Food Security Annual and Livelihood Report Development Support Serviceof Development SUS 2016 Social

Sabalamby Unnayan

Samity

Governance and

Advocacy Networking

and and

Rights

Climate Change Climate

and Environment

Agriculture AnnualAAnnualnnual ReportRReporteport

SabalambySabalamby UnnayanUnnayan SamitySamity (SUS)(SUS) 201622016016 Annual Food Security Report and Livelihood 2016 Development

Editorial Adviser Begum Rokeya Support Serviceof Editorial Board SUS Development

Kazi Sohul Ahmed Social Altafur Rahman Selim Showpoun Kumar Paul Narayan Chandra Sarker Sabalamby Editorial Associate Unnayan Golam Mostafa Rezu Murshed Iqbal Samity Abdur Razzak

Khaled Ehtesham

and

Published in Governance Advocacy

March 2017 Networking

and and

Rights

Climate Change Climate

Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) and

Shibgonj Road, Netrakona Environment Phone: +88 0951 61566 Agriculture Email: [email protected] URL: sabalamby.org

I Message of the Chairman

Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) was established in 30 years back. By standing at this time, it seems that the work was very simple. But it was not so easy. The organization is going ahead by overcoming the adverse circumstances. A group of committed staffs are working hard with the leadership of the executive director to keep the organization in right track. Development is a continuous process and the organization is moving towards through this process.

To reach in 30 years, we have to work hard. And to sustain this, we have to work more steadily. I believe that organization will go forward to implement its dream.

I offer my wishes and greetings to the executive director along with her team, partner organiza- tions, related stakeholders and donors for their assistance and cooperation.

I hope that progress of the organization will be continued with the sincere efforts of all.

Roushan Akhtar Chairman Executive Committee

II Message of the Executive Director

I would like to present our annual report 2016 to the develop- I hope you will find this report both informative and interest- ment partners, government officials and other well wishers ing and that it will give you a greater understanding of the who keep us as well as feel us equally. It is hard to believe that work undertaken by our organization. We have tried hard to it has been thirty years since establishing of this organization. ensure our highest possible quality services for the distressed Since inception, SUS has tried to grow and change in people of our working area. Your support is what makes our response to the changes of the needs of the community poverty-fighting work possible. people. The organization has taken significant steps for complementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) I thank all of our development partners, government of by its range of programmatic interventions. , well wishers and other related stakeholders for their continued support and cooperation. Your positive Our annual report of 2016 presents highlights from our work comments are the inspiration for us to move forward as on the major thematic areas such as: Food Security and sustainable organization. Livelihood Development; Social Development; Rights and Governance; Agriculture, Environment and Climate Change; I would like to express my profound gratefulness to the mem- Advocacy and Networking and Support Services. During the bers of SUS executive committee for their positive advices and period, numbers of new projects have been undertaken as inspiration. I offer my heartfelt thanks to my dearest well as seven projects have been phased out successfully at colleagues in realizing our dream of turning the organization the same period. We have reviewed and updated manuals, into a center of excellence. guidelines and policies of the organization. SUS always emphasizes and encourages of women participation in every Our dreams will be fulfilled by the auspicious association and sector of development. We empower women and girls to cooperation of all. I will walk by keeping this hope and aspira- fulfill their potential because when one woman is helped out tion. We will together establish a beautiful world where our of poverty, she brings her family and community with her. offspring will enjoy and step forward by the light of that world.

