandum of UnderstandingMP Member of Parliament MSP Manobadhikar Sangrokkon Parishad NGO Non-Government OrgainizationNFPE Non-Formal Primary Education PEDP Primary Education Development Program PIC Project Implementation CommitteePLSEW Promotion of legal and Social Empowerment

of Women PKSF Polli Karma Sahayak FoundationPSU Program Support UnitPTA Parent Teacher AssociationPRA Participatory Rural AppraisalRMC Rural Micro CreditRLF Revolving Loan FundRIIP Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project RTI Right to Information

SACUP Strengthening Agricultural Capacities of Ultra Poor

SMC School Management CommitteeSLIPP Sustainable Livelihood for Poor Producer SIC Scheme Implementation CommitteeSUS Sabalamby Unnayan SamitySEEUP Social and Economic Empowerment of Ultra

Poor SVAW Stop Violence Against Women TBA Traditional Birth Attendant UDMC Union disaster Management CommitteeUPP Ultra Poor Project UPGA UP level Participatory Gender AnalysisWHO World Health Organization VDC Village Development Committees VGD Vulnerable Group DevelopmentVGF Vulnerable Group FundWLT Women Leadership

Table of contentSl. No. Name of Program/Project Page

1 The organization 12 The program/project of SUS 42.1 Micro Finance (MF) program 42.2 Education program 92.2.1 Non-Formal Primary Education (NFPE) 92.2.2 Early Childhood Development (ECD) 112.2.3 Community Response in Education (CRE) 122.3 Health and disability program 152.3.1 Reproductive health and HIV/AIDs project 152.3.2 SUS Hospital 172.3.3 Disability Rehabilitation Project (DRP) 172.4 Rights and Governance 212.4.1 Gender and Social Justice 212.4.2 Access to justice 222.4.3 Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW) 232.4.4 Promotion of legal and Social Empowerment of Women (PLSEW) 252.4.5 SHARIQUE – A local governance project 252.4.6 Gender Responsive Community Based Policing (GRCBP) 272.5 Livelihood and Food Security program 282.5.1 Social and Economic Empowerment of Ultra Poor (SEEUP) 282.5.2 Strengthening Agricultural Capacities of Ultra Poor (SACUP) Project 322.5.3 Community Led Extreme Poor Project (CLEPP) 352.5.4 Food Security for Ultra Poor (FSUP-H) Project 392.5.5 Adolescent Empowerment through handicrafts 442.6 Environment and Climate program 462.6.1 Access to Food security and Accelerate Livelihood towards Bio-diversity (AFAL) 462.6.2 Concern and Habituate on Agriculture Sovereignty through Household Initiative

(CHASHI)46

2.6.3 Sustainable Livelihood for Poor Producer (SLIPP) 462.7 Program Support Unit (PSU) 472.7.1 Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) 472.7.2 Training 482.8 Special program of SUS 492.8.1 Peoples Institution - Loko Kendra 492.8.2 Emergency Assistance to Flash Flood Affected Poor and Marginalized People

(EAFFAPMP) in Khaliazuri49

2.8.3 Adolescent Empowerment Project (AEP) 502.8.4 Shelter house for battered women 522.8.5 Scholarship fund for higher education of SUS education project 522.9 Networking and advocacy program of SUS 532.9.1 Campaign for good governance (SUPRO) – A network organization 532.9.2 Addressing causes and effects of acid attacks with Acid survivors foundation 532.9.3 Campaign for popular education (CAMPE) 542.9.4 Bangladesh Shishu (children) Adhikar (rights) Forum (BSAF) 542.9.5 National forum for disability development (NFWD) 542.9.6 Forum for gender alliance with Step Towards Bangladesh 542.9.7 National committee for stop violence against women (JNNP) 542.10 Comments of different stakeholders 55

1. The organizationPeople want changes, think for changes. They always fight for socio-economical development. Sustainable development is possible by creating equity-based equality.

The head office of SUS is situated at eastern part of Netrakona town of Netrakona district 160 km. from Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. A group of committed staffs are working hard with trust and sincerity. Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has been working to organize, aware and activate people by making culture of sustainable development through striving for creating and exploring possibility among the people with a view to establish a society with dignity and justice. All the activities of SUS are being operated by considering the condition and situation, analyzing the capacity and scope of the targeted people.

Since inception in 1986, SUS has been trying to stand behind the deprived and destitute people especially women, adolescent and children of the community. SUS is practicing an integrated and rights based approach.

The vision of SUSPeople live in a society with dignity and justice.

The mission statement of SUSSUS works with poor and deprived people by providing different socio-economic and cultural services with a view to eradicate poverty and injustice.

Legal status of SUS Registration of Social Welfare Department : 1986 Registration of NGO Affairs Bureau : 1990Micro credit Regularity Reform Authority : 2008

Geographical coverage by SUSSUS is presently working in 1822 villages under 162 unions and 6 Pourosovas of 21 upazilas of 3 (Netrakona, Sunamganj, and Mymensingh) districts through 26 branch offices with integration of different. SUS is also working in 367 Villages under 18 unions of 3 upazila of kishoreganj, Jamalpur and Sherpur districts with the collaboration of 3 local NGOs for activating and strengthening Union Parishad and govt. legal aid fund with a view to access of poor people into justice.

Population coverage by SUS SUS is covering 454310, 217374 and 166942 people in Netrakona, Mymensingh and Sunamganj districts respectively (Both directly and indirectly) which means 25% population of Netrakona and nearly 1% population of other working areas.

Approach of SUSRights-based integrated and participatory approach

Staffing of SUSTotal: 652 Permanent: 522 (Male: 411 and Female: 111)Part time: 130 (All are female)

Human Resource Management (HRM) Proper human resource management is very much essential for sustainable development of a society or a nation/country. SUS has an individual section on human resource management. Due to skill management, leadership, commitment of the staffs and taking timely decisions, SUS has been grown up and expanded rapidly within the couple of years. SUS has enabled to prove its trend of sustainability through proper utilization and initiatives of HRM.

1

The organization has a strong focus on imparting training towards enhancement of the skills and competencies of the employees. During the year, a total of 122 employees attended external training within the country. Management of the organization on a continuous basis undertakes in house training and exposure initiatives towards raising awareness among the organization employees with respect to NGO policies, instructions and directives of various regulators so at to ensure that the employees are well informed and empowered towards providing services within the framework of laid down regulatory requirement. During the year, 272 staffs received in-house training. During the year SUS training cell provided training to 311 staffs of other NGOs.

Management system and processEffective performance management ensures the optimum performance of the staff in a sustainable manner. SUS practices staff supervision and coordination to ensure performance. Organizational management is led by the management team consists of the executive director and 4 program directors. All strategic issues are discussed and reviewed and resolved in this team. Similarly all operating and regular issues are resolved at operating level. Project Managers and their equivalents are empowered to deal with those issues.

SUS operates projects with different themes by the assistance of various donors. It has developed project management structure for all the projects it runs. SUS has established practices for free flow of information both horizontally and vertically. SUS is gender responsive organization. The gender policy has been developed and is being implemented. SUS has reviewed both its personnel and financial management manual.

Governance systemThe governance of the organization is a value led driving force to govern an organization. SUS has nine members executive committee drawn from local and national elites and social workers. The board is very supportive to the management.

The executive director is nominated by the executive committee as sole implementer of SUS. The executive director is responsible for making coordination, collaboration and networking with donors and other officials. SUS shares its plan, budget and other strategic matters with the board and get them approved for implementation.

Governing Council of SUSMembers of the General Committee: Male: 15, Female: 12, Total: 27Members of the Executive Committee: Male: 02, Female: 07, Total: 09Members of Management Committee: Male: 04, Female: 01, Total: 05

Accountability and transparencySUS is endowed with long standing committed staff members who have over the years grown with this organization. SUS is running its programs through a right-based and integrated approach. SUS always tries to provide quality services. SUS is accountable to donors, govt. as well as community people. SUS is transparent regarding information, reporting, sharing and disseminating important ideas and massages.

SustainabilitySUS always tries to bring the people in mainstreaming development through a common platform for raising their collective voice with a view to establish their rights. Participation and ownership of grass root people are the pre-conditions of sustainable development. SUS is trying to establish people's institution where they will identify their problems and will take necessary steps and timely decisions for implementation. People's institution/organization will run individually through communicating with different govt. and non-govt. institutions, media and relevant stakeholders for successful implementation of their taken decisions.

Core values of SUS* Quality service, *Holism/integration, *Sustainability, *People’s participation, *Human dignity, *Secularism, *Gender equality

2. The program/project of SUS2.1. Micro Finance (MF) program2.2. Education program2.3. Health and disability program2.4. Rights and Governance program2.5. Livelihood and Food Security program2.6. Environment and Climate program2.7. Program Support Unit (PSU)2.8. Special program2.9. Networking and advocacy program of SUS

2.1. Micro Finance (MF) programSabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) started the micro-finance (MF) program aims to raise income through creating employment opportunities and increasing production. A positive change in the social-economic status is necessary to empower people in order to take part in decision-making option for improving their quality of lives. MF program provides savings and credit facilities for the poor people especially women of rural and urban areas. Poor people have no access to secured loans and mortgages from the formal banking system. In the rural area, the only alternative is to borrow from moneylenders who demand very high interest rates. Most of the people have difficulty for increasing their income without the fund to invest in future.

SUS was enlisted as partner organization of PKSF in 1994 and has been running different micro-finance activities. In 2010, SUS has divided its MF program into 4 classes such as: a. Rural Micro Credit (RMC); b. Micro Enterprise (ME); c. Micro Finance for Marginal and Small Farmer (MFMSF) and d. Ultra Poor Project (UPP). Now, SUS is running its MF program with 30220 members through 26 branch offices of Netrakona, Sunamgonj and Mymensingh districts. Total loan disbursement is tk.387676000.00 and total outstanding is tk.222209908.00. Total savings is tk.72681557.00.

a. Rural Micro Credit (RMC)The landless, divorced, widowed people those who have 50 decimal lands and sell their labour in other houses for maximum 180 days in a year are the members of RMC. After depositing savings for 8 weeks, one gets an amount of tk.8000.00 with the condition of recovering the loan at 12.5% interest through 45 installments. A member gets maximum of tk.40000.00 as loan. Besides, one member also gets the opportunity to withdraw partial savings during emergency and they have insurance facilities.

In 2010, Total member is 17254. 14888 members got loan from RMC fund. 4877 new members were included with RMC and at the same time, 6764 members left due to their personal interest. A total of tk.183938000.00 was distributed as loan and tk.182596775.00 was realized. Total outstanding was tk.100339289.00 and tk.22824601.00 was realized as service charge. Besides, tk.22480239.00 was deposited as savings and tk.20609193.00 was taken by the members to meet up their urgent needs.

The members are running their businesses individually as well as jointly with their husbands and children. As they are making profit, they are now able to meet up their daily needs. A good relationship has been built up between husband and wife.

Case study

Jahura is a courageous and laborious womanJahura is a courageous and laborious woman. She is now the inhabitant of north Satpai under Netrakona municipality of Netrakona district. She lived with her husband late. Md. Hanif at Netrakona town though she was born at Bousa village of Kalmakanda upazila of Netrakona district. Hanif was the inhabitant of Amli village under Netrakona sadar upazila of Netrakona district. Jahura’s father married her at early age. After marriage, Jahura tried to earn something and she got a Alal, only son of Jahura was going to grow up gradually. They were passing the days with hardship.

In 2006, SUS started MF program at Amtola village and Jahura became the member of ‘Maloti’ group. After depositing savings and attending meeting, she received loan of tk.6000.00 and bought a rickshaw for her husband. Hanif gave her tk.30.00/days as rent. Jahura paid back installment from this money. They spent one yearly well. Later on, she received tk.10000.00 and purchased 40 decimal lands. In that year, her husband got injured at his leg and became paralyzed gradually. He could not move. She then handed over the rickshaw to her 15 years old son. He earned a little amount. She became hopeless. Jahura started to work at other’s house. It was very difficult to run the family. At last, she started a shop of cake making at Satpai rail-crossing bazar. She earned tk.100.00-150.00/day. She again received tk.12000.00 and purchased the rickshaw at amount of tk.5000.00. She gave tk.17000.00 to her son and started a tea-stall at rail-crossing bazaar. He earned tk.200.00/day by selling tea and other snacks. She has taken 80 decimal lands as lease. She runs the family by selling the paddy of the lease lands. She has purchased 2.5 decimal lands. She also bought 2 cows. She has made a tin-shed house. She has done everything with hard labour.

Now, she does not go to the shop. Alal has opened a savings deposit for his mother for 7 years. Now, she is passing her life with happiness. She is grateful to SUS.

b. Micro Enterprise (ME)Usually, small businessmen get this type of loan facilities. Those businessmen who have their own business with tk.25000.00-30000.00 capital along with trade license and are running their businesses smoothly and were the members of RMC get tk.50000.00-500000.00 with 12.5% interest.

In 2010, Total member is 834. 820 members got loan facilities. 179 members were included with ME and 199 members left due to their own interest. A total of tk.72702000.00 was distributed as loan and tk.60339980.00 was realized during the time. The outstanding was tk.51677608.00. During the year, the members deposited savings tk.3245856.00 and they withdrew tk.3491274.00 due to meet up their needs.

They don’t take loan now at high interest rate. They have confidence on SUS due to flexible terms and conditions. Most of the businessmen have raised their own capital and they are becoming self-reliant economically.

A real fighter BoloramBoloram Dey is an inhabitant of Noapara village of Kendua upazila of Netrakona district. He came to Netrakona with 70 taka in cash for winning the battle of life. Boloram has been working hard for a long time to get success in his life and now happy days are knocking at the door.

We are going to explain the successive story about Boloram. His father Gonesh Chondro Dey was a farmer and he had a big family with 12 members. For running the family, he borrowed huge amount of money from neighbors and fell down into deep frustration. As a result, he was losing his confidence. Gradually, he became unable to do work and once he left away from them to die. As an elder son, Boloram took responsibility to run the family. He was suffering to bear family expenses as like his father. After getting 70 taka from his mother, he started to journey towards Netrakona for changing his life.

After coming Netrakona, he started to work in Doyal Bonik’s shop. He always intended to start business individually but he could not able to start due to lack of sufficient money. In the mean time, he borrowed 4000 taka at 10% interest. After 3 months, he started a joint business with Babul Goon by giving 6000 taka as security money with the assistance of his father-in-law. In the year 1999, he rented a shop in Ranu plaza by giving 20000 taka as security money. After three years, he rented another shop in the same market by giving 50000 taka as security money. Periodically, he took 780000 taka from SUS as loan for his business. His present loan is 216000 taka and savings is 33427 taka in SUS.

Now, Boloram says, I have 15 family members and I spend 25000 taka each month for bearing my family expenses. After getting loan from SUS, my business is growing up gradually and I have bought a house in Satpai area of Netrakona town by 190000 taka. I have started a new business in Satpai area that is being run by my younger brother. I spent 75000 taka for my sister’s marriage and 140000 taka for my brother’s marriage. My elder daughter Supriyo Rani Dey Hasi reads in class 7 at Netrakona Govt. Girls High School and younger son Shyem Sundor Dey reads in class 3 At Anjuman Govt. Model High School in Netrakona. The value of my shop’s stuff is 2000000 taka and my monthly income is 42000 taka from two shops. Now, I have become a successful man by my determination and the assistance of SUS. I am so thankful to SUS.

c. Micro Finance for Marginal and Small Farmer (MFMSF)SUS started MFMSF with the assistance of PKSF for those farmers who have 2.5 acre own land or total 5.00 acre with lease and share cropping lands. SUS also provides technical support to the selected farmers for increasing their production. SUS is running MFMSF with 4513 farmers at 3 upazila (Netrakona sadar, Atpara and Kendua) of Netrakona district. A farmer gets tk.8000.00-50000.00. Besides, the farmers get different seasonal loans. They also get different related training.

In 2010, 3459 members got loan facilities. 1445 new members were included with MFMSF. A total of tk.61896000.00 was distributed and tk.62680017.00 was realized during the year. Total outstanding was tk.25912926.00 and tk.7613049.00 was taken as service charge. Tk.7210744.00 was deposited as savings and tk.6417911.00 was given to the members due to meet up their own needs.

SUS and government agriculture department jointly provide technical support to implement the activities. The farmers are getting more benefits from MFMSF and they are enabling to change their present condition.

A successful vegetable farmerMiddle aged Meher Banu is active member of ‘Obodan’ samity of SUS. She is an inhabitant of Gachhgoria village, sadar upazila under Netrakona district. She has been involving with SUS since 2006 while MF project started in her village. After passing fifty six days as general member, she was treated as good member. In the year of 2006, she got 8000 taka loan from SUS for agricultural purpose. Periodically, she got 62000 taka loan. She has 3139 taka savings in SUS.

Mother of nine children Meher Banu got married at early age. After marriage, she assumed that her days will not pass out only by taking care of her children and husband. So, she decided that she will work with her husband in farming. Since, she was acting as a real companion of her husband. She was explaining about her life that we had only 40 decimal cultivable lands. By harvesting only paddy, we did not have any profit from this land. We discussed each-other that what we should do. Then we decided that our land is not feasible for paddy cultivation. We started to cultivate vegetable in 20 decimal lands. We got success but we did not have much profit because we borrowed money at high interest rate from a local person. We were passing our life by agreeing this kind of situation. At that time, we saw the light of hope. In the year 2006, SUS started credit program in our village and they provided us loan with less interest for vegetable gardening. We started our new journey with the assistance of SUS. We got loan from SUS and profited. Day by day, we expanded our vegetable cultivation. Now, we are cultivating vegetable in 50 decimal lands. In this year, we have spent 13000 taka for vegetable gardening. Already, we have sold vegetable at amount of 8000 taka. We are hoping that we will get double profit after selling vegetable. We are so thankful to SUS that they are not only giving us loan but is also providing training about vegetable gardening. They also provide sex-feromen trap to protect vegetable from harmful insects. Our villagers are so happy to see these kind activities of SUS. Now, many farmers come to us for getting advices about vegetable gardening. They want to know our technology. Now, we have 60 decimal own lands and we cultivate 25 decimal lands as lease. My husband is so happy to see my initiatives and he likes to cultivate vegetable. We are happy now.

d. Ultra Poor Project (UPP)SUS is providing loan under UPP to the sheltered, widowed, divorced, beggar, ultra poor people of 15 upazila under 3 districts. There are 2502 members of UPP those who have only 5 decimal lands and sell their labour nearly 300 days a year. The members of UPP get more facilities than other classes such as: facilities without paying insurance money. SUS provides tk.5000.00-30000.00 to those members who run their businesses successfully by bringing them under RMC.

In 2010, a total of 2065 members got loan facilities. 668 new members were included with UPP and 1099 members left due to meet up their own needs. Tk.16286000.00 was distributed among the members and tk.17249939.00 was realized during the period. Total outstanding was tk.10719156.00 and tk.1872843.00 was taken from members as service charge. Tk.2784790.00 was deposited as savings and the members withdrew tk.2847643.00 for meet up their needs.

