Shifting Power, Reducing Vulnerability"When I used to pay Salam (wish) to any of my neighbor they did not response as I was poor. They thought I might ask help to them. If I visited the neighbor house they thought I might ask some food and they ignored me. Those days were very painful and heartbroken to me. By the grace of Allah with the help of Islamic Relief, Bangladesh now I am honored and empowered asset full man " Golam Nabi Hawlader (65) man of Golkhali Union under Golachipa upazilla was talking with a breath. He was a fisher labor in his young age and used to go deep sea for catching fish and had to work hard with life risk. He became seriously sick and sold the entire asset few years ago and had to lead a miserable life with his wife. He was selected as beneficiary of the ECCADR project and trained on cow rearing from Islamic Relief, Bangladesh. He was supported 1200tk for purchasing a cow. He bought and sold the cow several time after rearing 2 to 3 months.

He followed management practices and ensured proper treatment timely. Now he has 3 cows which are equal to 50000 tk at present market value. He has been elected as the group president of his livelihood group. He visits all the household of his group members and follows up them, counsel them to increase their income and asset diversification. He participates in the social events and meeting actively. He thought that there was none with him in the world and felt very venerable. Now he thinks “If I become ill my group members will come to take care me. We are now the relatives each other of soul.”

Two time foods were difficult to him but now he enjoys three time food with sufficient protein and vegetables. His wife rears goose and hens. His group has been linked with different service providers of Government. He dreams his group will be registered under the Government regulation authority and all the members has achieved strength enough to fight against any vulnerability.