Begum Rokeya Executive Director

III SUS Working Area

MEGHALAYA (INDIA)

TRIPURA (INDIA)

WESTBENGAL (INDIA)

IV Development Partner 6 Overview of SUS 7 Framework of SUS 8 Food Security and Livelihood Development 9 Social Development 15 Rights and Governance 20 Content Agriculture, Environment and Climate change 34 Integrated Development Program (IDP) 37 Advocacy and Networking 42 Emergency Response 45 Special Event 46 Support Service of SUS 47 Our Media Hits 53 Snapshots of Visitors 54 Phased out Program/Project of SUS 56 Strategic Plan of SUS for 2016-2020 57 Financial Management 58 Development Partner Theme: Food Security and Livelihood Theme: Rights and Governance Water Aid in Bangladesh Development The Swallows (India-Bangladesh) Promotion of water supply, sanitation and hygiene NETZ partnership for development and justice-Germany ACCESS: Access of Women in Social, Political and (PWaSH) in hard to reach area Strengthening of Marginalized Families to overcome Economical Sector NGO Forum for Public Health Structural Poverty in Areas with High Rates of Malnutri- GIZ-Germany Enhancing Governance and Capacity of Service tion (SOMMAN) Justice Reform and Corruption Prevention (JRCP) Providers and Civil Society in Water Supply and Structural Alleviation of Poverty and Marginalization Improvement of the Real Situation of Overcrowd- Sanitation Sector Project of the poorest Regions of Bangladesh (SAHOSH) ing in Prisons in Bangladesh (IRSOP) Traidcraft Exchange (TX) and Development Wheel Polli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) HELVETAS Intercooperation-Germany (DEW) Micro Finance (MF) and Micro Enterprise (ME) Strengthening CSOs in promoting inclusive and Alternative Livelihood Options (ALO) Program transparent budget processes in Union Parishads SUS Self Managed Project SUS Self Managed Project (EU-CSO and LA) Project Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) Micro Finance (MF) and Micro Enterprise (ME) HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation-Bangladesh Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)-Bangladesh program SHARIQUE III Development and Social Welfare Assistance Program Community Led Extreme Poor Project (CLEPP) UK Aid, Maxwell Stamp PLC Handicrafts Project Promotion of Equitable Society by Ensuring Theme: Support Service of SUS Access to Justice-PESEAJ (Community Legal Services-CLS) The Tides Foundation Theme: Social Development Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) SUS Support Group, Sweden Triton Textile Limited-Bangladesh Facilitate Activism for Just, equitable and account- Quaker Service, Sweden  Non-Formal Primary Education (NFPE able Society (Access to justice) Sister Community Association (SCA), Sweden BRAC Ensuring Effective Legal Aid Support Service Non-Formal Primary Education (NFPE) (EELASS) Bradford, United Kingdom Center for Disability in Development (CDD) SUS Support Group-Sweden Capacity development Strengthening Capacity and Networking of NSAs and Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW) LAs on Disability (SCANED) Shelter Home Project Quaker Service-Sweden SUS Support Group, Finland Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK)-Dhaka Integrated Development Program (IDP) Babu Barta Gender and Social Justice Micro Finance (MF) and Micro Enterprise (ME) Sister Community Association (SCA)-Sweden Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF) program Disability Rehabilitation Project ) Survivors Network for Prevention and Better Adolescent Empowerment Project (AEP) SUS Self Managed Project Inclusion Early Childhood Development (ECD) SUS Hospital Reproductive Health Small grant department of US government Theme: Agriculture, Environment and Disability Rehabilitation Project (DRP) Babu Barta (Women’s Health Innovation Program- Climate Change Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW) WHIP ) Human Appeal, UK Advocacy & Networking UNICEF-Bangladesh Promotion of Safe Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Engaging Communities for Social and Behavior in disaster prone community Changes project