Through getting this opportunity, a tendency of begging has been reduced at a certain extent. Selling of labour has also been reduced due to create employment opportunity. The shelterless people are dreaming for a home for shelter.

A story of Begum AkterWidow Begum Akter has four children. She is the inhabitant of Bangla village of Netrakona sadar upazila of Netrakona district. She drew into loan during the marriage of her elder daughter Jhorna Akter. Her husband died 12 years before by suffering from unknown disease. Since then she was fighting to live in the society and at that time, she got SUS beside her. Begum became the member of SUS in the year of 2007. She was selected as a member under UPP project of SUS. SUS was searching the expertise for running business. And SUS came to know that she has 12 months training on sewing but she did not have expected profit from her business. SUS gave her 6000 taka loan to start her business. And it helped her to become successful. Her name and fame has been focused around her village and other areas. Her income is being increased. Now, she has a cloth shop and she got 12000 taka loan from SUS. In her value of the cloth of her shop is 8000 taka. Her daily income from sewing is 80-100 taka. Her son Ibrahim earns 200-250 taka daily as earth-cutting worker. Youngest son Ismail is in class nine at Krisno Gobindo High School. She is bearing Ismail’s educational cost from her income. She dreams that Ismail will get higher education and he will work in a university or educational sector. She is so thankful to SUS.

2.2. Education programEducation is the backbone of the nation. Education is insurance. Education is one of the rights and a source of light and empowerment. Education is universally recognized as fundamental building block for human development and one of the strongest instruments for reducing poverty. In Bangladesh, the expansion of primary education is crucial. Bangladesh’s low literacy rate of 39% is one of the many low development indicators that remind us how far our nation has yet to go in its pursuit of sustainable development. Education in the largest sense is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character or physical ability of an individual. In its technical sense, education is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated Knowledge, skill and values from one generation to another. The primary education has not yet reached at significant populations in remote parts of Netrakona district.

2.2.1. Non-Formal Primary Education (NFPE)The NFPE program of Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has improved the educational status of the poor

people of the rural and slum area. Dropped-out students are unable to go to school in proper age due to lack of awareness about education of their parents, lack of money of their family, big family size, education scope is not available for poor people in each area. So, they start through non-formal schools and they also get chance to involve in continuous education. Above all, SUS is playing a significant role in making the goal “Education for all” successful through NFPE.

In 2010, Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) ran 100 NFPE schools with 3000 students (including 19 disable children) from

93 villages of 8 upazilas (Netrakona Sadar, Atpara, Madan, Mohongonj, Barhatta, Durgapur and Kalmakanda) of Netrakona and Mymensingh district. Among these, 20 schools with 600 students (Boy: 227, Girl: 373) who were continuing their 1st year, 30 schools with 900 students (Boy: 372, Girl: 528) who were continuing their 2nd year, 30 schools with 900 students (Boy: 303, Girl: 597) who were continuing their 3 rd

year & 20 school with 600 students (Boy: 251, Girl: 349) who were continuing their 4 th years courses respectively. 127 students were dropped out for different causes but rest of them completed their courses successfully. In this year, 856 students have been completed their courses who are continuing their study in different government and non-government schools.

To run these schools properly, 2 batches basic training and 83 batches refreshers training of 100 teachers, 1114 meeting with the guardians, 20 guardians gathering, 379 meeting with school management committees and 568 meeting with student forums were arranged. 100% participants in basic training and refreshers training; 95% participants in guardian and SMC meeting and 95% participants in student’s forum meeting attended. In this year, the attendances of students were 92% in average. Due to receive training, the teachers run their activities according to the prospectus and curriculums. For the meeting & gatherings, the SMC and guardians became aware and they helped the teachers and SUS activists to run these schools properly. The students also became aware on different activities, primary health care, hygiene, rules and regulations, discipline etc. Due to the co-curriculum activities, a competitive environment and also a positive attitude among the students have been created. During the reporting year, five national days were observed in the schools and the students were informed about the importance and historical background of these days. The children got scope to learn and sing songs, to play with friends, recite rhymes, and spent the time with fun and playing games. They learned about health, hygiene practices and morality. The students of NFPE schools showed better performance equally in the examinations.

Progress1st year student

- Can read & write Bangla letters & words, can make word with different symbols, can make & write small sentence with different words, can read different sentences without joint alphabet, can read the specific lessons & can tell specific story, rhyme and poem.

- The students can identify & write different English words (small & capital), can say & write two words with English letters, can translate specific English words to Bangla and say specific rhyme in English, they can also say and write numbers from 1 to 10 digit in English.

- The students can say and write the numbers from 1 to 100 digits, can write 1 to 50 in word. They can do summation with two digit, can say multiplication from 1-5.

- The students can answer of different question about general knowledge such as: national animal, bird, fish, flower, fruit, poet, river, capital city, division, different countries and health-hygiene.

- The students also can dance, sing, role play, recite and draw pictures as co-curriculum activities. 2nd year student

- Can read and write different sentence with Bangla & English word, they can read any lesson properly and can answer of different question from specific lesson. They can say and write specific rhyme, poem and can say specific story.

- The students can say and write different words with English letters, can translate specific English words, can say and write specific rhymes, can read, write and translate specific English sentences. They also can say and write numbers from 1-50 digits and can write one to ten in English word.

- The students can write numbers from 1-100 in word. They can write numbers of odd-even, ascending-descending order sequentially, can do summation with three digit, can do multiplication and division. They also can say multiplication from 1-10.

- The students can answer of different question about general knowledge such as: national animal, bird, fish, flower, fruit, poet, river, capital city, division, different countries and health-hygiene.

- The students also can dance, sing, role play, recite and draw pictures as co-curriculum activities.

3rd year student- Can read and explain any lesson from Bangla book. Can answer of any specific question from Bangla

book. Can tell and make summery of specific story and poem of Bangla book. Can write specific essay and letter in Bangla.

- The student can read and write the specific lesson in English and can answer of different question. They can write and tell different words in English letters and also can make sentence with English words. They also can tell and write specific rhyme in English. Can write numbers from 1-100 in English word.

- In mathematics, the students can write any number from 1 to one lakh(hundred thousand) in word. They also can write numbers with odd-even and ascending-descending order from one to one lakh (hundred thousand) sequentially, can do summation with four digit, can do multiplication and division, multiplication from 1-15.

- The students can read, write and also can answer specific question from social science, environment, geography and religion.

- The students can answer of different question about general knowledge such as: national animal, bird, fish, flower, fruit, poet, river, capital city, division, different countries and health-hygiene.

- The student also can dance, sing, role play, recite and draw pictures as co-curriculum activities.

4th year student- Can read and explain any lesson from Bangla book. Can answer of any specific question from Bangla

book. Can tell and make summery of specific story and poem of Bangla book. Can write specific essay and letter in Bangla.

- The student can read and write the specific lesson of English book and can answer of different question. They can write and tell different words in English letters and also can make sentence with English words. They also can translate specific word and sentences to Bangla and can tell and write specific rhyme in English. Can write numbers from 1-100 and name of the seven days and 12 months in English word.

- In mathematics, the student can write any number from 1 to one core in word. They also can write numbers with odd-even and ascending-descending order from one to one core sequentially, can do summation with four digit, can do multiplication and division, table from 1-20.

- The student can read, write and also can answer specific question from social science, environment, geography, history, general science and different religion..

- The student can dance, sing, role play, recite and draw pictures as co-curriculum activities.

2.2.2. Early Childhood Development (ECD)From experience, SUS realized that most of the children in this area are not able to prepare themselves before entering into school. If children from the age group 5+ are not prepared before going to school, it is very difficult to reduce drop out. So, mothers from these children family must realize the importance of Early Childhood Development (ECD). Early Childhood Development (ECD) is playing important role for involving the student with continuous education. Those who involve and complete the ECD course; they continue their

study with strong determination.

In 2010, Sabalamby Unnayan Samity ran 20 ECD centers in 17 villages of Purbadhala upazila of Netrakona district and Mymensingh sadar upazila of Mymensingh district. 600 students (boy: 237, girl: 363) including 4 disable children got chance to go to these centers. Out of them, 594 students completed course successfully.

To run this 20 center properly, SUS recruited 20 teachers. 20 Center management committees were formed with the local elites and guardians. 80 CMC

meeting were held. 94% participants attended the meeting. 210 meeting with the guardians were arranged and the attendance was 91%. 19 batches refreshers training were arranged. Every ECD center observed five national days. The community people also helped to run these centers smoothly.

ProgressThe children are now very interested to go to school. They are self-initiated to complete their home task. As they find the learning system in school interesting, they become very much attentive to their study.

90% children of ECD centers can read and write the Bangla letters, they also can read and write English letters. 95% children can write and tell the numbers from 1-30. 98% children can draw different pictures on their own view. 95% children can tell the name of different fish, flower, fruit, birds etc. They can identify different size, such as: round, triangles, square etc. 98% children can sing national song, oath and prayer. 90% children can tell selected rhyme, poem and also can sing, dance and playing game. The children can write their name and address. They achieved quality to get admit into class one.

The children are now behaving gently and practicing cleanliness. The students are now learning about health hygiene practices and morality. They are sharing the issues in their families.

Bhabna: An achievementBhabna is the only child of Sajahan Mian and Mahmuda Akter of Bashbari Colony under Mymensingh municipality. Now she is 6 years old. It is great sorrow that while she was 5 years old, she became affected by polio disease. For that reason, her future became covered by darkness. Day by day, her legs were being unused. Her parents tried very much but did not get any result. At last, they knew from doctors that Bhabna will not stand naturally, she will have to take help of others for the whole life. Bhabna’s father Sajahan is a day laborer and mother is a house wife. They can sign their names only. After identifying the disease, they became hopeless about Bhabna. Already, she crossed the age of 6. But they did not send her to the school. Because she could not move without help of anybody. On the other hand, the school was far from their home. So, they felt interest to admit her to the center. At first time, Bhabna was feeling shy. But day by day, she overcame the situation. Tahmina, the teacher of the center said to every child to help Bhabna. Sometimes, she helped her to come and go from the center. Though her physical condition has not change but she changed herself mentally. Her parents are very happy to see her improvement. Bhabna can join with all events except physical exercise. Her hand writing, pronunciation and presentation are very fine. She can present rhyme and draw picture also.

Now her parents dream that they will continue her education and they want to see her as an educated girl. They seek cooperation of all.

2.2.3. Community Response in Education (CRE)Bangladesh has made significant strides in increasing absolute enrollment over the past decades, though successful steps have been taken to address issues of access, the government has so far not been able to address quality issues and provide quality inclusive basic education to all Bangladeshi children, including the most marginalized.

The quality of education in most government primary schools is poor, irrelevant to the current lives of children and does not prepare children to become productive and participating citizens of the future. Teaching and learning is based on rote memorization and this Teacher-centered. The children who do complete a full 5 years of primary education rarely achieve basic learning competencies, deal to inadequate teaching methodology and lack of curriculum relevance. Physical and humiliating punishment performed by teachers is common and negatively effects learning achievement, attendance and enrollment.

Children with disabilities drop-out of school due to negative, unfriendly attitudes in the education system and loss of confidence due to poor performance. The infra-structure in schools is not designed for children with physical disabilities and teachers are not trained on how to understand and address the various learning needs of different children with disabilities.

The project will aim to demonstrate that quality can be increased and exclusion decreased through pro-active involvement of communities leading to more appropriate approaches to managing class rooms, schools and the local education system.

CRE is a new inclusion in the education sector of Bangladesh. It will help all school-aged children of a school catchments area to enroll in education and ensure quality primary education.

The program would seek to instigate the community to actively engage with education duty bearers for improving the quality of education in their respective areas.

The project will explore these opportunities and analyze the causes of exclusion and poor quality from a national perspective in order to assist government and particularly the Primary Education Development Program (PEDP-2) to respond to them.

The goal of the project: A national education system is capable of analyzing and tacking the causes of exclusion from access and quality learning at the local level.

Purpose of the project: Ensure access, retention and quality primary education for all children through school-community partnership.

Progress ReportSUS worked with 27 primary schools (Govt: 10, Reg. 17) of Netrakona sadar upazila. One workshop was held on education situation assessment and data collection (FGD, Mapping etc) where CRE staffs participated. 6 FGD for data collection were arranged where 64 parents, SMC members and students attended. Mapping (8) for data collection was completed where 315 villagers attended. Now 2 schools have documents about education scenario of their catchment areas. One training batch for PTA presidents was held where 30 participants attended. 33 SMC-PTA join meetings of 25 schools were held where 499 SMC-PTA members participated. 2 sharing meetings with SMC, PTA, Teachers, Govt. Officers and Volunteers were held where 92 participants participated. SMC-PTA members are now aware of their responsibilities and are actively working for school development. They arrange PTA meeting regularly. Now SMC-PTA meetings held more regularly than before. They arrange SMC meeting regularly. They know the height of 6+-10+ children, total student, dropout children, child labor and disable in their catchment area. Involvement of above committees has been increased with the schools, which has improvised the education environment of the schools. Material has been developed for Dream School Workshop. The facilitators have facilitated workshop successfully. All Children know concept of dream school. They can draw their thinking about dream school. They can select the indicators of dream school.

Solpoikandi Registered Primary SchoolSolpoikandi registered primary school is situated in Kailati union. There are 3 teachers in this school of which 2 female and 1 male. The male teacher is acting as headmaster. There are school management committee and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) of the school. Both the president of the committee is very active. They are the elite of the community. They receive training form different places. The playground of the school is large, although the infrastructure of the schools is not well-built. But there is no tree in the playground where the students can play by sitting beneath shadow. Only three class room is available for the students although classrooms are not well decorated. The color of the wall is pale, no picture and education related materials hanged along the wall as the students become happy to see. The school was included in the community response in education project since the project started its journey in 2009. 4 members of the school participated in the SMC and PTA training organized by Sabalamby Unnayan Samity with the technical assistance from the project. Follow up meeting was arranged at school after raining. In this meeting, discussion was held on different problems of the school. After a long discussion, it was observed that they face non-cooperation problem from the community during implementation of any decision taken by the committee. Finally, the committee feels discourage. But they again take decision on few issues through prioritization as they are members of the school development committee. These issues are-

Plantation at school ground. Installation of tube well and ensure security. Repair toilet Repair furniture

The members of the committee could not implement the decision due to financial crisis. Sabalamby Unnayan Samity provided skill development training of 7 SMC members and 3 advocacy team members. Two follow up meeting were also organized in this regard in the school. After that the earlier decision was also followed up and from this follow up, the financial crisis and the lack of help from the community found out. It was decided that for financial crisis they will communicate with education office.

They got taka 40000 as donation from the education office through effective communication in the education office. This donation was used for installation of tube well, repair of toilet and furniture. The school authority planted 100 trees and security fence from the assistance of localities. Ground nut trees were planted in the school ground which brought financial profit.

Now, all the activities are directed by the committee’s decision. As a result, the students are being benefited. The SMC and PTA think that education officials should visit the school frequently for keeping the smoothness of education.

Bali Government Primary School

Best for own initiative Ruhul Amin, a retired govt. service holder is the president of school management committee. After retirement, he devoted himself to the development activities of Bali govt. primary school, a social institution of his community. The school is situated in Kailati union under Netrakona sadar upazila. Total students of the school are 355. 9 teachers are working in this school. 9 members of the school management committee received "Skill development training of SMC" organized by Sabalamby Unnayan Samity. PTA committee participated in combined training of school management committee and skill development training of advocacy team. In this regard, follow up training was organized several times in the school.

School management committee seats for meeting at last Thursday of each month. All the members of the committee present in this meeting. Decision is taken and implementation is done by the participation of all. At present, there is no drop out student in this school. Members of the committee take the responsibility of students dividing among themselves by village to ensure the presence in school and regular study at home. In this regard, the president of the school takes the responsibility of 12 students. He said that he goes to the student's house and talks with students and his/her guardian. Due to active cooperation of the committee, now attendance rate is above 90%.

The committee does not take new initiative before implementation of any decision taken earlier. School was open at Ramdan vacation as per committee's decision. Soton, the volunteer of the school ran the class. A tin- shed (CI-Corrugated Iron) comprising two rooms was set up to start the child class. The area of the tin-shed is 34 feet x 20 feet. Total cost was tk.27700 and this fund was managed from the Kailati Union Parishad (UP) through the consultation of committee. SMC has planned to go for study tour at the end of the year 2010 or the first of 2011.

2.3. Health and disability programBangladesh is one of the densely populated countries. A healthy population can produce a healthy nation. Ill health brings despair and imbalance in a planned life of a person. As a result, it is not possible to bring expected development. All social problems of our country are inter-linked with each other. One problem invites more problems. A single cause is not liable for health breaking. Many causes are responsible to create a problem such as: about 50% people live under poverty line. They can’t fulfill their demands due to cause of poverty. Majority people are depriving from necessary health services.

2.3.1. Reproductive health and HIV/AIDs projectThis project was run in five upazilas such as: Atpara, Madan, Mohonganj, Purbadhola under Netrakona district and Mymensingh sadar upazila under Mymensingh district by covering 50 villages under18 unions and 3 municipality including 9 slum areas. 5000 families got benefits through health services. In the village and slum areas, people have little awareness of health issue and as a result, they suffer from health hazard. They live in over-populated and unhygienic conditions, with little access to safe water and have inadequate knowledge of nutritional diets. They have no awareness on primary health care, sexual health rights and the safe delivery of babies. Due to lack of knowledge, they have been suffering from sexual diseases. This project was used to build awareness of HIV among the sex workers and drug-addicts of the Mymensingh slum areas. On average three mothers die per hour during the antenatal period in Bangladesh. The SUS health project has been working to reduce the mortality rate of pregnant mothers and young children. SUS provided training among TBAs so that they can work in this field successfully. Health related awareness-building programs were implemented through this project. In 2010, 50 trained TBAs were selected to ensure safe deliveries. A one day orientation program was held for village health committees and 550 members were informed of their responsibilities. They are now taking special initiatives to run the program properly.

It is not yet possible to ensure safe home delivery, quality nutrition, family planning, and vaccinations for pregnant mothers and young children. In the SUS working area, there are few hospitals and clinics. Though some government hospitals have been set up in the upazila and district town but there are not enough doctors or treatments to meet the population’s demand. The poor, particularly the people of slum areas those who go to the government hospitals or health complexes are advised to go the private clinics for treatment. But the capacity for treatment and operations in those clinics is low. As a result, patients are being deprived of local health services. In particular, safe deliveries cannot be ensured. According to statistics, maternal and infant mortality is increasing. 70% of maternal deaths occur due to miss-handling, dirty and unhygienic environments, unwashed hands and ignorance about the five steps to ensure a safe delivery.

Different stakeholders are involved with this program including, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA), health workers, union health committees, upazila health committees, union parishad and civil society members. A bridge has been built among the stakeholders to ensure the establishment of health rights. Health staffs have visited selected households of the villages to identify and decide on a plan of action to improve the overall health situation.

Significant changes were achieved in 2010 as a result of performing project activities. The main focus of the project was to ensure 100% sanitation coverage in the working areas, 80% participants cultivate vegetables and 65% families use a contraceptive plan. In 2010, 3965 latrines, 30 community based latrines and 13 tubewells were installed. They were aware about the use of latrines. To cover the rest areas, staffs have been building up linkage with union council. 3550 eligible (71%) couples out of 5000 were included in family

planning initiatives and they are using family planning method. 3600 (72%) people were involved with the cultivation of vegetables. 1900 (38%) households prepared compost fertilizer and 1900 (38%) households planted trees.

For ensuring safe delivery in participating areas, 50 TBAs have been trained by SUS. After receiving the training, they have completed 317 deliveries without any complications. Child and mother mortality rate and complication have been reducing day by day and TBAs are becoming more interested to gear up their knowledge on safe delivery through refresher course.

For ensuring medical services, SUS provided 3 health camps for 84 severe patients in unreachable slum areas at free of cost. SUS was enabled to identify 4 female patients for referring to the pathological test to detect HIV positive. One workshop with health related government and non-government staff was held to find the existing health facilities along with access to these services. One sharing meeting with different health service providers and service receivers was held with 34 participants to ensure specific sources of government facilities (family planning, treatment for female acute diseases, maternal check-up, complexity in delivery, vaccination etc.) for receivers in their emergencies.

During 2010, 5000 selected households and 900 outside community people have been made aware on HIV/AIDS issue through 270 community and courtyard meetings. Health workers used different flash card and poster in these meetings. Two billboards have been established in remarkable places of working area for disseminating different importance information on HIV/AIDs. One media campaign out of 2, has been implemented because of fund crisis on HIV/AIDs with a view to aware them to campaign through media. 4 acute patients of female diseases have been diagnosed and treated by SUS through pathology test and medicine. One poster and one sticker on AIDs has been published and distributed in the community. Two Dramas on HIV/AIDs have been performed on the street and slum area where about 1000 people were present. 4 meetings have been organized on HIV/AIDs with the different occupational groups like bus and truck driver, rickshaw puller, day laborer. 1 meeting with different stakeholders has been arranged on HIV/AIDs to inform about SUS initiatives. International AIDs day in collaboration with government on 1 December was observed where 1000 people participated in rally and discussion meeting.

People are now able to identify their own problems and can take initiatives to solve those problems. If people continue to exercise their knowledge, it is possible to improve the total health status of the working area.

Successful Midwife SameemaSameema is a trained midwife who is living at Akua Jubili quarter under Mymansingh municipality. After getting training from SUS, she has become popular in her area. Moni Begum is a worker of SUS health development initiative project. Moni Begum was pregnant. Sameema passed a risky situation during born of 7 months immature baby of Moni Begum. Moni Begums had no pain during delivery period. Sameema told the guardian of Moni Begums to bring her immediately to nearby hospital. However, Moni’s family did not agree to bring her to hospital. Sameema was observing situation and she called a doctor and the doctor suggested her to push a VIP saline. According to doctor’s suggestion, she pushed her saline. After a while, Moni Begum felt labor-pain. Sameema handled the whole situation carefully and successfully by the training experience and Moni Begum became the mother at her home without any difficult circumstances. Moni’s child is healthy now.

Day by day, Sameema has been facing different challenges. In this year, she completed 18 safe deliveries successfully. Now, she is going to another area as renowned midwife.

3.3.2. SUS HospitalSUS has started activities of “SUS Hospital” in 2010 with a view to provide quality health services among the poor and backward people especially women and children. By keeping the slogan “Our goal is service, not trading”, SUS is providing static and satellite clinics, indoor and outdoor services. In 2010, 5044 patients (Female: 3430, Male: 650 and Children: 964) and 532 patients (Female: 430, Male: 35 and Children: 67) got heath services through 279 static clinics and 72 satellite clinics respectively. Besides, in hospital, 1078 patients got ultra sonography facilities, 1007 got pregnancy package test, 155 got ECG and 2672 got other pathological test facilities. SUS implements EPI jointly with government. During the period, SUS organized 92 EPI camps and provided following services: BCG: 157, DPT (1 st dose: 176, 2nd dose: 156, 3rd dose: 105), OPV (1st dose: 162, 2nd dose: 152, 3rd dose: 103 and 4th dose: 113) and measles: 113. Besides, the operations of 386 patients have been completed at SUS Hospital such as: caesar: 148, stone in gall bladder: 60, appendices: 35, D&C: 45, Hernia: 16, Ovarian tumor: 12, Ovary: 22, Normal delivery: 4 and others: 41. Side by side, cleft lip and palate operation has been completed for 87 clients at free of cost.

2.3.3. Disability Rehabilitation Project (DRP)Disability is not a disease but a problem. According to World Health Organization (WHO), about 10% of total population is disabled. Due to complexity during pregnancy and delivery, a newborn baby becomes the victim of disability. Malnutrition, late decision, early marriage is also the causes of disability. Superstition, social stigma and ignorance make this problem hazard. By considering the problems, SUS incepted a project named by “Disability Rehabilitation Project (DRP)” in June 1998 with a little space at Netrakona sadar. During the period, this project has been extended in other 6 (Atpara, Modon, Kendua, Purbodhalla, Mohanganj and Barhatta) upazila of Netrakona and Mymensingh sadar upazila of Mymensingh district for rehabilitating the disables in the society by ensuring their rights. The activities of the project are as follows: community meeting, court-yard meeting, mother gathering, volunteer orientation, cerebral palsy (CP) mothers training, referral services, guardian meeting in the NFPE/ECD centre, issue based discussion in different education institutions, physiotherapy at home, static clinic in SUS health centre, provide assistive device, operational services, day observation, staff training and refreshers, advocacy, networking etc.

In 2010, 90 disabled received physiotherapy through home services. During the year 316 static clinics were arranged twice a week in 6 upazila offices where 1683 disable clients received therapy. 228 disables have

been referred to other places for better treatment. Operation at free of cost was completed for 87 cleft lip and palate clients in SUS hospital funded by Operation Cleft, Australia Foundation and 66 clients received different types of assistive devices.

To aware the community and mass people, different awareness related activities were implemented throughout the year. The following meetings were organized during 2010 such as: 60 community meetings 6 areas with 2072 community people, 216 courtyard meetings in 6 areas with 3456 people, 70 meetings in NFPE school, pre-primary center and religious Madrasha with 2260 students, 24 adolescents group meetings with 264 adolescents, 14 meetings in different secondary schools with 568 students. The following issues were discussed in those meetings: what is disability, causes of disability, types of disability, identification of disability, prevention of disability, referral system and information and opportunities of disabled, inclusive education for disables, different rights of disabled. These meetings helped the people to aware on disability. During reporting time, 15 disables were enlisted with inclusive education (class one-3, class three-4, class five-5 and class six-3) and they are now going to school with their classmates. 21 disable children were enlisted with government social welfare department to receive monthly allowances and 2 disables have been involved with SUS income generating activities.

To build capacity SUS has arranged 12 staffs advance development course on therapy, social communication and sign for hair and speech clients by CDD and 12 staffs received one refreshers training and bimonthly orientation in SUS.

75 parents of CP children attended 5 orientations with their children to discuss about their experiences, improvement of their children, refresher their knowledge on exercise, exchange positive opinion among those are negative and frustrated. 6 meetings were held with pregnant mother and mother-in-law to inform about the causes of disability and to change the negative attitude towards their daughter in-law.

60% people are able to know about cerebral palsy. The TBAs and mother in-laws are aware about their lack of knowledge and taking initiatives for regular checking, vaccination and ensure safe delivery. The community people are informed and made aware on referral services institutions. The community people, respective government department are aware of the rights of disable and taking initiative to establish their rights.

The students are committed to send the disable people to the SUS disability center for receiving appropriate services. The participants have been informed on prevention of disability at primary pregnancy period, identify of disability at primary stage, prevention of mental, hearing & speech disability, prevention of disability by fever management, cerebral palsy, define disability, its kinds and causes. 90 disables client have received home-based physiotherapy and their physical condition is being improved. The disable people are using assistive device properly. Steps of 1st to 7th phases are being sequentially changed. The acceptance of disables has been increased in the society. 1683 clients attended 316 static clinics and as a result, their physical conditions have been improving gradually. During this time, one assistant physiotherapist has been

trained-up for each client to ensure quality services. The MBBS doctors (Mymensingh and Dhaka) refer their patient to SUS disability centre for getting physiotherapy. 66 assertive devices were distributed among the disable clients. Physically disables are using different types of support like toileting chair, parallel bar, corner

chair, standing table, while chair, special seating, auxiliary crass, toys etc. Most of the physically disabled are passing normal life with dignity. 129 disable persons were referred to different govt./non-govt. organizations (Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh BRAC-orthosis center and CDD-PROVAT) for getting quality services. Most of them are enjoying normal life. They are well now and they can move freely. The positive attitude has been created among the teachers and students. The disables families have received opportunities for earning and their financial status has been improved. SUS disability rehabilitation project celebrated the day and discussed the importance and significance of disability issues. Rally and seminar were held in coordination with Govt. and other NGOs. Disable children participated in sports, art and cultural competition and received prizes.

SUS has established network with 15 (PCH-Mymensingh, BRAC Ortho center, CDD-Dhaka, Child Sight foundation, Jatiya Protibondi forum, CDD-PROVAT, Smile train, National forum of disability-NFWD) and other like-minded organizations. A scope has been created on disability issue for sharing with different organization. The disable clients are getting different services and support from different organization

Special Achievement- Arranged special camp on disability (physiotherapy, Hearing & Speech and Eye camp) issues with

108 disable person at SUS working area organized by Promotion of Integration of Physically Handicapped in Second Rural Infrastructure Improvement Project (RIIP- 2).

- Arranged 2 meetings (Teligati uninon parishad of Atpara Upazila and Bakuljura union parishad of Durgapur upazila under Netrakona district) with union parishad chairman and members.

- 20 mothers have been prepared as a caregiver on physiotherapy supported by RIIP-2.- 20 mothers have been trained up on management of Income Generating Activities by RIIP-2.- Organized 2 orientations with market management committee members on accessibility in the market

of disable person by RIIP-2.- Arranged orientation about disability issues with Local Government Engineering Department

(LGED) staffs and union parishad chairman and secretary by RIIP-2.

Sukhtara can dance now

Abason area is 3 km apart from SUS Gulkibari office, Mymansingh. Sukhtara’s family is living in this area. Her father is Md. Malek Mia and mother is Alea Begum. Sukhtara is the youngest among two brothers and two sisters. Her father is carpenter and mother works as house-maid. Her father has been suffering from different types of diseases. Sukhtara’s elder brother has been separated after getting married. There is nobody to run the family except her mother. Sukhtara is 11 years old and disable. Being a disable, Sukhtara can do everything with her one hand. She goes to school alone. Sometimes, she feels pain in her right leg and hand and she often falls

down on the ground during walking. If this kind of disable gets proper exercise, they can lead a normal life.

After talking with Sukhtara’s mother, we can know that she is not aware about this kind of activity. We include Sukhtara in Savings Samity. The name of the Samity is “ASAR ALO” and it is only for disable people. Sukhtara saves five taka in a day and she has been continuing her exercise. Now her condition is

improving gradually. She can walk now. She is eager to learn new thing. She comes to adolescent group regularly. Sukhtara has been learning sewing and she can make NUPUR (An anklet set with small bells). Every body is taking care of her. It is matter of joy that Shukhtara participates in dance program among other adolescents. Shukhtara hopes that she will be educated and will stand on her own feet.

2.4. Rights and Governance

People have been feeling the necessity as well as fighting to establish their rights from the beginning of human civilization. Development is a continuous process. Human rights and necessity of law are important and recognized issues in the world. SUS believed that both the needs-based and rights-based approaches should be carried out in its mission to realize its vision of a society with justice and dignity. So, the Human Rights and Legal Services (HRLS) program was strategically developed in 2001 which was re-named as “Rights and Governance” program in 2009 along with following components to bring equality in the society by increasing access into justice and decreasing ferocity with a view to strengthen right-based activity.

2.4.1. Gender and Social JusticeSUS has started “Gender and Social Justice” project at 4 unions of Netrakona sadar upazila in 2007 with the financial assistance of Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), Dhaka with a view to increase the opportunities of legal justice for the destitute people, to ensure the accountability of local administration and people’s representatives and to eradicate existing social discriminations. At present, SUS is working directly and indirectly with one luck people under 120 villages of Mougati, Kailati, Laksmigonj and Challisha unions of Netrakona upazila of Netrakona district.

In 2010, this project has implemented different activities with existing Community Based Organizations (CBOs), general people, government officials and lawyers. The remarkable activities are as follows: monthly cluster and quarterly meetings of Manobadhikar Nari Somaj (MNS), union and upazila level monthly meeting of Manobadhikar Sangrokkon Parishad (MSP), meeting with social welfare department regarding registration of CBOs, meeting regarding human rights, arrange legal camp, bi-monthly meeting of Human rights lawyers Association and meeting with central committee, convention of district MSP, workshop with panel lawyers and complainants, sending cases to legal aid fund, issue-based meeting with like-minded local organizations, collection and preservation of information of human rights violation events. About 2830 (Women: 1390) participants actively participated on 25 events/issues.

During the period, district MSP committee has been formed and MSP and MNS have received 57 written complaints, out of which 24 occurrences have been mitigated through arbitration. 15 cases have been sent to legal aid fund. Women participation in different salish and social functions has been increased upto 10%. local government election in reserved seat for women, member and chairman seats respectively. Relationship has been built up among union parishad, local administration and other CBOs and they are jointly implementing different activities. 60 poor and destitute people have received legal advises at free of cost by the lawyers at field level by arranging 10 legal camps. 90% early marriages have been reduced. The capacities of staff have been increased by arranging training, meeting and workshop by Ain O Salish Kendra, Dhaka. A gender policy has been prepared and followed as well.

Limitations The executive committee of MNS at ward and union level has not been formed. It was not possible to complete the government registration of CBOs. There was less scope of training for the members of MNS. It was not possible to establish own offices for MSP at union and upazila level. The CBOs did not achieve the capacities to run the organization individually.

Case study

The victim The accused Jhinuk (12) Abdullah (22)D/o. Deen Islam S/o. Hazi Md. Lal ChanVill. Iylura Vill. IyluraUnion. Kailati Union. KailatiUpazila. Netrakona sadar Upazila. Netrakona sadar

Jhinuk Akter, a student of class-V of Iylura reg. primary school was raped by Abdulla of Iylura village. After informing, the MSP of Netrakona sadar decided to provide assistance for treatment and legal support by investigating the case. The guardians were not interested to disclose the event for keeping the prestige. It was known by discussing with victim, guardian of victim and people of the locality that Jhenuk went to river for washing the cloths at about 3 pm. on 23 June 2010. At that time, the accused Abdullah was washing the jute in the river. Abdullah came to her and caught her mouth and throat and brought her to a nearby place and raped her. She became senseless. After a period, she regained her sense and came to home with injuries. The guardian brought her to nearby hospital and came back to home after taking general treatment by hiding the actual facts. At night, the elites the village came to Jhenuk’s home and tried to minimize the event. The guardian of the accused told that they will give 50 decimal lands to Jhenuk and also told to arrange marriage. At that time, MSP became informed the matter and decided to provide necessary support. On 24 June 2010, the MSP members came to police station with victim and her guardian and filed a case (Case # 24(06)10. The case is now under process. We want punishment of accused Abdullah.

2.4.2. Access to justiceSUS is running the project “Access to justice by activating village court and government legal aid fund” to establish human rights and legal justice of poor, helpless, destitute and backward people especially women and children in 5 upazila of Netrakona district, 1 upazila of Mymensingh district and 3 upazila of Jamalpur, Sherpur and Kishoregonj districts through 3 local NGOs. The goal of the project is “To ensure low cost, fast and participatory justice activating process by village court and government legal aid fund” In 2010, 504 monthly meetings of union Manobadhikar Sangrokkon Parishad (MSP) were arranged with 8063 participants (Male: 5543 and Female: 2520). A good relationship has been built up among chairmen, members, elite persons, government and other like-minded organizations and they are collectively preventing the human violation occurrences. More people are coming to MSP with human rights violation events. 45 meetings of upazila Manobadhikar Natya Parishad (MNP) were held with 575 participants (Male: 485 and Female: 90). 13 dramas were presented and 2242 spectators (Male: 1341 and Female: 901) enjoyed the dramas. People are more conscious about bad effect of dowry, early marriage; illegal divorce etc. 30 community meetings were conducted with the presence of 5128 male and 3129 female. People have got clear

idea about village court and government legal aid fund. People are going to village court with their problems and are also taking help of legal aid fund regarding cases. 43 legal camps were arranged through which 95 male and 187 female got legal advises. As a result of participating at legal camps, people are not filing cases with very minor occurrence. International Women Day and International Human Rights Day were observed with befitting manners where 1590 male and 1389 female participated. People know the importance of the days and they are practicing in their lives. 2 quarterly meetings were held with the participation of executive directors of partner NGOs. The executive directors of partner NGOs can identify the problems and can find out the possible solutions. District level conference of MSP was held with 710 participants. Sultana kamal, honorable ex. advisor of caretaker government and executive director of Ain O Salish Kendra, Dhaka.Ashraf Ali Khan Khasru, honorable member of parliament (MP) was chief guest. The special guests were Aroma Datta-member of human rights commission, deputy commissioner (DC), police super, upazila chairman and pourasava mayor. A strong platform has been formed to raise different demands. 6 planning meeting of MSP were also arranged with 188 members. 4 meetings of government legal aid fund and village court (2 in each issue) were arranged with 288 participants. 3 batches basic training on village court and 1 batch training on

law, rights, gender and salishi arranged with the members of social organizations. Members of social organizations know about village court, its power and jurisdiction, application process, trialable issues, verdict etc. For this reason, they are showing interest to open village court in their areas and they are playing role as judge. The trained participants have learnt about law, gender, rights and shalish. So, they are sensitized about women and they are implementing shalishi activities by considering legal aspects. The participants can now differentiate the arbitral and non-arbitral

events. They can explain the issues of rights and family laws.

In 2010, a total of 662 complaints were received and 84 complaints were investigated. 284 events were mediated through salish, 161 events were accepted by village court and 136 cases were dismissed by village court and 25 cases are under process. 144 cases were received by government legal aid fund in 5 districts i.e. Netrakona, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Mymensngh and Kishoregonj districts. Most of the cases are now under process in respective court.

2.4.3. Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW)SUS initiated to form Stop violence against women network in Netrakona district with like-minded organizations in July 2003. In December 2003, an 18 members district SVAW committee was formed with elites, journalist, lawyer, physician, teacher, NGO representative, cultural worker, local government representative, human rights worker, women leader. There is 35 members general SVAW committee. The activities are being run by following a constitution.

The objectives of the project are to provide legal support to ensure legal justice of victim women, to create mass awareness regarding violence against women and to provide assistance in social welfare activities. SUS is working in an integrated way at Netrakona sadar, Atpara, Modon, Kendua, Purbadhola, Barhatta, Mohongonj upazila of Netrakona district and Mymensingh municipality area. This project has implemented the following activities in 2010 such as: receive complaints, investigation, shalishi, provide assistance in running the cases, quarterly workshop, upazila and district level conference, observe prevention of violence against women day, human chain on violence against women event and issue, provide memorandum, observe district violence against women situation etc.