Annual Report 2016 6 Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) is a non-government SUS is transparent regarding information, reporting, organization. It was established in 1986. SUS’s head office sharing and disseminating important ideas and messages. is situated in Netrakona. Since its inception, it has been SUS always follows zero tolerance in any kind of financial facilitating to bring a change in the life of deprived people issues. SUS always emphasizes in corruption prevention. especially for women, adolescent and children aiming to The organization always maintains its quality in a standard establish rights and social dignity of deprived people. level. Audit is done by external auditor in regular basis of Thirty years life-line story of SUS shows a glorious the projects, programs as well as organization. SUS always growth records which deserves attention. It gained practiced the Mango Health Check and at present it is incredible know-how in dealing with diversified develop- practicing. SUS assesses and reshuffles its structure and ment issues focusing women, adolescent, children and process regularly. Based on organizational strategic plan, poor. Overseeing thirty years history confirms that SUS SUS decentralizes its authority and maintains its core has been experienced in dealing with most of the impor- values. SUS has expanded its management committee and tant development issues relevant to its program partici- there are thirteen members in the committee (5 female pants living in its working areas. SUS has been implement- and 8 Male). The staffs are working hard to run all the ing socio-economical and cultural activities among 1.5 programs by keeping the core values: Quality service, million poor and deprived people of 24 under Holism/integration, Sustainability, People’s participation, Netrakona, Sunamgonj, , Jamalpur and Sher- Human dignity, Secularism, Gender equality. pur districts thourgh integrated, participatory and rights Overview based approach with a view to achieve the dream ‘People Bangladesh is a developing country; government and live in a society with dignity and justice’ by eradicating non-government organizations are contributing their own of SUS poverty and injustice. SUS always try to step forward to ways to make the development sustainable. Definitely, address the current changes and challenges to develop its arena of government service is enlarging day by day. quality of work and achieve the desire result. NGOs can work with government to facilitate their efforts. To increase transparency and accountability in At the end of the 2015, SUS completed its 3rd strategic service providing units, NGOs can work with community plan for 2011-2015. On the basis of the assessment and people to make them aware about their rights; they can learning, SUS has prepared its 4th strategic plan for 2016 work to strengthen the professional relationship of -2020. To see SUS as a model organization in develop- service providers and receivers. SUS believes that in the ment arena of Bangladesh, SUS identified fourteen strate- upcoming years, the transparency and accountability will gic focus areas through 4th strategic plan. SUS has also increase in every sector and SUS will able to work for designed ‘SUS Strategic Framework’. Following this, SUS community with government in more convenient way. is implementing its activities through thematic approach. Because the present government has a special instruction The organizational thematic programs are i) Food Secu- to government officials to become more service oriented rity and Livelihood Development ii) Social Development for community people. Now, the NGO should facilitate iii) Rights and Governance iv) Agriculture Environment the working ground help both service providers and and Climate Change v) Advocacy and Networking vi) receivers by providing information, setting relation and by Support Services of SUS. providing proper guideline and instruction.

SUS always tries to provide quality services. SUS is accountable to donors, government as well as community people. Annual Report 2016 7 Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) Establishment: 1986 Framework of SUS

Vision People live in a society with dignity and justice. SUS works with poor and deprived people by providing different Mission socio-economic and cultural services with a view to eradicate poverty and injustice.

Goal People enjoy better livelihood by getting access into services and practicing different rights.

Thematic Area People’s Humandignity, participation, Secularism,Genderequality

Food Security and Agriculture Environment Advocacy Livelihood Social Development Rights and Governance and Support Service of Sustainability Holism/integration, Quality service, and SUS Development Climate Change Networking Thematic Objectives oevle fSUS Core values of

To enhance livelihood To create friendly To improve the To capacitate the To strengthen To capacitate the relevant stakeholders, condition of poor and environment for poor situation of social community to utilize relationship with keep project activities marginalized people by and marginalized environment by resources at optimum GO/NGOs for on track and ensure level; access into safe achieving/exercising necessary supports for ensuring food security. people to get access reducing violence, smooth running of the water and sanitation; rights and demands of projects/program. into quality health, strengthening prepare and respond to community. disability and governance justice cope disaster and adapt education services. climate change. Approach of SUS

Thematic ProgramThematic Program Thematic Program Thematic Program Thematic Program Program Support Unit-

PSU (Training, Monitoring and Evaluation, Reporting, Integrated Participatory and Right Based Approach Based Right and Participatory Integrated Publication, documentation and communication), Program Participant Working Area Human Resource Management (HRM), Poor, ultra poor, marginalized people Backward and remote area Financial Management. especially women, adolescents and children. especially haor, hilly and slum area.