In 2010, SVAW committee prepared annual action plan. District and upazila SVAW committee organized monthly, bi-monthly meetings, workshop and conference. They discussed about progress of activities, future plan, working process and recommendations. They made commitment to work together for accelerating the movement of freedom of women. 3 meetings of national SVAW forum were arranged and they discussed about different women issues. International Women day, World rural women day, violence against women protest pokko and international human rights day were observed through following manner: rally, human chain, discussion meeting, press conference, sharing meeting, gathering etc. People of different professions actively attended all the events. 211 human rights violation incidents (Torture for dowry, conjugal conflict, physical and mental torture, second marriage without permission of first wife, illegal pregnancy, illegal divorce, family conflict, dower and maintenance, abduction, suicide, rape, illegal love, fraud, immature death) were received and investigation was done for 57 incidents. Shalishi was arranged for mediating 91 incidents. 50 cases were sent to legal aid fund. Legal support was provided to 13 victims. 12 discussion sessions on awareness raising about gender and rights, prevention of acid violence, to reduce miss-uses and availability of acid were arranged at school and college level with 539 students. They made commitment to practice the acquired knowledge in their personal lives. A human chain was displayed on eve teasing with the participation of about 500 students and they are now conscious to prevent and protect eve teasing. Out of 211 incidents, 97 has been mediated by shalishi, 21 cases are under process of mediation, 5 cases are under trial, 18 cases remain as before, 2 cases are under investigation, 50 incidents have been sent to legal aid fund and 18 complainants did not communicate.

Happiness comes after sorrows - Runa is passing happy life

Taslima Akter Runa, daughter of Abul Hosen live at Faridpur village under Singher Bangla union in Natrakona district. Four years ago, she married Abdul Ahad, son of Md. Jahed Khan Vandari of Abashon area in Mymansingh district. Five months later of their marriage life, greedy Runa’s husband starting physical torture to her for dowry. At the first time, she tolerated the torture and was living with her husband. Runa’s dream was that she will be an educated and self-depended woman. However, there economical condition bound her to marry before eighteen. Runa was not seeing any kind of happiness in her life. Face of happiness went back far away from her. Torture has been increasing gradually on Runa by her husband and his family members. Several times, mediation initiatives have been taken to solve the problem. However, she did not get permanent solution. Then Runa went back to her father’s house and they submitted a complaint at

Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) to get proper justice. According to the complaint, Netrakona and Mymensingh Stop Violence Against Women Committee arranged a mediation jointly and solved the problem on 10 April 2010. Abdul Ahad realized his mistake and gave an undertaken that he will never torture his wife in future. On 22 April 2010, Abdul Ahad went to his father-in-law’s house and brought back Runa to his house.

Now, Abdul Ahad says that we have got back our normal happy life by the assistance of SVAW committee and I am so thankful to them. They have a son of two years old. Runa hopes that their son will get proper education for self-reliance. Now, Runa is passing happy life.

2.4.4. Promotion of legal and Social Empowerment of Women (PLSEW)SUS has started the project “Promotion of legal and Social Empowerment of Women (PLSEW)” in 2010 with a view to make easier way of getting justice of women by creating women friendly arbitration system in a sustainable manner. SUS has been implementing the project at 69 unions and 5 municipalities of Netrakona district.

In 2010, 64 batches training course on “Women sensitized shalishi” with religious leader, UP representative, women leader, teacher, kazi and elites of the area (1597 participants; Male: 861 and Female: 736). The trainees have acquired clear concept of their duties and responsibilities. Besides, 8 meetings have been arranged with union parishad (UP) and upazila parishad representatives (282 male and 118 female). They have been informed about the project and have made commitment to provide their active supports. 20 master trainers have received training on ‘shalishi’. This project works with UP SVAW committee of Laksmigonj union under sadar upazila And Modon union under Modon upazila. This committee arranges meeting bi-monthly. They collect information of violence against women related incidents and analyze, receive complaints, arrange shalishi accordingly. As a result, victim women are getting justice.

2.4.5. SHARIQUE – A local governance projectDharmapasha upazila under Sunamgonj district is situated adjacent of India at The north-east side of Bangladesh. It is haor-based area. Maximum people are cultivators and fishermen. The area remains under water a long like five to six months. Only one crop the people can collect. Sometimes, the crop goes under water by flash flood. Communicating opportunities are not easy to all and very expensive. Boats, Traller (Engine boat) are only vessels in rainy season and on the other hand, Puller car is in dry season. Basically people become bound to walk from any place to another. Sometimes, they ride or use motorcycle with high rent. SHARIQUE - a local Governance Project was started since November 2007 in Dharmapasha upazila by the assistance of CARE-Bangladesh funded by SDC. SHARIQUE helps the UPs with technical and financial support. It provides various types training for UPs to strengthening capacity such as: Financial Management, UP planning Process, Gender analysis, RTI, WLT, ward level planning, Budget preparation, how to open budget arranging, Budget Sharing, Review Budget, GO/NGO Coordination Meeting etc. Sharique works with goal, objectives and principles.

Activity UP Monthly Meeting-108, GO-NGO Meeting-68, Standing Committee reformation-117, Standing Committee Meeting-09, Ward level UP Planning Meeting-81, Projectization-09, Open Budget Meeting-09, Ward wise Budget Sharing Meeting-81, Review Budget Meeting-09, Citizen Inclusion in PIC/SIC-1119, Citizen Inclusion in PSC/SSC-354, GIP Review-16, LF/CV Orientation-108, LGSA at community level-131, LGSA at community Level-18, RTI training (UP level)-02, RTI training (Community-09, Speak-up training-09, UPGA-09, Sanitation Fair-06, Cultural team selection-01, MOU with cultural team-01, Cultural show-21, Day Observation-07, Youth Network formation-18, Ward-wise sub-committee formation-09, UDMC Meeting-11, Upazila inception meeting-01, Upazila Parishad meeting-12 and Upazila coordination (GO/NGO) meeting-12Resulta) UPs are going to capable to do the works like Open Budget meeting, Projectization, ward level Budget

meeting, GO/NGO coordination meeting, selection LGSP policy wise activity, how to maintain financial management, procurement, preferring works for pro poor, extreme poor and marginalized through the accountability, Transparency, Participation, maintain rules of laws character of good governance issues.

b) People are becoming aware by the community base activities like LGSA, RTI and others.c) The capacities, skills, training facilitation of staffs have been increasing day by day through the activities

of SHARIQUE.

Successful life of disabled MozibunnessaMahamudnagor is a poor and persecuted village. The village is situated at Shukhair Rajapur Dhakin union under Dharmapasha upazila of Sunamgonj district. The disabled Mozibunnessa lived in this village. Mozibunnessa dreamt that she will get love and affection from her family and society. Her father Hormuz Ali arranged marriage with Akil Uddin due to burden for his family. After marriage, her husband went trackless due to disability of Mozibunnessa. Thereafter, Mozibunnessa became very hopeless. Mozibunnessa was passing her life with miserable condition. SUS-SHARIQUE project has been working in all the unions of Darmapasha upazilla under Sunamgonj district for strengthening Union Parishad. The project is running different types of activities in the community and union parishad. By SHARIQUE’s support, UPs are going to capable to do the works like open budget meeting, ward level budget meeting, GO/NGO coordination meeting, selection LGSP policy wise activity perform, how to maintain financial management, procurement, preferring works for pro poor, extreme poor and marginalized through the accountability, transparency, participation, maintains rules of laws character of good governance issues. Mozibunnessa’s father became involve with above-mentioned activities. The SHARIQUE project selected some targeted beneficiaries for rehabilitate in the society through union parihad. Union Parishad member Masud Miah selected Mozibunnessa and provided a tailoring machine to her, which was bought by grant money of SHARIQUE project under Sabalamby Unnayan Samity. Mozibunnessa is working in the local market. Now, she can prepare blouse, petticoat and frog. In every month, in average she can earn an amount of tk.4000.00. She can contribute her family by this income. Now, her father doesn’t seem her as burden in the family. Her father feels proud with Mozibunnessa. To see the success of Mozibunnessa, Jorina, Julakha and Lily Begum of the same village are taking training on tailoring to start business in the market. Mozibunnessa dreams, she will open a cloth shop in her house in future. Based on learning, she says that the disabled person can contribute to develop our society by the cooperation of all people through desire and strength.

2.4.6. Gender Responsive Community Based Policing (GRCBP)

In keeping the goal and objectives of the project in mind, since July 2009, SUS has been implementing Gender Responsive Community Based Policing (GRCBP) project at 30 wards of 7 unions and 1 municipality under 2 upazila (Mymensingh Sadar and Muktagacha) of Mymensingh district. giz is providing financial and technical support to implement the project. Since August 2010, GRCBP project has been implementing at 60 wards of 6 unions and 1 municipality of Netrakona sadar upazila and Kendua upazila of Netrakona district.

SUS has completed deferent types of activities in 2010 such as: One sharing workshop with 105 CPF members and police administration, 264 monthly meetings of CPF

with 5156 participants, 3 coordination meeting, 3 batches residential training on roles and responsibilities of community policing for CPF member, 30 batches field level training on roles and responsibilities of community policing for CPF member, one quarterly meeting with CPF members and police administration, 3 batches residential training on PRA with 89 CPF members, 10 batch field level workshop on PRA with 241 CPF members, TOT on GRCBP by giz, 29 ward levels Review Planning Workshops with 665 participants, 441 students of 14 high schools attended story writing competition and 642 students attended quiz competition, human chain against eve teasing with 250 CPF members and 1500 people etc.

Results of the activities80% CPF members acquired ideas about their roles and responsibilities. All the members are attending the meeting on time. Local problems have been solved by CPF. A regular liaison has been maintained with police administration/local government/NGOs. Women agenda have been discussed in the meeting. Women CPF members participate in different problem solving activities such as: early marriage, sexual harassment, domestic violence, family conflict, encourages poor families sending their children to the school etc. A bridge has been established among teacher, SMC member and CPF member. Through TOT, staffs are capable to facilitate training as per GRCBP manual and they can facilitate ward level training. 70% students have discussed CPF activities with their parents. Through story writing and quiz competition, students were enabled to improvise their out knowledge. The activities of CPF in this area have been published. The CPF members submitted a memorandum to the honorable Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Netrakona district regarding eve teasing. The participants has written story on different issues like social problem, sexual harassment, development through community policing, women empowerment, stop violence against women etc. SUS has scrutinized the story and selected 40 stories to publish a book. 90% CPF members have acquired knowledge on PRA and how to use PRA tools at field level and how they will identify their existing problems and prepare plan to solve the problems as well. CPF members have revised their plan, identified new problems and prepared new plan. CPF members of 100% wards identified their problems and they prepared an action plan. 25% members of ward has started their activities according to the plan. 2 staff and 4 CPF members (Female-2, Male-4) visited Nepal and gathered knowledge on community policing process of Nepal.

CPF members have declared early marriage free village in 3 wards. They are very much conscious to prevent early marriage. 9 early marriages and 3 polygamies have been stopped through the initiative of CPF. Each CPF has taken initiative to stop gambling and drug use. CPF members have declared gambling and drug free area in 4 wards. They have formed a sub-committee to prevent gambling and drug. 5 gambling spots have been closed through the initiative of CPF and local police.

Community policing system has to be implemented by using working strategies in the light of geographical position, social values and the public demand through transparent and impartial roles of community policing forum. This project will play a very significant role to involve the people of the community.

2.5. Livelihood and Food Security program

2.5.1. Social and Economic Empowerment of Ultra Poor (SEEUP)IntroductionSabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has been implementing SEEUP project since January 2010. 1600 ultra poor women were selected by surveying 2000 households (HH) from 88 villages of 2 upazilas. Total households were divided into 2 groups. Group-II belongs to 849 HHs (53.00%) and Group-III belongs to 751 HHs (47.00%). 789 members (49.31%) are Adibashi and 811 members (50.69%) are non-adibashies. 88 groups were formed during Income and Food Security for Ultra Poor (IFSUP) period.

Activities and Results88 groups are functioning smoothly and 3378 group sessions were facilitated. Group members have been informed about the activities of the action and aware on IGA selection and maintenance issues along with other social issues. A process of solidarity among the target group of ultra-poor has been initiated and made them stronger collectively.

In the reporting period, SUS facilitated a total of 244 spouse meetings (Durgapur: 152 meeting and Kalmakanda 92 meeting). Major topics were involvement of women during family decision-making, investment, daily food intake, dowry, early marriage etc.

Group members along with their husbands have been clearly informed about project policy, inspired them for care taking of their assets, daily group meeting and other project related activities.

SUS provided training to 198 federation leaders through 12 batches (Durgapur: 97 federation leaders with 6 batches and Kalmakanda: 101 federation leaders with 6 batches).

SUS arranged a total of 8 meetings to strengthen union federations and facilitate quarterly meetings (Durgapur: 4 and Kalmakanda: 4). Major topics of the meeting were federations progress review, investment by federations, documentations, maintaining bill-voucher, group visit, liaison with different services providers, next quarter plan etc.

Mainly President, Secretary and Treasurer of each federation joined the meeting and presented their progress, discussed and analysed present situation of groups & federations and prepared next action plan also. In few cases, general members of federation committee joined in the meeting instead of President, Secretary and Treasurer due to the illness and/or any problem. Each federation collected and managed contribution from general group member monthly. Each member of general group of each federation paid tk.10.00 per month. Total tk.111870.00 was collected (tk.50530.00 at Durgapur and tk.61340.00 at Kalmakanda).

Every federations of each upazila invested from their collected amount for different projects (per project range tk.1000.00 to tk.3000.00) such as: vegetable cultivation, agriculture and small business to the general members.

During reporting period, 8 union federations arranged 87 monthly meetings at union level (Durgapur: 44 and Kalmakanda: 43 meetings) and 9 meetings were not conducted due to heavy rain, flash flood and lack of communications. They discussed about federation’s fund raising, budget, activity planning, investment and preparatory work of government registration and their ongoing activities. During the period, 4 federations at Durgapur and 2 federations at kalmakanda arranged annual general meeting where UP chairman, member of related federation, elites, school teacher and approximately 90%

group members attended the meeting. Major topics were achievement of 2010, constitution approval, next year planning and budget.

All members have been informed about federation activities and have increased inspiration about federation . 10% project contribution and monthly federation contribution collection have been increased. Common understanding on organization development among the group members has been increased. Leadership, presentation skill, report writing skill among the member have been developed. Tendency to work together and confidence level about organization development have also been increased.

During the reporting period, to raise awareness on the rights of women, International Indigenous day and International Human Rights day, 8 union level federations organized International women Day on March 08, International Indigenous day on 9th August and International Human Rights day on 10 th December. The representatives of federations played a vital role to observe these events. SUS played the facilitation role. Colorful rallies with festoons; banners, play cards, discussion sessions and cultural events were the part of the programs. Target group members, civil society, NGO and UP representatives and government officials took active part in these events.

Awareness has been raised on the rights of Adibasis, Group members have been informed about the importance of the day and they also knew about their rights and as a result, they can bargain with service providers about their rights.

A half-yearly meeting was arranged by federation and local bodies such as: Union Parishad, Government and NGO Officials at Union level in Durgapur and Kalmakanda Upazila (One in each upazila) and 9 meetings in Durgapur upazila and 8 meetings in Kalmakanda were arranged. Federation leaders of each union, chairman of union parishad, assistant deputy agriculture officer, health assistant and NGO officials such as: BRAC wash, World Vision attended the meetings. Major topics were services of UP, agriculture sector, health sector and they were satisfied to the federation leaders to do something as much as possible.

The local administration and local government bodies are informed about the activities and cooperation in favour of ultra-poor people is established. Media reported about the Action. Adibasis are communicating now with Union Parishads for access to government services. Beneficiaries took treatment in upazila hospitals, there were no casualties. Total 396 in Durgapur and 331 in Kalmakanda service like VGD, VGF, Treatment from Hospital etc. from UP, GO and NGOs were ensured.

Field Facilitators facilitated revision of FDPs by group members considering their family’s activities to feasible and sustained income and other basic needs like shelter, schooling, health, hygiene, nutrition etc. During the reporting period 1259 women members developed their individual family development plans (Durgapur: 574 women members and Kalmakanda: 685 women members).

During the reporting period, SUS provided skill development training to 1630 women members by 82 batches (Durgapur: 822 women members by 42 batches and Kalmakanda: 808 women members by 40 batches). Skill development trainings were such as: beef fattening, agriculture, goat rearing, pig rearing and small business. In addition, all members received trainings on poultry rearing and vegetable production. Technical Officer-Agriculture and unit manager facilitated the training sessions as course coordinator and Field Facilitators were co-facilitators. Demonstration on urea molasses straw (UMS) and preparation of bed for homestead gardening were included in the training sessions.

During the reporting period, SUS transferred different assets by amounting of tk.4041650.00 (Durgapur: tk.2103950.00 and Kalmakanda: tk.1937700.00) such as: bull, heifer, milking cow, pig, goat, rickshaw, small business etc.

SUS transferred different assets by amounting of tk.750000.00 (Durgapur: tk.382077.00 and Kalmakanda tk.367923.00 such as: bull, heifer, milking cow, pig, goat, rickshaw, small business etc.

SUS recovered a total of tk.4659124.00 as reimbursed money of working capital (Durgapur tk.2450686.00 and kalmakanda tk.2208438.00).

SUS collected tk.1060198.00 (10% contribution) from 1254 beneficiaries (942 beneficiary paid full amount and 312 beneficiary paid partial amount). In Durgapur upazila, contributed amount was tk.491466.00 where 403 beneficiary paid full contribution and 210 beneficiary paid partial contribution and in Kalmakanda upazila, the contributed amount was tk.568732.00 where 539 beneficiary paid full contribution and 102 beneficiary paid partial contribution.

SUS field facilitators visited a total of 725 HHs (Durgapur: 365 HHs and Kalmakanda: 360 HHs). Especially Field Facilitators and Technical Officer-Agriculture visited the households for monitoring of assets and individual IGAs. They also provided inputs in the group sessions such as: diversification of IGAs, management of assets and vegetable gardening, marketing of products without interruption of middleman or broker, assist to the involvement of female member during family decision-making, child education, importance of 10% contribution etc.

In the reporting period, SUS arranged 6 quarterly meetings of target people with livestock and agriculture extension officers and Union Parishad (UP) to get access to government services and safety net by steadily decreasing involvement of the Field Facilitators. Durgapur and Kalmakanda upazila organised meetings (3 meetings in each upazila) in different venue and Upazila Livestock & Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer and target people attended the meeting. Understanding and cooperation between Government Livestock Officers, Agriculture Extension Officers & staffs and Group members has been established. Cattle have been vaccinated. SEEUP participants lost their livestock and poultry assets less than other villagers.

SUS arranged 6 quarterly meetings with para-veterinaries at unit office level. Technical Officer-Agriculture facilitated the meetings. Major issues of the meeting were livestock and poultry rearing along with diseases, seasonal diseases of livestock and poultry, solutions of problems of para-vets what they faced during their visit at household level, next quarter planning etc.