Annual Report 2016 8 Food Security and Thematic objective To enhance livelihood condition of Livelihood Development poor and marginalized people by ensuring food security

Annual Report 2016 9 Micro Finance (MF) and After 2 weeks of forming group, group mem- 13500000 bers get the loan against their chosen Micro Enterprise (ME) businesses. Credit money is repaid back by the members at 25% declining rate of interest Jagoron Program Information through 46 installments (One year) in weekly Buniad District: Netrakona, Mymensingh and Sunamgonj, Fund-wise 519000

meeting. The group members receive IGA 92 Agrosor Upazila: 16, Union: 92, Credit (Income Generating Activity) based training Disbursement Sufolon Village: 358, Group: 959, Families: 12,929 for their skill development. Presently, SUS is running the following types of IGAs such as: Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) is running its Micro Jagoron, Buniad, Agrosor, Sufolon, 18797000 74712 Finance (MF) and Micro Enterprise (ME) program by Surokkha, Micro Finance Fro Marginal and Political Changes 1308 aiming to increase income through creating employment Small Farmer (MFMSF), Fish Farming 95% program participants cast their own vote. 25% program opportunities as well as to raise awareness about the Group and Small and Marginal Farmer (SMF). participants pressurize the elected people’s representatives for importance of unity, utilization of credit, depositing implementing the rights. 0.5% program participants try to savings, education, health, law, rights etc. The program is Changes Happened become public representatives. 0.07% becomes people’s repre- run through forming group. Selection of area and identi- Economical Changes sentatives. fication of program participants are very essential to 85% families have alternative income project. implement the program properly. A group is formed Food security has been ensured of 90% Skills Related Changes village-wise or area-wise by selecting 15-35 families (One families. 65% families expend money for 68% members run their business directly. 67% members are person specially women from each family) from backward education purpose. 50% families expend able to keep their income-expenditure documents. 55% mem- section of the society through survey of socio- money for health purpose. Housing has been bers prepare compost fertilizer and cultivate vegetables in economical condition of the program participants. After ensured for 65% families. 35% have their own organic way. 45% members are capable to control disease and forming a group, weekly meeting is arranged in a particu- lands. 65% families have furniture. 90% insects of their vegetables and crops. 100% members are lar day and discussed about utilization of credit, impor- families have enabled to increase their assets. capable to sign. 65% members play active role in group and tance of depositing savings, education, health, law, rights Dependency has been reduces of 70% family problems. 5% members paly vital role in arbitration. etc. and is made them habituated in savings at weekly basis families. 85% families have released to take according to their ability. loan at high interest rate. 85% families have Health Related Changes livestock. 100% families are depositing 75% members are conscious about personal and family clean- savings. liness. 85% members are conscious about taking care and 29260880 vaccination of pregnant mothers and they take vaccines timely. IGA-Wise Savings (In Taka) Social Changes 45% members use hygienic latrines. 35% members take nutri- 12% members participate in tious food. 39% members take family planning methods. 70% 18966322 Jagoron arbitration/salish. 65% members get invita- members take care of their children properly. 57% members Buniad tion in social occasion. 70% members have are conscious about family health. 80% members use safe Agrosor understood the importance of unity. 60% water in all purposes. MFMSF members do not trust on social superstitions. Sufolon 75% members know about the bad effects of Rights Related Changes 3491386 3154656 Surokkha early marriage, polygamy, divorce and dowry 25% families play vital role for establishing family and social 709668 65401 107 Housing and if needed, they protest. rights. 15% members communicate with different government institutions. 68% members participate in family decision Jagoron Buniad Agrosor MFMSF Sufolon Surokkha Housing making process. 