Technical Officer-Agriculture and Field Facilitators provided systematic counselling to para-veterinaries for improvement their services and ensure maintenance of livestock assets by the target people.

20 para-veterinaries are providing their services to ultra-poor family. As a result, cattle diseases are reducing now. In some cases, the para-vets are providing primary treatment. Most of the para-vets are earning tk.2000.00 to tk.3500.00 per month through treatment and medicine selling from SEEUP and non-SEEUP beneficiaries.

SUS collected tk.21546.00 as insurance (Durgapur tk.11413.00 & Kalmakanda tk.10133.00) and managed insurance fund for major IGAs from the target group member, 0.50% of investment value.

The action was implemented according to the strategies guideline developed earlier for appropriation of insurance fund. In case of any death or loss, beneficiaries with the help of federation leaders inform office and staff particularly technical Officer-Agriculture physically verifies the incident. After thorough investigation and recommendations from the groups and federation leaders, insurance fund will be used against asset lost those were purchased in SEEUP period.

SUS collected tk.703350.00 as savings (Durgapur tk.319797.00 & Kalmakanda tk.383553.00) from target group members. Total savings as of December 2010 is tk.2119702.00 (Durgapur tk.1045289.00 &

Kalmakanda tk.1074413.00). After withdrawn of savings by the members, balance amount is tk.2077630.00 (Durgapur tk.1007497.00 and Kalmakanda tk.1070133.00) including bank interest. The savings money is using mainly as fixed deposit in the banks. Tk.1650000.00 has been deposited in three separate bank accounts.

SUS refunded tk.60077.00 (Durgapur tk.47652.00 and Kalmakanda tk.12425.00) to the group people due to their family problems such as: family member’s diseases, child education, marriage etc. In some cases, savings were refunded to nominees of beneficiaries due to beneficiaries’ death. SUS undertook baseline survey of new group members. SUS completed survey of 72 HH (Group-I: 54 HH, Group-II: 15 HH and Group-III: 03 HH). In Durgapur (Group-I: 28 HH, Group-II: 11 HH and Group-III: 00 HH) and Kalmakanda (Group-I: 26 HH, Group-II: 04 HH and Group-III: 03 HH).

SUS organised advanced training course for 20 staff members on goal, objectives, approaches, targeted beneficiaries etc. SUS oriented the staffs in brief for two days about the organization and afterwards training workshop was organized by NETZ for 3 days. The Coordinator of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PME) of SEEUP and the Project Manager of NETZ were present as facilitators.

SUS arranged three day long semi-residential training on organizational development where 20 SEEUP staff attended the training. NETZ representative also attended the training. Major issues of the training were what is organization, importance of organization, leadership, type of leadership, decision making etc. NETZ representative and PM-SEEUP attended as facilitators.

SUS provided training of all SEEUP staff for 3 days as semi residential on skill development training on beef fattening, agriculture, goat rearing, pig rearing and small business etc. In addition, all staff received trainings on poultry rearing and vegetable production. Technical Officer-Agriculture and external facilitator from SUS HO facilitated the training sessions.

SEEUP arranged 23 coordination meetings for their staff at unit level (11 at Durgapur unit and 12 at Nazirpur unit) and 8 monthly coordination & monitoring workshops at area level and 4 quarterly coordination & monitoring workshops at area level. Major agenda of those meetings and workshops were progress update, field problem & findings, contribution collection, federation plan & budget, bank accounts opening & progress of govt. registration, financial & administrative issues, issue-based discussion etc.

NETZ arranged 3 daylong residential training on monitoring & finance management. Project manager, monitoring officer, area accountant, two unit managers and two assistant accountants participated the training.

Activity and input monitoring is going on. 88 groups and 129 inputs were monitored by senior staffs. A total of 296 monitoring were conducted where 167 as activity and 129 as inputs monitoring. Profitability monitoring among 30% beneficiaries also completed to understand the actual profit. 260 women of each upazila (30% of 1600) were covered by this monitoring process following random sampling process.

Durgapur unit facilitated to get VGD card, old age pension and child sponsorships of 45 women by other service providers such as: UP and World Vision. Federation leaders took leading role in this process.

SUS management approved write off amounting of tk.600714.50 of 175 beneficiaries for different cases where death of 6 beneficiaries: tk.51412.00, permanent migration of 33 beneficiaries: tk.277622.5 and security fund of IFSUP project 136 beneficiaries: tk.271680.00. This process was initiated by groups and federation. After approval, all related documents were updated both in field and office level.

Case Study

Begum is happy now

Begum is an inhabitant of Chytanogor village under Langoura union of Kalmakanda upazilla of Netrakona district. The village is situated on the foot of garo hills at east side of the river of Goneshwari adjacent to Meghaloya province under of India. Her father is Abdul Khaleque and mother is Shahara khatun. She is the 2nd among 5 siblings. She could not continue her study after class-iii due to poverty. Near about 31 years ago, when she was only 12 years old, her father arranged her marriage with Ismail Mia, son of Hokomi Mia who was extreme poor of the same village. After marriage, darkness came down in her life. Her husband was lazy; he didn’t involve with any work. Quarrel was the general event for everyday due to scarcity. She couldn’t manage desired food all the times; she took food two or three days interval. During this time, she gave birth of 5 sons and 1 daughter. In that situation, Begum found out work as a maidservant in other house for passing her life. She was passing her life with miserable situation.

In 2007, SUS started Income and Food Security for Ultra Poor (IFSUP) project at her village and Begum was enlisted as a beneficiary under this project. A group was formed with 20 women of her village and Begum was a group member. 7 August 2007, the group was named ‘Onamika’ Mohila Unnayan Samity . Her ID no. was 5431. Thereafter, she prepared a family development plan and she selected different types of IGAs like cow, goat & duck rearing and seed, seedling & vegetable cultivation. After preparing a family development, she received training on IGA selection planning and after that according to project plan; SUS provided tk.11980.00 for purchasing different types of IGAs. After passing few days, she was earning profit from income generating activities. She attended weakly samity meeting actively and she involved with issue-based discussion like what is samity activities, goal and objectives of the samity, what is rights and area of rights, importance of savings, bad effect of early marriage, primary health care, water-borne diseases, importance of federation and federation activates, how to purchase assets & involvement with different (IGA selection planning and management, conflict resolution, disaster management & leadership development) types of training. After involving with samity activities, radical positive changes came to her life. She profited from her income generating activities amount of tk.68791upto 31 December 2010. Using this profit, she bought food for her family members and she bore her children education cost. Her younger two sons were admitted into government primary school and eldest two sons were involved with electronic business and she provided necessary capital to run the business smoothly. At present, the capital of the business is tk.100000.00. A few days ago, who avoided her, they respect her now. Day by day, her position and condition has been increasing in the family and society. She has been selected as a president by the opinion of the federation members under Langura union. Once upon a time, she could not speak with neighbors, now she is leading and providing counseling in the federation. Her mobility, access and skill have been increased at a certain extent. On the other hand, she is trying to establish her dignity in the community socially and economically. At present, she has 4 cows, 30 ducks & hens and she is cultivating vegetables around the year and she planted (fruit & timber) different types of trees. She has accumulated savings of tk.2376.00.

Begum is grateful to SUS and said, “My family eats food three times in a day. My family members are now able to wear new dresses for occasions and festivals. My children have been admitted in the school and go to school regularly. I wish for good jobs of my children in future and want to build a concrete house”.

2.5.2. Strengthening Agricultural Capacities of Ultra Poor (SACUP) ProjectSummary Strengthening agricultural capacities of ultra poor in Bangladesh project is being implemented by Sabalamby Unnayan Samity in the border belt at ill-fated upazillas i.e. Haluaghat and Dhobaura upazilla of Mymensingh district, and Durgapur upazilla of Netrakona district. In these ill-fated border belt areas, water scarcity both for drinking and irrigation in is acute; even it is not possible to get underground water through shallow tubewell. Sudden waterfall from the mountain Meghaloya washes out so many inhabitants’ belongings of these areas

almost every year, Government national basic services sometimes do not reach over there due to remoteness. Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) is now implementing the project activities in those remotest, ill- fated areas with an aim to contribute rapidly and directly to mitigate the negative effects of volatile food prices on nutritional requirements of ultra-poor and to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger (MDG-1). Moreover, specifically By October 2011 over 80% of 28,000 ultra-poor people (min. 50% female) in high food insecure areas meet their nutritional needs and have productive agricultural capacities to keep it sustained

In 2010, 39 staffs were recruited through maintaining the recruitment process. Before starting activities, an orientation was arranged to orient all project staff on vision, mission of European Union, NETZ partnership

for development, Justice, and Sabalamby Unnayan Samity along with the project’s goal, objectives, approaches and target beneficiaries etc. With the assistance of NETZ partnership for development and Justice, the orientation course was completed during 26-27 February 2010.

Training on beneficiary selection process was held from 28 February-02 March 2010. Through this training, the project staffs gathered a clear knowledge on the process of beneficiary selection by using different PRA tools.

The workshop on financial management was organized by NETZ partnership for development and Justice during16-17 August 2010 in the training room of Gana Unnayan Kendra (GUK), Gaibandha wherever all Area Coordinators, Unit Coordinators and Accountants of three areas along with Directors, Finance and Program participated.

Three days training of all staffs on communication and facilitation skill development was organized in SUS conference room, Netrakona from 24-26 August 2010.

The training on management of income generation was organized in SUS conference room from 16-18 June 2010 where all coordinators and organizers participated.

Training on Agriculture and Livestock production was organized at project’s Area Office level from 6-7 August 2010 with the active participation of all coordinators and field organizers. The Technical Officers (Livestock and Crop Cultivation) conducted the training.

Project launching ceremony of two upazilas i.e. Durgapur and Haluaghat upazilla have been completed. In Durgapur upazila, the honorable Member of Parliament (MP) and in Haluaghat Upazila the honorable state minister for Cultural Affairs, People’s Republic of Bangladesh attended as chief guests.

In 2010, the following achievements have been acquired against 3 results

Result 1: Agricultural production and income of ultra-poor increased significantly.- Selected systematically 24 families based on the well-defined criteria.- Facilitated in developing the Family Development Plan (FDP) of 2400 target families.- Leased/purchased and transferred productive inputs for crop production and livestock rearing for

ultra-poor women. - Facilitated supplemental investments for immediate income, e.g. poultry, vegetables.- Provided systematic and regular technical and marketing counseling to the target group.- Habituated in savings and properly use through motivation.

Result 2: Access of ultra-poor households to agricultural inputs and services increased.- Trained up ultra poor women on crop production and livestock. - Trained 30 women as village seed suppliers and para-veterinaries carry out systematic counseling, so

that they can provide the services to the target group and other final beneficiaries.- 128 groups were formed with 2400 beneficiaries.- Arranged meeting to the targeted beneficiaries with upazila agriculture department and other service

provider institutions.- Arranged project mid-term workshop on project activities.

Result 3: Access of bottom of ultra-poor people to safety nets for basic food needs increased.- Identified targeted families those who are involve with very limited/ no capacity to work and

conducted advocacy to involve them with govt. poor environment activities.- Provided and continued support to these families unless access to government safety net programs.- Facilitated for access to safety net measures (VGD cards, widows’ allowances and others) to all group

members who met the formal requirements; advocated for proper distribution of safety net facilities at community (union) level.

- Provided appropriate skills trainings to the target group based on Family Development Plan.- Provided feasible productive capital to the families for small-scale income generating activities (e.g.

poultry, pit-crops, fruit trees).

- Provided systematic regular and individual technical counseling to the beneficiaries.

2400 beneficiaries have been selected from 82 villages, 12 unions of 3 (Haluagat, Dhubaura and Durgapur) upazilas under 2 (Mymensingh & Netrakona) districts according to the prescribed criteria where as a total of 8357 people will be directly benefited through implementation of the project. Total beneficiaries have been divided into 3 groups. In Group-I, there are 308 beneficiaries (13% of total beneficiary) whose daily per day income is less than 10 taka and food intake is below 1600 kcal. In group-II, there are 1477 beneficiaries (16% of total beneficiaries) whose daily per day income is less than 16 taka and food intake is below 1600 kcal. In-group-III, there are 645 beneficiaries (60% of total beneficiaries) whose daily per day income is less than 19.50 taka and food intake is less than 1805 kcal. 723 indigenous beneficiaries (30% of total beneficiaries) and 508 female headed household (21% of total beneficiaries) have been included in this project.

128 groups were formed with 2400 beneficiaries. 2883 group meetings were held during the period. 2400 beneficiaries have received training on skill development and 1316 beneficiaries have received main assets out of 2400 and 2397 beneficiaries have received additional assets.

During the reporting period, total amount of tk.17915503.90 has been distributed for purchasing different types of assets among the targeted beneficiaries. In the mean time, 1063 cows, 128 goats, 07 rams, 8 rabbits, 64 picks, 4 pigeons, 5299 hens and 4094 ducks have been purchased and distributed among the beneficiaries. On the other hand, 2069 beneficiaries have received different types of seed and seedlings such as: Papaya, guava, brinjal, chili, lemon, rambotan. 202 beneficiaries got 5477.90 decimal mortgage lands to cultivate vegetable and 15, 42 and 49 beneficiaries have purchased van and rickshaw respectively and 49 beneficiaries are running small business. Different types of food were distributed among 284 members in amounting of tk.967658.00 and other relative assets were also distributed among 257 beneficiaries. Taka 65182.00 was distributed among 6 beneficiaries from safety net fund. 2336 group members are starting to deposit savings and they have accumulated an amount of tk.189117.00 as a savings. 30 beneficiaries have received training on livestock management conducted by upazila livestock department. 12 meetings were held with upazila agriculture office. 24 meetings were conducted with community leaders and 24 meetings were held with Union Parished. 3 meetings were held with Upazila administration. During reporting period, 67 beneficiaries have been included with government safety net program. 382 samity leaders received training on leadership development and 23 beneficiaries received medical treatment and 12 camps were held for ensuring vaccination. 1081 members have increased their income through alternative IGAs such as: poultry rearing and vegetable gardening and they have enabled to bring positive changes in their lives.

Hardship of DulariDulari Hauyai. The family members called her Duli or Dulari. She had the eldest among 8 siblings. Her father was Harinath Nockrack, they lived at Partola village of Fulpur upazila under Mymensingh district. At that time, Harinath Nockrack was a prominent and familiar man in their village. Due to political changes, he lost his assets and left the village. Dulari’s education was stopped. 38 years ago, when Dulari was 18, her father arranged her marriage with Prosanto Mankin by the help of his relatives who lived at Bazib village under Dhubaura upazila. After marriage, she was passing her congeal life with happiness. During the time, Duli gave birth of 3 sons and 1 daughter. Due to marriage, the son of tribal (Adbashi) families had to go to his father-in-law’s house. The same was happened to Prosanto Mankin. By that time, he has lost her cultivable land; lastly he also lost her 40 decimal lands due to treatment for his daughter. Dulari started to work as a maidservant to the rich neighbor’s house. Her husband Prosanto Mankin was suffered from back pain. They became hopeless.

In 2010, Dulari was selected as a member of ‘Shapla’ Mobile Development Group through conducting village survey. Thereafter, she received training on IGA selection planning and management and made aware on project goal, objectives and family development plan. After receiving the training, she made an income generating plan through sharing in group meeting. According to consultation with respective field staff, she submitted her IGA plan such as: return of 120 decimal lands as mortgage, 6 ducks, 900 hens, 600 fingerlings and pulses. During reporting time, she has received main assets and additional assets. Dulari is passing her busy time and she has involved with income generating activities and her husband is helping her for running the IGAs smoothly now. She is cultivating vegetable in her premises; she can fulfill nutritional demand from the vegetable. Every day she got white eggs and she has earned taka 1220.00 upto December2010 through selling eggs and she has earned in amounting of taka 2400.00 by selling paddy.

By the help of God, Dulari is going to self-reliant and she is passing busy time. Dulari is diligent women and she is creating own assets by hard labour and commitment. Dulari says, “Everything becomes possible if someone wishes honestly”. Dulari expects more cooperation from SUS.

2.5.3. Community Led Extreme Poor Project (CLEPP)SUS expanded its activities at Mohanganj with the following interventions: MF and ME, education, reproductive and sexual health rights, disability rehabilitation and human rights and legal services in the year 2000. After two years of working experience, SUS found that more than 10,000 extreme poor families live in the working area. Therefore, SUS thought to include the extreme poor families with mainstreaming development. 1000 extreme poor families were included under Extreme Poor Women Development Project (EPWDP) and was continued since 2002 to 31 December 2009 by the assistance of NETZ Partnership for Development and Justice.

NETZ and SUS management took decision that 900 members of EPWDP will come under self-help organization that means community-based organization from January 2010. 900 members have come under Community Led Extreme Poor Project (CLEPP). Based on learning, SUS and NETZ took initiatives that the activities will be continued from 2010 to 2015. The volume of RLF for extreme poor women has revolved as tk.5385995.00 from the first phase of the project (ref.: Audit Report of RLF for the year ended 31 December 2006) and tk.2000000.00 from second phase of the project plus service charge and interest received during second phase and SUS has provided amount of tk.2052671 for running the project smoothly. Total RLF of the project is now tk.9438666.00 (tk.5385995.00+ tk.2000000.00+tk.2052671.00). Each member has received loan amount of tk.15000.00-tk.16,000.00 which will be repaid back with 10% service charge by 50 installments along with 14 days grace period in case of first loan. The CLEPP members are taking loan from RLF for running their income generating activities smoothly. They are paying back principal money with 10% service charge by 50 installments. The project cost is being minimized by collecting service charge.

A baseline survey was conducted among 1000 households in 48 villages under 6 unions of Mohanganj upazila and part of Barhatta upazila of Netrakona district. Finally, 900 beneficiaries, out of 1000 were selected through using questionnaire for ruining the Community Led Extreme Poor Project (CLEPP). Based on learning, staff of CLEPP project identified cluster-wise group and completed re-arrangement. In addition, staff of CLEPP also identified the members of first batch along with their present condition. They will be included into CLEPP gradually those who have been dropped out from mainstreaming development due to different causes.

Since 2002-2009, 76 groups with 1000 members were formed and they continued their activities successfully. 47 groups and 683 members instead of 76 groups and 1000 members respectively are running their activities through re-arrangement and gradually they will be included into Community Led Extreme Poor Project (CLEPP).

Group meeting is conducted once a week. The group members can take discussion through participatory process by the help of field staffs. Each group has three leaders (President, secretary and casher). Mainly group leaders took active role regarding discussion, selection of events and decision and general members helped their leaders to take the decisions.

During reporting period, 500 need-based IGA were identified and 496 targeted beneficiaries received loan for running the IGAs. The family development plan was introduced by the field staffs through group meeting. The group members realized the importance of FDP. All members have identified their problems and are taking necessary steps for solving the problems due to have a scope of discussing the issues of FDP in weekly meeting. In future, all groups will be treated as community based organization (CBO) and will be united together as women federation. After completing FDP, the existing village group is being run by forming five occupational/business groups such as: Cow rearing/Beef fattening, chicken and duck rearing, Fish/Net and Boat, Small business and traditional business for increasing active involvement with income earning activities with a view to increase income through promoting production.