85% members know the importance of Annual Report 2016 10 education. Handicraft Project Success Story of Rehena municipality area. As a result of prog- ress of her business, she recruited Trade and Marketing one male and one female workers Project Information with the monthly wages of taka 8000 Section: Bamboo, cane and jute, Nakshi (Embroidery), Batik, (Taka 4000 per month of each Handloom, Sewing;Total producers: 50 worker). The customers buy her SUS has been running readymade garments from her shop handicrafts project since its and she also sells in the small shops inception. SUS handicraft of the district town. She took the project targets the poorest loan of taka 50000 from SUS as her and most vulnerable business becomes more profitable. women in the local area From the profit of her business, she such as: widowed or has taken 40 decimal cultivable lands divorced especially adoles- beside her home as lease. She runs cent girls those who are risk her family by cultivating paddy in this of early marriage. SUS land and also saves something. She provides the beneficiaries Rehena Akter was born in a poor family of Bishwanathpur has necessary furniture and other with a clean and safe work- village under Amtola union of Netrakona sadar upazila of items at her home. She has now the ing environment. The Netrakona district. She is the daughter of Burhan Uddin and capital (Cash and kinds) of around project also provides health Jaher Banu. Rehena is the second of two brothers and two taka 500000 at her shop. and legal support to the sisters. Her parents got married of their elder daughter by producers. losing almost all the assets. Rehena studied upto class five Rehena could not continue her study At present, the 50 producers are producing batik, embroidery, handloom, bamboo & cane and jute products. Out of which 27 due to poverty. She got married only at the age of 14 years but she is very much conscious about her children education. Her only producers work at SUS office and the rests work at their homes. with Md. Motiur Rahman of Maskanda village under Khol- The products are being sold through SUS own sales center along ishaur union of Purbadhola union of Netrakona district. She daughter is now reading in class nine and son in class two. Her daughter is with order collected from local and foreign buyers. A design team belonged to the family of 5 members (Father and mother- mix traditional Bengali patterns and styles with modern and in-laws and sister-in-law). She fell into poverty again. They learning songs in Shilpokola Acad- foreign influences. The present products are such as: Salwar did not take their meals sufficiently. She then gave birth of emy, Netrakona. Her husband has kameez (Three piece suit), punjabi, T-shirt, blouse, sari, scarves, her first girl baby. After 2 years of giving birth of her daugh- been working as a government children's clothe, shoes, jewelry, bag, cushion cover, wall hanging, ter, she again gave birth of a son. They were leading their life surveyor since 2015. ornament, toy, box, key ring, and seat. The handicraft project with struggling. In the mean time, she was informed about always tries to use organic, natural and local materials. On ‘Purnima group’ of Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) Rehena started her life with great average, each worker earns 2500 to 2800 taka per month. The through Hena Akter, president of that group. In 2010, she sorrow. But she is leading a happy life producers are able to work at the SUS centre or at home if they was enlisted as the member of Purnima group of SUS. After- with her husband and children. She have the necessary equipment. After working for a certain period, ward, she received training on sewing from SUS. She took the dreams to educate her daughter they can obtain employment with these experiences and skills. loan of taka 15000 in the same year. She bought a sewing properly and get married in an Total sales is Taka 1363632 (Cash sales from own sales center, machine with the credited money and started her sewing educated family. She wishes to see SUS Head Office: 415297, Foreign/SOURCE/Sucholi/Hand work. Later on, she took loan of taka 25000 in 2011 and her son as a doctor in future who will Touch 706910 and Due: 241425). The producers have earned the bought two sewing machines and rented a shop with taka serve for the poor and helpless wages of taka 31,800.00 each per year. In 2016, we have partici- 1500 per month at Joynagar Road under Netrakona people. pated in two fairs such as: 21 February, Netrakona and Dutch Club, Dhaka. Annual Report 2016 11 Strengthening of Marginalized Families Union Federation (Nari Unnayan Sangstha)- to Overcome Structural Poverty in Areas A Platform for the Group Members As 12 union federations have been formed and are becoming a platform with High Rates of Malnutrition (SOMMAN) for group members. In 2016, one federation volunteer has been appointed Project Information under each federation by direct interview taken by the respective federa- District: 2 (Netrakona and Mymensingh), Upazila: 3 tion leaders. 