Members are directly and jointly running their IGAs. Members are making profit from their respective IGAs.100% group members are capable to repay back of their loan money from their income. The group members are involved in different IGAs for promoting production. Basically, they are sending milk, egg, vegetables, poultry, duck etc. in local market. They can contribute their income in family expenditure especially child education and taking treatment. Most of the family members can take nutritional food 3 times in a day. The members are directly operating their IGAs, members have increased investment in their ongoing IGAs and 80% have included alternative IGAs. The targeted members are habituated in savings and they are accumulating in average savings tk.15.00-tk.20.00 per week, the members have prepared their family development plan and are practicing to overcome their family problems.

The group members are accumulating regular weekly savings in a bank controlled by SUS. The group members are well disciplined and they are ensuring weekly group meetings regularly. The group members follow the organizational rules and regulations. A member who will not repay her previous loan will not be allowed to receive any new loan. Group members put up their loan proposal in group meetings. Group members discuss the agenda and make decision for the proposed loan. The decisions of the meeting are written down in the resolution book as a document.

During reporting period, 100% members accumulated their savings of tk.20-30 regularly through weekly meeting and tk.915472.00 was collected as savings money and tk.954966.00 (fully: tk.492705 and partially: tk.462261.00) was returned from savings. They used the money for their children education cost and treatment purpose. At the end of 31 December 2010, savings balance was tk.1921005.00. During reporting period, tk.6157000.00 was distributed among 496 targeted beneficiaries for running their IGAs. Tk.5617936.00 was recovered from beneficiary’s income through weekly installment and outstanding was tk.4297485.00. The participants are cultivating vegetables in their premises. They are taking much more vegetables in their diet and are mitigating nutritional demands. They are using their own seeds. They are communicating with government agriculture and fishery department. Most of the participants are able to say how to manage cow. The trained participants can identify common diseases of their cows and they communicate with government livestock department for treatment and vaccines.

Based on learning, SUS has tried to link widows, disabled people with VGF/VGD/Old allowance/Food For Work (FFW) through union parishad. But most of them did not receive facilities. They are being linked with all kinds of social services through SUS such as: health, quality education, legal issues and environment related services. The children are being admitted into government primary schools where food for education is available (Instead of food, they are now providing money). SUS also helps to link them with the government local resources such as: Agriculture department, livestock department, fisheries department, health and family planning department etc.

During reporting period, 56 members have been involved with Vulnerable Group Development (VGD), 114 members with Vulnerable Group Fund (VGF), 26 members with Old Age Allowance and 38 members with Widow Allowance. On the other hand, 214 students are getting stipend from government primary school. 231 beneficiaries have received fertilizer, 218 beneficiaries have received seed and 25 beneficiaries have received suggestion from Agricultural office. The targeted beneficiaries are going to government hospital and livestock office for getting treatment. The husbands of the beneficiaries give priority of their (beneficiaries) opinions and the beneficiaries can participate in decision making process.

381 group members are involved in Group Based Fund (GBF) by collecting 250 gm rice from each member each week and their savings status is of tk.461029.00 upto 31 December 2010. They are involved with IGA like share-cropping or share rearing of cow or beef fattening by the group members for increasing fund for the group. In the mean time, the executive committee members of Misti, Nilima, Shopoth, Bhor, Oikya and Sandan Mohila Samity have opened bank account against their savings money and rest of the groups will open bank account by the assistance of SUS. CLEPP field staffs are discussing the importance of group fund. Other groups will also start GBF. SUS has prepared a policy and manual to operate and manage this fund. 900 members will come under insurance policy. The group members are following the organizational insurance policy. When each member receives loan for running occupational IGA, they deposit 1% against loan money in the office. During reporting period, tk.38980.00 has been deposited under insurance policy.

The group members become organized and developed with social capital at different levels. After that they display their unity which helps them to acquire status. Now they can recommend/recognize people to communicate with government official, they can influence market because they are now contributing more to the local market by their livestock and agricultural products. The values along with respect for their activities raise them up with a view to integrate them with the mainstream society.

Leadership has been developed among a percentage of women. Some women are involved with different committees in community and local institutions. In this year, SUS has discussed on union-based spouse forum committee and will help to involve them for preparing disaster risk plan at union level.

By this time, a certain percentage of targeted beneficiaries have changed their life style like: women leadership has been increased, deprived targeted people are expressing their opinions on rights-based issues, asset losses by flood has been reduced at household level, beneficiaries are using safe drinking water and sanitary latrine and water-borne diseases (diarrhea, dysentery, scabies, fever etc) have been decreased upto 15% from existing level. SUS will continuously guide the extreme poor for being a group member of its CBO activities. For that it needs to qualify them. The members deposit savings regularly. After providing loan for establishing productive assets, the beneficiaries are in a position to save some amount of money. Risk management is an

important issue for the beneficiaries as well as for the project. From our learning, we feel that without risk management fund, the poorest of the poor can’t survive and overcome the vulnerable situation during and after disaster. Normally, savings earned from extreme poor group may act as one kind of risk management fund. During reporting period, it was not needed.

Sahana’s Dream“They can feel the intensity of sever situation those who live without food day after day. Thrust of fasting doesn’t meet up only by water”.

Sahana Akter (34 years old) who is a member of Community Led Extreme Poor Women Development Project uttered these above-mentioned words. Shahana is a member of “Sindu Samity” under Mohanganj upazila of Netrakona district. She is an inhabitant of Mahamudpur village under Shamaj Sohildeu union. Her husband is Motiur Rahman. Her father arranged her marriage with Motiur Rahman of Mahamudpur village under Mohanganj upazila of the Netrakona district at her early age. He is (40 years old) a day laborer.

They have six family members including 2 sons and 2 daughters and every day scarcity remained with them. It was not possible to maintain family expenditure by only income of her husband. So, they have to take food one or two times in a day. They had only 8 decimal lands for housing along with one straw house as an asset. As a result, they suffered by malnutrition. Day by day, their economical condition was going down but they had no scope to maintain family expenditure. She was passing her life with hardship by selling labour as a maidservant. At last, Sahana became the member of Extreme Poor Women Development Project of SUS. After including with the project, Sahana received different types of training such as: awareness and leadership, IGA selection planning and management, cow rearing and management, home stead gardening and disaster management by SUS. Thereafter, she prepared a family development plan with other beneficiaries for 2 years.

Planning issues were: - Savings accumulation - Cow rearing- Homestead gardening- Cultivable lands- Prepare Tin-shed house and children education

At first time, Sahana took a loan in amounting of tk.10000.00 for implementing her plan.She bought a milking cow and started homestead gardening in front of her house on 3 decimal lands by amounting of tk.10000.00. She started to cultivate different seasonal vegetables around the year and she was enabled to

increase her family income. In average, she could profit an amount of tk.60.00 per day. In this way, she earned an amount of tk.18000.00 approximately. Within one year, the income was raised upto tk.50000.00. Last 2 years, she deposited savings of tk.14500.00 in the group and other institutions. Second time, she received tk.10000.00 and bought a milking cow by amounting of tk.25000.00.

After 2 years, she sold her milking cow at an amount of tk.25000.00 and built up a corrugated Iron (CI) sheet house. Shana is a member of Group Based Fund; she is saving 250 gm rice every week in the group.By this time, she has involved with 100 days work conducted by Union Parishad (UP). She is aware on community-based organization through group meeting.

Today, Sahana is not extreme poor. She has changed her life

style through hard labor by the cooperation of SUS. Now, she takes 3 times meal in a day. She attends the weekly samity meeting and participates in issue-based discussion. She is aware on rights, divorce, bad effect of early marriage and women rights and she communicates with government and non-government institutions. Her one son and two daughters are studying in the school. Sahana hopes, she will continue her children education upto Secondary School Certificate (SSC) level.

Sahana is happy now. She expects that all community extreme poor will come under safety net program for changing their life style.

2.5.4. Food Security for Ultra Poor at Haor region (FSUP-H) ProjectIntroductionThe FSUP-H project is being implemented in three districts (Kishoreganj, Netrakona and Sunamganj) in the haor region of Northeast Bangladesh, a region with wide-spread extreme poverty and food-insecurity. These districts are comprised of 7,355 villages (1,794 in Kishoreganj, 2,782 in Sunamganj and 2,779 in Netrakona) with a total population of approximately 6.6 million (49% women).

The target groups are women from 55,000 extremely poor households within the most remote and vulnerable communities and their dependents. The final beneficiaries are approximately 280,000 children, women and men. In addition, it is expected that the total population of around 196,000 extreme poor people in that region will greatly benefit from the project’s empowerment and knowledge sharing initiatives. The FSUP-H project of SUS is responsible for 15275 HH beneficiaries who have already been identified as mostly vulnerable.

In line of achieving the activities, SUS is working with the 178 poor communities of 21 unions under 5 upazilas (Khaliajuri, Modon, Kolmakanda and Mohonganj) of Netrakona and 1 upazila (Dharmapasha) of Sunamganj districts.

Overall progresses and achievements178 Village Development Committees (VDC) were formed and 1958 members of VDC demonstrated leaderships with an agenda of articulating their own development priorities and formulating their own vision of poverty reduction and pro-poor development. Each VDC was formed with 11 members from the extreme poor or poor households in the community (including women) as well as members from other classes.

The project will also facilitate the development of Empowerment, Knowledge and Transformative Action (EKATA) groups within the villages. A total of 126 EKATA was formed. These groups provide a space in which women can build solidarity, develop their abilities, and find ways to collaborate to influence the development agenda in their community, including the agenda of the VDCs. Each EKATA group is made of 30 members (20 women and 10 adolescent). The members of EKATA collectively identify their problems that they face, and develop plans for ways to resolve these problems. The VDC and EKATA are receiving an

intensive program of capacity building, including gender awareness, human rights in disasters, government services/entitlements, literacy, numeracy and life skills.

During the reporting period, 178 VDCs and 178 Community Action Plans (CAP) were developed. The members of VDC and CAP prioritized problem list and identified the underlying causes of these prioritized problems. By involving CAP, community developed strategies to address community problems by using the resources available to them. This process is also intended to enhance the problem-solving capacities of VDCs. The purpose of CAP was to unite communities, to work together to jointly accomplish something, as a first

step in building solidarity to promote development and support the poorest people and also to build their skills for analysis and solving the problems cooperative basis.

Total of 45 female and 59 male participants included in different committees as of December 2010. To further promote the empowerment of women, the members of community groups (including EKATA groups) and group members were encouraged to actively participate in local decision-making bodies, seeking representation on school management committees (SMC), parent teacher associations (PTA), religious forum, bazaar committees and UP standing committees. 13 linking workshops were held in 11 unions and 2 upazilas. The FSUP-H project of SUS builds linkage between community organizations (VDCs and EKATA groups) and local government (UP members and chairman, UP standing committees, and Union Disaster Management Committees). In particular, the project is being worked with these bodies to instill a proactive, pro-poor commitment, inform local elected officials of their responsibilities to their constituencies. The rationale behind this activity is to create a bridge between communities and local government. These links will serve as the foundation of proactive and pro-poor governance to reduce poverty and food insecurity.

Improving access to natural resources is important for expanding the livelihood options of ultra poor households. FSUP staffs are facilitating VDCs in access of the poorest households to these resources by enhancing their knowledge and access to information on khas land and water bodies and make arrangements for its leasing. As a result, 01 ultra poor Rupnehar, Village-Banshori (North) of Nayekpur union under Modon upazila has got 100 decimal Khas land from respective Government department. In addition, the project has already explored options to enable access to private land holdings or to expand the land available for cultivation. As a result, a total of 302 decimal private land donations was ensured for 123 homeless ultra poor participants through which they will build 5 number of FSUP polly (Village). Besides, total of 312 decimal land lease was (2-5 years) ensured for 203 ultra poor participants to establish community-based vegetable gardening at Bekurikanda of Pogla under Kalmakanda upazila and Boali village of Mendipur union and Goabari of Nagar union under Khaliajuri upazila.

7500 IGA management training and preparation of business plan were completed during 2010. Based on selected business plans, a grants/asset transfer review was done to determine the amounts and types of transfers.

Based on preparedness, financial viability, potential impacts, scalability and sustainability, a total of tk.10575000 (One core five lac and seventy five thousand only) fund was distributed to IGA adopters. They received IGA skills training to help them get started. 5% of IGA assets transfer sample monitoring has been continuing from August 2010 upto December 2010 simultaneously to ensure that the funds and assets are being used efficiently and effectively.

To set up community savings and loan groups through EKATA groups and VDCs, a total of 178 savings and loan groups were formed. As of December 2010, they have deposited tk.2793368.00 in their bank accounts. These 178 groups also have rules by defining clearly on effective utilization of their savings deposits. EKATA groups are providing a key support in income generating activities within the villages.

64 number of FSUP-H staffs received TOT on CRA (Community risk Assessments) and in each of the 178 project communities received CRA training through which 178 nos. Community Risk Assessment (CRA) documents were developed. VDCs participated actively in these assessments. The CRAs have been drawn on the methods developed by the EC-funded Comprehensive Disaster Management Programme (CDMP) and CARE’s Reducing Vulnerability to Climate Change (RVCC) project. In this aspect, FSUP-H front line staffs received necessary training to facilitate these sessions and build the capacity of emerging leaders in communities to facilitate CRAs. By using participatory methods to map the hazards and risks, at certain level community awareness has been increased. VDCs and EKATA groups involved in raising awareness of hazards and risks and are discussing existing coping strategies with their communities. Both risk reduction and risk mitigation activities were included in community action plans.

A 12 Cash For Work (CFW) schemes were implemented where 24600 mandays employment opportunities have been created for the ultra poor women participants. 12 CFW schemes were prioritized by the whole community and community members were motivated to contribute e.g. Raising school plinths, building mounds or building link road to protect homestead surrounding crops from flooding and projects were prioritized specifically by target groups e.g. protecting homesteads. It is mentioned here that by 12 CFW schemes, community ownership and participation was ensured in maintenance and continuance. 12 PIC (project implementation committee) were formed to provide quality control and put in place maintenance procedures. Necessary spot monitoring was ensured for implementation of schemes. Opportunities were also be created for older women who may not be able to participate in physical labour, however, some of them were played useful roles on the project site such as: child care, or serving water to those doing physical labour.

To develop a cohort of skilled health and nutrition facilitators to sustainable provide basic advice on health, hygiene, nutrition and maternal and child care, 30 community volunteers and 20 community facilitators (CF) out of 89 and 57 received health, hygiene and nutrition training. Rest of 59 CVs and 37 CFs will receive such training by the 1st quarter of 2011. Through this training awareness and practices of the target community people on health and safe motherhood, immediate and exclusive breastfeeding; effective weaning practices; diarrhoea prevention and management; immunization; common childhood illness (e.g. ARI); birth planning, micronutrients (Vitamin-A, Iodine, Iron, folic acid and zinc) and value of diet diversification; food processing, storage and handling; hygiene and safe water; rights associated with family law; Family Planning (FP) and HIV/STI awareness will be increased through the facilitation of community volunteers.

The CHNFs (CV) is conducting awareness raising session on health, hygiene and nutrition messages in the communities. At present, 30 communities out of 178 conducted courtyard session on health, hygiene and nutrition. According to plan, rest of CVs will be trained up shortly and will continue the same to 178 communities. In this regards, total of 178 mother groups have been formed. Women from ultra poor households are the target participants.

A total of 14567 ultra poor participants received one day training on summer vegetable cultivation and 14403 participants received different kinds of vegetable seeds for cultivation, i.e.166.15 kg. According to plan in winter season, selective 4450 successful cultivators received training on winter vegetable cultivation techniques and a total of 14078 participants out of 15275 target beneficiaries received 3 types of winter seeds for cultivation, i.e. 154.86 kg. Overall objective is to spread vegetable gardening for women and adolescents in the project area.

Major outputs Village Development Committees (VDCs) were formed and are effectively functioning in 178

communities of five upazilas, having representation of ultra poor women; Ultra poor households VDC members, particularly women and are participating actively in decision making and resource allocation within VDC.

100% of target VDCs have Community Action Plan (CAP). Total of 7500 IGAs adopters ( Ultra poor women) received training on business plan and IGA

management Most of the members from VDCs and EKATA groups (12697 out of 15275 target beneficiaries)

participated in savings schemes run by the 178 functional group and they have saved tk.2793368.00 which is being operated through 178 bank accounts.

2250 ultra poor women in the project area are participating in income generating activity (IGA) programs for diversifying and improving their income

178 communities have organized community risk assessments and vulnerability analysis. Knowledge and awareness of health, hygiene and nutrition among women from ultra-poor households

have been improvized. 3780 number of EKATA women members have achieved literacy and numeracy skills by December

2010. Through 12 nos. CFW schemes, 24600 mandays employment opportunity has been created for 909

household and they have earned tk.3690000.00 during lean period. The homeless, shelterless ultra poor of the community have attained household sustainability by

getting own household in the donated land. Women were benefited most in all CFWs as they were directly involved as labor.

Establishing FSUP-H PolliTotal land donation ensured: 302 decimal (3 acre 02 decimal) for 123 participants, Such as:

1. Ensured 66 decimal land donations for 43 # of Ultra poor of Jogannathpur village under Mendipur union of Khaliajuri upazila to establish FSUP-H Polli. Land donor: Tota Mia, Registration date: 28/03/2010.

2. Ensured 24 decimal land donations for 12 # of landless beneficiaries for homestead development of Dhupa para village under Pogla union of Kalmakanda upazila. Land donor: Khukon Mia, Registration date: 07/06/2010

3. Ensured 88 decimal land donations for 22 # of Ultra poor of degjan village under Shukhair Rajapur (North) union of Dharmapasha upazila to establish FSUP-H Polli. Land Donator: A. Aziz Chowdhury, Registration date: 14/07/2010.

4. Ensured 64 decimal land donations for 30 # of landless beneficiaries of Dewshohila village under Madan upazila from 2 village community leaders to establish FSUP-H Polli. Donor Kentu Morol donated 36 decimal and Mofiz Morol donated 28 Decimal. Registration date: 19/07/2010.

5. 16 homeless ultra poor of FSUP-H SUS project participants, Village: Dakkhin Solov, Union: Shelborosh under Dharmapasha upazila received a total of 60 decimal lands from FSUP-H well wisher, donor: Ms. Rokeya begum of said village. 16 ultra poor got land donations dated on 08/12/2010. The land (Dag# 111, 150 & 60) was registered at the Badshaganj sub-registry office, Dharmapasha upazila, in presence of UP member Mr. Iqbal hossain, VDC presedent Swadhin tara, Secretary Joytunnesa and the respective CF and PO of SUS. UP Chairmen, Mr. Alauddin Shah was involved in this registration process full time.  VDC and

EKATA of Dakkin Solov were initiated to get this significant achievement through the technical assistance of CF Mr. Emdad Hossain and PO Shukhoranjan Paul of Dharmapasha, SUS. Each participant got 3.75 decimal land for development of own household and homestead garden.

Access to Khas land1. Ultra poor Rupnehar, VDC president of Banshori (south) village under Modon upazila got 100 decimal khas land through registration. (Dag number old-1444, new-3136/3089, Registration date-28.10.2010

Establishment of community based vegetable cultivation at Bekurikanda of Pogla union under Kalmakanda upazila and Boali village of Mendipur union under Khaliajuri upazila.Total land donation ensured: 312 decimal for 203 participants on 25/03/2010. Ensured 32 decimal agriculture land as lease for 5 years for 75# of FSUP-H beneficiary’s from the donor Hares Mia of Bekurikanda village of Pogla union under Kalmakanda upazila to establish the community based vegetable cultivation.

Replication/scaling up status-Ensured 200 decimal agriculture lands as lease for 2 years for 110 ultra poor of Boali village of Mendipur union under Khaliajuri upazila from the land owners Salehin Mia & Harun Alam Shah, which is renewable. They have cultivated different types of vegetable seeds and winter crops through 4 demonstration plots.

-Ensured 80 decimal agriculture lands as lease for 3 years for 18# of FSUP-H beneficiaries of Goalbari village of Nogor union under Khaliajuri upazila to establish the community based vegetable cultivation. Through this community based vegetable cultivation in the 80 decimal lands, they are cultivating different types of vegetable seeds and winter crops. The donor is Mr. Darakanath Bhoumik.

Rupnehar has established her rightsUltra poor Rupnehar, VDC president of Banshori (south) village of Modon upazila under Netrakona district got 100 decimal khas lands through registration. (Dag number old-1444, New-3136/3089, Registration date: 28.10.2010). “Rupnehar said, I am better than previous time now. I feel proud, I am grateful to FSUP-H project”.

Rupnehar (age-39), ID # 28554 (Khana # 251) lives in Banshory (South) village of Nayekpur union under Madan upazila of Netrakona district. She is wife of Abu Mia (65). Abu Mia was a day labour, currently unable to earn income and do any work. They have 2 daughters and 3 sons. Banshori (south) village is locating at the east-west part of the Khoirabeal. This is the major source of income of the community. The people are fully depended on nature. They believe that nature can change their life.

By memorizing the worst period, Rupnehar said, “I was married at my age of 15 with Abu Mia. After marriage, we were passing our days from hand to mouth. We had to pass many days without taking food during my pregnancy period.

Food security for the ultra poor in the Haor region project (FSUP-H) is an European Commission (EC) funded project is being implemented by CARE Bangladesh since 2009 in the Haor areas with an aim to sustainable improve food access and utilization and reduce vulnerability for women and their dependents in ultra poor households in Sunamganj, Netrakona and Kishoreganj districts, in the Haor region of North-east Bangladesh

Sabalamby Unnayan Samity started FSUP-H project at Banshori (South) village in Modon upazilla under Netrakona in July 2009. Rupnehar was identified as a leader of the ultra poor women society. After formation of Village Development Committee (VDC), she was selected as a VDC president by the ultra poor community. From then, her life is being changed day by day. In the VDC meeting, when respective CF discussed about khas land access opportunity, she shared her previous initiative for own land to make own household. She along with other landless household gve a prayer to land office for allocation of Khas land but they became frustrated at that period.

In 2009, she dreamed again with assistance from community facilitator Mr. Shamsul haque and Mr. Arifur Rahman of Nayekpur union. Through VDC meeting, a 3 member adhoc committee was formed to get the khas land. The adhoc team seated and discussed the issue several times. Very shortly, they felt that it was a big challenge to unite ultra poor community in getting Khas land. Negative attitudes of male and the unwillingness of the female were the first obstacles and workload, bad comments from surroundings and patriarchy culture etc. worked as obstacles from the very beginning. But it became possible to establish legal rights by the advocacy of FSUP-H project and community. Thereafter, the community facilitator came to the FSUP-H project team office with the village development committee. But when the committee and team office personnel communicated with the concern government office, they showed different excuses. Thereafter, they (the committee and team office personnel) communicated with Mizanur Rahman, Surveyor of land office. The project officer of Modon team office communicated with the Tohosilder, UP chairmen time to time. At the end, all people were fully motivated and they assured to give lease of 100 decimal khas land to Rupnehar. As a result, dated on 28/10/2010, Rupnehar got 100 decimal khas land (Dag number old-1444, new-3136/3089) officially through land registration by government.

Banshory (South) VDC has the dream to work to reduce the violence against women and to attain women’s rights of the society. Now, they are continuing their communication with a view to improve food access and utilization and reduce vulnerability for women of the ultra poor society.Only a positive effort and facilitation can force a man to raise the mentality of a man to come forward for the landless, marginalized family and help them to find their place to stay and lead their life by any means.

2.5.5. Adolescent Empowerment through handicraftsHandicrafts are generally considered as more traditional work and a necessary part of daily life while an arts and craft implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique. In practical terms, the categories have a great deal of overlap. Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has been working on handicraft since 1986. Experienced and skilled workers are working in handicraft project of SUS. After finishing, SUS sells its products in local and foreign market by collecting order.

Batik Section 19 skilled workers are working in Batik section. In this year, 19545 number and 2994 yard clothes products were produced by batik section and 570 products were second graded. To produce the products, SUS Batik section bought raw materials of tk.1893076.05 and tk.133160.00 was given as wages to the workers. A huge amount of three-piece products were sold in the market during this year. In this year Batik section made a total of 59 new designs. Among the designs, 29 were made for local market and 30 were made for foreign market.

Nokshi Section25 skilled workers are working in Nokshi section. They made 1980 products in this year. To produce the product, SUS Nakshi section bought raw materials of tk.92993.20 and tk.45559.00 was given as wages to the workers. A huge amount of Khatha products were sold in the market during this year as same as Nokshi section. In this section made total of 36 new designs. Among the designs, 30 were made for local market and 6 were made for foreign market.

Sewing Section9 skilled workers are working in sewing section in present. In this year, they made 9156 products. Among these, 100 products were second qualities. To produce the products, SUS sewing section bought raw materials of tk.77915.79 and tk.49310.00 was given as wages to the workers. In this year, this section made a total of 18 new designs for local market.

Bamboo and Cane Section19 skilled workers are working in bamboo and cane section. In this year, they produced 7890 products. To produce the products, SUS bamboo and cane section bought raw materials of tk.43340.31 and tk.28449.00 was given as wages to the workers. In this year, bamboo and cane section made a total of 6 new designs for foreign market.

Hand loam Section10 skilled workers are working in Hand loam section. In this year, they produced 2761 products. To produce the products, SUS hand loam section bought raw materials of tk.22947.58 and tk.22175.00 was given as wages to the workers. They provided 2 new samples to increase the sale of products.

Information on salesThe products of handicraft sections are sold in local market through SUS own shops. Besides, SUS also sells the produced products in Dhaka through SOURCE, SHOCHILI, ARTISION TALENT and products are also sold in local market of Bangladesh. The products are sold in abroad through Fare Trade-Korea, U-land-Denmark, Ultra Quality-Italy, Charity foundation and USA TTV-Canada. In the reporting period, SUS sold different types of products in amount of tk.333591.00 through Biksah Kendra and Netraponya sales shop. On the other hand, tk.2869844.00 was sold by foreign order.

Case Study Name of Respondent : Joya Rani Sarker Father’s and Mother’s Name : Anjon Chandra Sharker & Alpona Rani Sharker Name of Village : West Malnee, NetrakonaUpazila: Netrakona Sadar : Netrakona SadarDistrict : Netrakona

Joya Rani Sarker continued her study upto class seven. She is the 2nd among 2 sisters and 2 brothers. Her father works at other barber’s shop. They were passing their life hand to mouth with miserable condition by her father’s little income. So, she couldn’t continue her study due to lack of economic solvency. She helped her mother at home. In the year of 2007, she received practical training from ‘Nokshi’ section at Sabalamby Unnayan Samity. After finishing her one year training course from Nakshi section, she worked in this section as a producer. At present, she is bearing coaching fee of her two younger brothers by her income and rest of her income is giving to her mother for minimizing family expenditure. At present, she is earning on average amount of tk.1000.00-tk.1500.00/month. She is running her family by this income. Joya Rani Sarker thinks, if she did not learn training on this section, she had to face sever problem to run her life and family expenditure. Joya Rani Sarker is so happy for her present life. Her sales are being increased gradually. In future, she wants to involve with new design and she will supply quality products to Sabalamby and will earn more and more.

2.6. Environment and Climate program2.6.1. Access to Food security and Accelerate Livelihood towards Bio-diversity (AFAL)- A project of conservation and restoration of swamp forest.

SUS has been implementing AFAL since 2009 at 4 villages under 2 unions of Khaliajuri upazila of Netrakona district by covering 518 families with a view to conserve and develop forest. When adverse weather creates tremendous waves, the local people call it ‘AFAL’. The objective of the project is to raise awareness among the people about the importance of conservation and development of hijo-korach forest. In 2010, 48 community meetings were arranged where the following issues were discussed: savings management, vegetables cultivation in rabi and kharif seasons, family income, family environment, balance diet, family planning, health and hygiene etc. The beneficiaries have shared and discussed about success and constraints of running IGAs through organizing 12 meetings. They deposit savings and manage revolving fund. A sharing meeting was held with the teachers of Khaliajuri ideal government primary school about the importance of conservation and development of hijo-korach forest. Later on the teachers have shared with their students. A team with 8 beneficiaries and staff of the project has visited different activities of CNRS organization at Jamalgonj to get practical knowledge and idea about establishing of hijol-koroach forest along with seedling preparation. The staff of the project have observed World forest day and world environment day through organizing rally, discussion session and essay writing competition. The beneficiaries have created 4.5 km hijol-koroch forest beside 4 villages. 4500 hijol-koroch have been planted for creating forest of 1.5 hec. at 10 open areas. One hec. land of Kadirpur area has been brought under conservation of hijol-koroch forest. 313 beneficiaries have deposited tk.58005.00. Capital support has been given to 51 beneficiaries in winter season and 102 beneficiaries in summer season. Tk. 60000.00 has been distributed to the beneficiaries. They are cultivating vegetables in their premises. They are taking vegetables in their diet and are also selling in the market.

2.6.2. Concern and Habituate on Agriculture Sovereignty through Household Initiative (CHASHI)Bangladesh is one of the resourceful countries in the world. Soil, rainfall, temperature are very much favorable for agriculture production. But the country is now is a threat of climatic changes, globalization as well as commercialization. By considering the factors, SUS has been implementing CHASHI - an agriculture and environment friendly project at Netrakona district since 2009. The project is working with the following issues such as: I. Environment friendly agriculture; II. Development of local seeds and crops; III. Preservation and development of local fruits and herbal trees and IV. Development and use of local resource and knowledge.

In 2010, 2 sharing meetings were organized with the farmers. Training has been provided on use of compost fertilizer; nursery management (Fruit and herbal trees), vegetable gardening and integrated pest management for increasing the capacities of the farmers.15 farmers have established vegetable garden, 30 local fruit garden and 10 herbal tree garden. At SUS Agricultural Model Farm (AMF), vegetable has been produced in 1.5 acre of land; a local fruit tree garden has been developed. Besides, a seed store (Local variety) has also been established in the farm.

2.6.3. Sustainable Livelihood for Poor Producer (SLIPP)

SLIPP project has been implementing since 2008 at Netrakona sadar, Kendua, Modon and Purbodhola upazilas of Netrakona district with a view to improve the livelihood status through establishing and ensuring actual rights and price. The objective of the project is to reduce the poverty by creating employment opportunities.

Overall objectiveTo reduce poverty of the farmers through income generating activities and employment generation.

Specific objectives to build up business capacity of the beneficiary to ensure access to business-friendly services to influence the policy makers for business-friendly environment of the farmer

The targeted beneficiaries are vegetable producer: 275 persons and duck rearing and producer: 75 persons. 62 batches training on vegetable cultivation, duck rearing, and compost preparation have been completed during the period. 2 workshops have been organized on importance of using compost fertilizer. District vegetable producer association (Member: 250) and district duck rearing and producer association (Member: 150) have been formed. Credit has been given to 51 beneficiaries. Different activities have been performed with government and non-government institutions, chamber of commerce and businessmen.

2.7. Program Support Unit (PSU)The Program Support Unit includes training, monitoring and evaluation, study, research and reporting. SUS has been organizing need-based training, workshop, orientation for its different activities since 1993 and training became the major support services for SUS programs to build up the working capacity of the participants in SUS programs and to train SUS staff for performing their responsibilities efficiently in the field of development. The monitoring cell has been also engaged in developing an effective data management system for SUS programs. This cell collects data on program activities in order to enable managers to track the progress of their programs. It is recognized that dissemination of information and experiences can accelerate the development efforts in any situation. The goal of PSU is “Strengthening as well as ensuring smooth operation of different programs”.

In the context of rapid changes in the world in general and in the working area of SUS in particular, SUS is continuously upgrading and strengthening its support systems to address the emerging needs of the people.

2.7.1. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)SUS started its journey in 1986. SUS expanded itself by considering the time and needs of the community. Based on experiences, the authority of the organization felt necessity to include monitoring and evaluation for determining the quality of implemented activities, identifying the problems along with appropriate steps of solutions. So, SUS opened an individual M&E cell in 1998.

In 2010, the following areas have been monitored: 184 groups under 17 branch offices, out of 2051 groups under 26 branch offices of micro finance program; 90% pre-primary education centers and 73% non-formal primary schools (Selection of student, lesson progress, teaching techniques, parents’ gathering, material uses); 16 courtyard meetings, 8 meetings of village health committee and installation and use of 24 water-sealed latrines under Initiative for Health development project (IHDP); cleft lip and palate operation at free of cost, 8 static and 14 satellite clinics of SUS Hospital; 4 community meetings, 10 courtyard meetings, 22 DRP service, discussion meeting at 2 schools, 1 CP training course and discussion meeting at 5 adolescent groups under Disability Rehabilitation Project (DRP); 4 monthly meetings of union MSP, 1 monthly meeting of

upazila MNP, 1 union level courtyard meeting, 2 upazila level MSP conference, 1 meeting of lawyer panel, 4 legal camps, 6 shalish process, 8 activities of village court, 2 meetings of district SVAW committee and 1 school level campaign on prevention of acid violence under Rights and Governance program. Besides,

47different activities of CLEPP, SACUP, SEEUP, FSUP, SHARIQUE, GRCBP and AFAL have also been monitored. Interview has been taken from 11 pregnant mothers d 28 family planning users.

The M&E cell have collected different important findings, prepared reports and submitted to the respective authority for taking further initiatives.

2.7.2. TrainingOrganizational sustainability and success depend on effective and skilled work force. Training acts the vital role to prepare the effective and skilled work force. By keeping the necessity in mind, in the year 1995, SUS established an independent cell named by ‘Training cell’. The main activities of the cell are as follows:

Training need assessment Module development Conduct training, workshop & orientation Training follow-up & evaluation

Overall goal The overall goal of training cell is to improve the management competences of the member of SUS and to enhance the human potential and operational skills of program participants.

Objectives To develop and provide training for program participants and SUS staff To ensure the development, facilitation and implementation of the training course. To bring innovation and dimension in training courses. To extend support and facilities to other organizations especially local organizations.

In 2010, 40 batches training and workshop have been completed inside the organization. The training and workshop are: Basic training of newly recruited staff; micro credit management; IGA management; communication and facilitation skills; training on gender, rights, law and shalishi; PRA training and conflict management. Besides, following trainings have been provided for service receivers: leadership development; group management; training on GRCBP and training on PRA. Trainings have been provided for other organizations such as: PRA training; IGA management; and communication and facilitation skills.

2.8. Special programs of SUS

2.8.1. Peoples Institution - Loko KendraSUS introduced the REFLECT (Regenerated Freirean Literacy through Empowering Community Techniques) approach in 1996 as a means for social change. It is a fusion of the political philosophy of the Brazilian educator Paulo Freire and the practical methodologies developed for Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA). Other significant influences were the right-based and gender equality approaches of SUS. The Loko-Kendra (people’s institution) was established in 1999 with a view to bring greater solidarity among the people. A total of 7 Loko-Kendras had been established, 3 in Netrakona sadar, 2 in Mohanganj upazila, 1 in Madan upazila and 1 in Kendua upazila. The people's institutions are working to support the basic implementation of long-term action points through the participation of the circles. In particular, the institutions play an important role in applying the knowledge acquired from the circle to people’s daily lives. After completing the circle, participants take the initiative to organize local people by forming people’s institutions. In this way, they are influencing the society. The achievements of the institutions are as follows:

Own savings amount of tk.380116 and are being revolved among themselves as self-help group. Established library with different books on health, education, biography, agriculture, livestock etc. Sanitation coverage in their 7 communities. Reproductive health services have been ensured. Total 740 pregnant mothers received pregnancy test.

380 safe deliveries ensured. Regular study circle is going on primary health care, family law and safe motherhood. They arranged

5 arbitrations for protecting early marriage, dowry, dower and polygamy. SUS has established a village information centre in Amtola Loko-Kendra with the assistance of D-

NET. People in Amtola area are now connected with the global information highway.

2.8.2. Emergency Assistance to Flash Flood Affected Poor and Marginalized People (EAFFAPMP) in Khaliazuri

Khaliajuri is the poorest upazila of Netrakona district by considering socio-economic situation. Total population of khaliajuri upazila is above one lac. About 80% crops were destroyed by flash flood. SUS has been implementing Emergency Assistance to Flash Flood Affected Poor and Marginalized People (EAFFAPMP) in north-east Bangladesh project in Khaliajuri upazila under Netrakona district, which is assisted by CARE-Bangladesh and funded by ECO. Emergency support has been provided to 1868 beneficiaries (862 beneficiaries under package-1 and 1006 beneficiaries under package-2) for food security and 401 beneficiaries for house protection.

SUS management and EAFFAPMP staffs arranged a meeting with Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), upazila chairman and respective union parishod chairman on flash flood situation of Khaliajuri upazila under Netrakona district. SUS management and upazila administration took decision for emergency response among 3 unions out of 6 unions of Khaliajuri upazila. Primarily, 3000 affected households were selected through participatory (focus group discussion) method. Finally, 2269 (1868 for food security and 401 for house protection) HHs were selected through door-to-door crosschecking by using format. The disaster volunteers, village development committee, local elites, Union

Parishod, Upazila Parishod and representatives of administration played their roles and responsibilities to overcome the awkward situation.

The households were benefited through food package and house protection support. So, they overcame the food crisis during the period. As a result, the market prize remained stable due to provide need-based food and other support. Each beneficiary got 120 kg rice (5 and above 5 members in a household) and 80 kg rice (4 and below 4 members in a household), 8 kg pulses, 8 kg sugar, 8 liters oil, 4 kg salt and 4 kg Suji and cash support of tk.1000.00. According to plan, SUS provided food package (4 times) and cash (2 times) and house protection materials (Bamboo, bamboo-made mat and wire for 80 families) support among the targeted

beneficiaries. SUS prepared Chit Card, festoon, banner for distributing emergency support (food, cash and wall protection material) through package 1 and 2 from 3 distributing points. An amount of taka 3000.00 per beneficiary was provided among 321 beneficiaries for protecting the houses from the wave erosion. After distributing money, the EAFFAPMP staffs monitored the situation as door to door basis.

The disaster volunteers, village development committee, local elites, Union Parishod, Upazila Parishod and representatives of administration played their roles and responsibilities to overcome the awkward situation. The CARE-Bangladesh and ECO also extended their hands of cooperation all the times to succeed the initiative.

2.8.3. Adolescent Empowerment Project (AEP)In between children and women, there is another group called ‘Adolescent’. Adolescents are the neglected part of the society. It is seen that govt. and NGOs are not taking much more initiatives for them. But adolescent of today will be the citizen of tomorrow. Adolescents fall into different problems due to lack of awareness. Besides, in secondary and higher education system, there are no lessons on health awareness and personal hygiene. They become detached from family and society due to their physical and mental changes. So, they can’t go ahead. As a result, some of them become involved with drugs and other illegal works and they don’t obey their parents.

According to a report of UNFP, there are about 23% adolescents in our country. So, sustainable development is not possible by overlooking this major percentage of population. SUS has been working with this section since 1998. In 2009, SUS extended its AEP to Mymensingh town by covering 5 slums and 5 high schools through reflect method.

SUS has completed deferent types of activities in 2010 at school level such as: Conduct survey, school selection, school-wise background survey, 5 adolescent group formation with 150 student, 5 sub-group formation and arrange bi-monthly meeting 24 times, issue-based discussion, 236 home visit, prepare 5 wall magazines, observation of 33 parents meeting with 612 participants and School Management Committee meeting, arrange 8 parents meeting, 5 quiz competitions and 4 gardening in schoolyard.

At slum level, survey of 5 slum areas and 5 adolescent group formation with 274 adolescents, 5 group leader selection, training for related staffs and group leaders, arrange study circle, 12 issue-based discussion in group, 4 graphic drawing, 25 guardian meeting, 5 session in the group by the expertise, provide 5 batch skill training with 100 adolescent, functioning of 5 mobile library, capital formation and Home visit.

Result against activities at school levelSurvey of 5 schools has been completed. An adolescent group has been formed with a total of 150 adolescents (10 from each class and 30 from each school) from vii-ix classes of 5 schools, Out of 150, 112 are girls and

38 are boys, sub-groups have been formed as per criteria. 24 meetings have been arranged with 196 participants of sub-groups and 82% participants have been informed on their roles. Adolescent group has stopped 11 early marriages. 11 discussion sessions were arranged with 446 students and they can tell about birth registration, education, types of education, necessity of education, quality education, continuous education, stipend, importance of health and adolescent period, cleanliness, bad effect of early marriage, rights and area of rights etc. 16 out of 81 irregular students are coming to the school regularly, Some guardians have become aware and active about their children study. The adolescents reveled their opinion through writing poet, short story etc. The adolescent can share their knowledge and experience through magazine and their learning have been shared with others. Guardians are coordinating and communicating in all aspects. Attitude of parents has been changed during adolescent period. 20 participants attended quiz competition and they gathered knowledge. They have become more inspired to perform their works properly.

Result against activities at slum level 1496 adolescents have been surveyed. 274 adolescents have been selected as per criteria. Working skills of staffs and group leaders has been increased. 90% adolescents can tell about the goal and objectives. 12 issues

have been selected by considering the adolescent’s age, thoughts and perceptions. Most of the adolescents are aware on bad effect of early marriage, polygamy, dowry, HIV/AIDS, changes in adolescent period, bad effect of arsenic, importance of nutrition etc. 75% adolescent can explain what is HIV/AIDS and prevention. 80 adolescent can explain family law, 100% adolescents are taking safe drinking water. 86% adolescents have taken vaccine.10% adolescent knows how to sign. 50 adolescents have been deposited savings. 140 adolescent families used hygienic latrines out of 274. 5 graphics have been drawn on bad effect of early marriage, general diseases, nutrition and rights in 5 groups. 75% adolescents can tell about criteria of happy and unhappy families. 120 out of 274 adolescents can tell importance nutritious food. 100 out of 274, adolescents can tell about first aid. 150 out of 274 adolescents know about their rights. 60% participants have been made aware on importance of education and they have been informed about Begum Rokeya Shakhawt, Jahanara Imam, Robindra Nath Thakur, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Veer Srestha of liberation war and Sufia kamal. 100 out of 274 adolescents have been trained on sewing. 18 out of 274 adolescents have been working with different types of IGAs. at home. 5 mobile libraries have been running in 5 groups. Adolescents collected deferent books from the mobile library and they are gathering knowledge by reading these books. They have been inspired about different issues.

Speech of TaposhiHer name is Taposhi Sarker, she reads in class-ix of Rada Rani Sundari High School of Mymensingh municipality. Poverty is the companion of her everyday life. Her father would work in hotel but suddenly, he became ill. Thereafter, their family fell into miserable condition. Her mother was working as a maidservant and she maintained the family expenditure but she didn’t able to maintain education cost of her daughter. In addition, Taposhi and her mother prepared packet (Made by paper) and she maintained her study cost from their earning. Sometimes an aunty of Taposhi helped them and gave suggestions to them about running their

family. One day, Taposhi’s aunty thought and shared her sister if we can arrange marriage of Taposhi then the expenditure of the family will be reduced and saved. Taposhi’s aunty told her sister to stop Taposhi’s study and to arrange her marriage. The staff of school mobilization was informed about news from school students. She (Staff) went to her mother and school teacher and sought help of school teachers. According to opinion of Taposhi, the school mobilizer wanted to help and submitted an application to the school headmaster for continuing Taposhi’s study. Thereafter, the school teachers discussed about Taposhi’s issue and the headmaster took decision that Taposhi will continue her study at free of cost. The school authority will bear her all educational cost. On the other hand, the school teachers discussed about bad effect of early marriage with her mother and aunty in the school by the assistance of SUS staff. Her mother and aunty realized the situation and understood that they have taken wrong decision because below 18 years, nobody is allowed to marry their daughter according to family law. Taposhi is continuing her study without any problems and her mother is committed that she will not arrange her daughter marriage until completion of her education.

2.8.4. Shelter house for battered womenSUS started this project in 2002. Until 2010 in total 44 shelterless, abandoned, social victim women were sheltered and rehabilitated. The objective of this project is to ensure access to justice and establish human rights for the shelterless women and adolescents. SUS support group, Sweden is funding now (2010-2012) for per year 10 women.

2.8.5. Scholarship fund for higher education of SUS education projectIn 2002 one member from SUS support group Sweden donated her inheritance amount of tk.200000 for education scholarship. SUS support group Sweden raised more fund which is now tk.600000.SUS deposited this amount in the bank and from the interest 7 students are receiving each year tk.2000 per head.

2.9. Networking and advocacy program of SUS2.9.1. Campaign for good governance (SUPRO) – A network organization

SUPRO is an umbrella organization/platform of CBOs and civil society organizations and this is a transformation of “Campaign for political reformation”. SUPRO started its work in 46 districts with 600 NGOs to increase the capacities of grass-root level civil society and mass people with a view to establish economical justice and good governance as well as to reform the existing political system of the country in 2001 by the name of “Campaign for political reformation”. Later on, name of the institution was changed to “Campaign for good governance” by analyzing the policies of international money investing institutions and participation of mass people in making national policies. At present, there are 46 district committees along with national executive committee. A 15 member committee has been formed to implement the activities in Netrakona district. SUS is taking the responsibilities as district secretariat of the network. The goal of the network is “We expect such a democratic Bangladesh where there will be practiced of real democratic culture”. SUPRO has been working with the following issues such as: PRSP,

MDG, budget, trade policy of WTO, climate, food sovereignty, farmer’s rights, right to information, analyzing the policies of international money investing institutions, increase the capacity of grass-root level NGOs etc.

2.9.2. Addressing causes and effects of acid attacks with Acid Survivors FoundationAcid violence is one the burning issues of the country. Netrakona district stands 8 th position regarding acid violence in Bangladesh. Since 1999 to20 December 2009, 86 people were affected by 77 numbers of acid violence in Netrakona district. SUS has been working with this issue in assistance of acid survivors foundation (ASF) since January 2009. Its goal is to help the acid affected people to reconstruction of their lives and to eradicate acid violence within 2015.and objective is to re-establish the acid affected people in mainstreaming of society by offering them scope to access into health, education and economical services and to develop an active process of preventing the bad effect along with causes of acid violence.

In 2010, SUS organized 3 community meetings on prevention of acid violence with 167 participants e.g. teacher, development worker, police administration, women leader, survivors, cultural worker, student, people’s representative, businessman, journalist, member of pressure group, farmer etc. 2 sharing meetings were also held on prevention of acid violence with 103 participants from acid users, development workers, police administration, journalists etc. Besides, 47 women and 30 male were attended 4 meetings by pressure group. With presence of 131 participants, press conference and commitment gathering were organized against all forms of violence on women and children including acid violence. Campaign against acid violence was also conducted at 15 schools and colleges. Provided follow up to 25 survivors.

People have been informed about legal process against acid violence. 3 union parishad chairmen have declared to make their unions free of acid violence. Police and upazila administration have strengthened monitoring system jointly to control mis-use of acid. Upazila parishad and SUS have jointly prepared list of acid users and have ensured their licenses through district administration. The acid businessmen are using registers to stop easy flow of acid. The leaders of jewelry and battery businessmen have also strengthened the monitoring system. District health administration is running treatment activities of acid victims. The journalists are writing about bad effect of the issue regularly. SUS is providing financial support to acid victims by analyzing the condition of the victims.

Case#1 Swadhina Akter, w/o. Shahid Mia of Asma village under Asma upazila of Barhatta upazila under Netrakona district was affected by acid on 27 July 2006 at about 8 pm. A conflict was happened with the neighbor for catching fishes and after 3 days of the conflict, she was affected by acid. For this reason, her ear, throat and breast were burnt. She felt pain in the wounded areas. On 22 June 2010, National Acid Control Council, Netrakona District Committee gave her tk.5000.00 for treatment purpose. Her husband Shahid Mia is now running jute business with this money. Husband of Swadhina filed a case in police station after affected by acid and chargesheet was also issued and at present, the accused have come out from jail and witness has been taken from 6 persons. Swadhina wants more help for running the business.

Case#2

Nurunnahar, w/o. Md. Chan Mia of Gualakanda village under Gualakanda union of Purbadhola upazila of Netrakona district was affected by acid at about 5 pm on 5 March 2008. The conflict was happened with cousins regarding lands. Her face, throat, chest and back sides were burnt seriously. She filed a case and a charge sheet was issued and now the case is under process. She was brought to Acid Survivors foundation hospital for treatment. Acid Survivors foundation has given her tk.10000.00 for rehabilitation. She told that she spent the money for case purpose. Now, she wants rehabilitation support

Case#3Hazera Begum, w/o. Mostufa Mia of Challisha union under Netrakona sadar upazila of Netrakona district was affected by acid at about 7 pm. on 30 October 2007. Her left eye was burnt and she did not see. Now, she needs treatment of her eye. After affected by acid, her younger sister Sahera Akter filed a case to the police station, a charge sheet was issued. Now 2 accused are under bail and the case is under process. National Acid Control Council, Netrakona District Committee gave her tk.4000.00 and Dutch Bangla gave her tk.10000.00 for treatment. She has bought 10 decimal cultivable lands with this money. Now, she needs rehabilitation support.

2.9.3. Campaign for popular education (CAMPE)CAMPE is a national level networking organization which is working for mass education for the primary level children. The organization is networking for international level education campaign. SUS is one of the council members. SUS in collaboration with GO and NGO celebrates different days on education and campaign for ensuring quality education.

2.9.4. Bangladesh Shishu (children) Adhikar (rights) Forum (BSAF)BSAF is a national level networking organization which is working for establishing children rights. SUS is one of the members of BSAF which is working at grass root level to ensure child rights and reduce child labour.

2.9.5. National forum for disability development (NFWD)NFWD is a national level networking organization which is working for advocacy and networking to establish rights of the disabled persons. SUS is a member of NFWD which is working in Netrakona and Mymensingh and is campaigning for the rights of disables and is linking the disables in inclusive education, ensuring the smooth mobility system in school and market for the disables. SUS is lobbying for access to government opportunities i.e. disables lifelong allowances and income generating support from social welfare department.

2.9.6. Forum for gender alliance with Step towards BangladeshSteps towards Bangladesh is a national level networking organization which is working for establishing political empowerment of women by establishing gender alliance. SUS is a member and is working in its integrated areas to disseminate different government amended laws and principles for establishing the rights of women and adolescent. SUS is empowering local level natural women leaders for their political empowerment.

2.9.7. National forum for stop violence against women (JNNPF) SUS is a member of this committee to campaign for stop violence against women from local level to district level and raise voice against violation of human rights in any place in the country at a time.

2.10. Comments of different stakeholders

Md. Rashedul IslamUpazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO)Durgapur, Netrakona.

“SUS has been working in Durgapur upazila for a longer period with name and fame”

Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has been implementing “Social and Economical Empowerment of Ultra Poor (SEEUP)” with financial assistance of NETZ-Bangladesh since January 2010. SUS has been working in Durgapur upazila for a longer period with name and fame. So, the livelihood, cultural and economical status of ultra poor people will be developed through successful implementation of this project.

Md. Alal UddinUpazila Social Welfare OfficerDurgapur, Netrakona

“The activities of Social and Economical Empowerment of Ultra Poor (SEEUP) of SUS is satisfactory”

SUS has informed and involved government administration at starting and later period. Local representative of SUS attends NGO coordination meeting regularly. I hope it will bring social and economical development of ultra poor people.

Dr. Md. Shahidul AlamUpazila Livestock Officer (Incharge)Durgapur, Netrakona.

“The members are becoming aware on their rights”.

SUS has been implementing “SEEUP and SACUP” projects at Durgapur upazila. Especially, the members of these projects are benefitting by rearing cow, goat, chicken, duck, pigeon, porg etc. As a result, their food security is being ensured and side by side, their social dignity is also being increased as well. The members are becoming aware on their rights. SUS organizes different meetings, workshops and training on cow, goat, chicken, duck, pigeon, pork etc. and helps to arrange vaccination camp for their cattle. As a result, death risks of their cattle have been reducing gradually.

If the projects continue, these will play important role for socio-economic development of poor people.

Md. Shahid IqbalChairmanUpazila ParishadMohongonj, Netrakona

“It will bring positive changes of the poor people”

SUS has been running different development activities among poor and ultra poor people i.e. food security, women development project, education for children, health, disability rehabilitation, rights and good governance, micro credit etc. If they continue their activities, it will bring positive changes of the poor people in context of socio-economic development.

Sheikh Slah UddinBP-5372124402Officer InchargeMohongonj police stationMohongonj, Netrakona

“I hope the success of the initiatives”

SUS is implementing different development activities along with Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW) activities under rights and governance program which is praise worthy. They are helping police administration by taking the complaints and are mediating through salish (arbitration). I hope the success of the initiatives.

Dipalee SarkerUpazila Education Officer (Incharge)Mohongonj, Netrakona

“It will bring positive changes of poor children regarding education”

SUS is running 20 NFPE schools with 600 children in Mohongonj upazila successfully. If they continue education program, it will bring positive changes of poor children regarding education.

Kazi Amzad HossainUpazila Agriculture OfficerMohongonj, Netrakona.

“If they work more with government institutions, it will make more relationship between GO-NGO.”

SUS is running agriculture program with the farmers from ultra poor families which are obviously good and well. I hope they will include more farmers in their program. On the other hand, If they work more with government institutions, it will make more relationship between GO-NGO.

Akikunnesa Khanom BeautyPresidentUpazila SVAW committee Mohongonj, Netrakona

“This is helping to bring empowerment and legal rights of deprived women”

SUS is running ‘SVAW’ activities under rights and governance program in Mohongonj upazila. This is helping to bring empowerment and legal rights of deprived women. If they strengthen the activities, the social and legal empowerment of poor and destitute women will be increased and women will get opportunity to participate in the arbitration process.

Dr. Mohammed Abdur Rahim MiaVeterinary SurgeonUpazila livestock officeMohongonj, Netrakona

“If SUS continues this service, it will play remarkable role for development of disable children”

My son ‘Musfiqur Rahman’ is getting physiotherapy service through disability unit of SUS. I hope if SUS continues this service, it will play remarkable role for development of disable children. It will be more effective if they distribute assistive device among the disables.

Luthfa AkterMemberUapzila Manobadhikar Sangrokkon Parishad (MSP)Paboi villageMohongonj, Netrakona

“Nobody gets escaped by performing any violence”

The poor especially women could not get courage to go to police station or village leader. On the other hand, if someone could go to police station, they were not able to spend necessary money. For this reason, many of the women tolerated tortures to them. Now, the victims complain to the MSP in case of any occurrence happens in the locality. Nobody gets escaped by performing any violence. So, they are afraid those who make occurrence.

Nurul AminTeacher24 no. Samaj Government Primary SchoolMohongonj, Netrakona.

“We are getting quality students for running these types of NFPE schools”

28 phased-out students from SUS NFPE schools are now studying at our school. These students attend school more regularly than others. They are more courageous and interested to present their lessons. They are very much attentive. They are more skilled for performing co-curriculum activities such as: songs and dance. We are getting quality students for running these types of NFPE schools. But SUS should inform us about admission of their student within January of the year. We will get more quality students if they recruit more experienced teachers.

Bhulona AkterMember‘Pranto’ groupMohongonj, Netrakona

“We have to pay high interest if we borrow money from rich people”

We are poor. We do not get money for meeting up the family demands if needed. On the other hand, we have to pay high interest if we borrow money from rich people. So, we cannot overcome the crisis rather we have to pass our days with risks. But we have become benefitted by taking loan from SUS. We can do something and can earn for the betterment of our lives.

Sharmeen AkterMember‘Pahela’ Micro Credit groupMohongonj, Netrakona

“Now I can sign my name”

I could not sign my name before including myself with group. Now I can sign my own name. I have bought 40 decimal lands by an amount of tk.35000.00. We get rice from that land throughout the year. We have to spend our days by working at other’s house if I did not involve with SUS group. I am grateful to SUS.

Salma2nd year StudentPaboi villageMohongonj, Netrakona

Our teacher loves us very much. We can learn our lesson easily. Because she teaches us well.

Saimon2nd year studentPaboi villageMohongonj, Netrakona

There is no school in our village. We have got the scope to study for establishing SUS school. We feel well to read in this school. Our teacher is nice. We can dance and sing here.

Swopna FarasTeacherPaboi NFPE schoolPaboi villageMohongonj, Netrakona

“The villagers feel more eagerness to admit their children in this school”

The children from poor families get scope to read in this school at free of cost. The students learn their lesson regularly. They take part in co-curriculum activities such as: sing song, drawing, dancing etc. They wash, take bath, cut nails, brush teeth. They respect the seniors. The villagers are more interested about this school. So, the villagers feel more eagerness to admit their children in this school. They come to school regularly to get information of their children. The villagers need this type of school more. On the other hand, poor and less educated woman gets employment opportunity.