8 federations have own rented houses for performing (Haluaghat, Dhubaura and Durgapur), Union: 12, Family: 2450 monthly meeting and other activities. Federations observed different national and international days like International Women Day, World Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has are able to organize and document their meeting Indigenous Day, National Legal Aid Day, World Peace Day, World AIDS been implementing “Strengthening of by themselves. All federations have developed Day etc. Two federations started Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program Marginalized Families to Overcome their own annual plan and budget with participa- and disbursed taka 63000 among 14 group members. Meanwhile, 36 Structural Poverty in Areas with High tory tools and implement those. A system of federation leaders received training on Financial Management to run RLF Rates of Malnutrition (SOMMAN)” membership fee for all the members is developed smoothly. 56 federation members took part in village development activi- since May 2015 to assist project mem- and 85% of federation members pay their fees as ties i.e. road construction. All federations have bank account in scheduled bers to contribute to the structural per schedule. Due to two exposure visits one in Sri banks for fund raising as each group member subscribes taka 10 each eradication of extreme poverty and lanka and another in Darshana, Chuadanga; the month and balance stands at taka 2,48,082. Furthermore, 8 federations hunger. staffs have acquired knowledge and idea about the have started Income Generating Activities (IGA) by taking eight plots of culture and activities of the aforesaid organiza- lands where they are cultivating toxic free vegetables for commercial In 2016, 60% of the project beneficia- tions and they have shared their ideas in their purpose. Due to advocacy, members are getting government safety net ries have enabled to increase their respective fields. services such as: Vulnerable Group Development-VGD, Vulnerable income through different income Group Feeding-VGF, Old Age Allowance, Widow Allowance. 10 federa- generating activities. 20% families are tions have arranged meetings with newly elected 10 Union Parishad (UP) practicing collective sale of fresh prod- bodies to place their demands and recognize them in getting more assur- ucts like vegetables, eggs, milk, fruits at ance over safety net opportunity. One federation leader was elected as group level. Members cultivate governing body member of a primary school and took part as a judge in a vegetables and rear livestock and poul- mediation case. try. They have now cows, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens and ducks. Livestock and Jahanara-An Emerging poultry were vaccinated through vacci- Federation Leader nation camp with the help of Para-vets. Members are cultivating cash Jahanara Begum is 45 years old with three children of Gubr- crops/vegetables by taking lands as akura village of under . lease. The target group members are Becoming a beneficiary of the predecessor project titled enjoying three times nutritious meal “Strengthening of Agricultural Capacities of Ultra Poor in per day at least 10 months a year. All Bangladesh (Strengthen UP)” project; Jahanara worked as an the members have access to safe drink- agricultural labor or as a maid when work was available whilst ing water. 43% members have installed her husband frequently had to migrate in search of day laborer tube wells at their own premises. 74% work. As work remained unavailable, Jahanara’s family used to families use ring slabs and rest of them eat one or two meals usually plain rice with occasional use pit latrines. 30% federation leaders vegetables or fish in a day. Annual Report 2016 12 Jahanara deliberated speech in Community Led front of the audience. With changed project modality, Extreme Poor Project (CLEPP) “Strengthening of Marginalized Project Information Families to Overcome Structural District: Netrakona, Upazila: 2 (Mohongonj and Barhatta), Poverty in High Rates of Malnutri- Union: 6, Village: 23, Family: 393 tion (SOMMAN)” project was started since May 2015 and federa- SUS continued Extreme Poor Women Development Project (EPWDP) with tion of Haluaghat Sadar Nari 1000 extreme poor families at Mohongonj upazila of Netrakona district by the Unnayan Sangstha was formed and assistance of NETZ Partnership for Development and Justice since 2002 to she was elected as its president. 31 December 2009. Since January 2016, CLEPP project are being run by joint Afterward, she was mulling how to collaboration of SUS and project participants as a self-help organization. develop livelihoods of the federa- Other foods such as: milk or eggs were rarely afford- tion members. Jahanara communi- During the reporting period, SUS CLEPP project organized 1232 group able. In February 2010, Jahanara joined with the afore- cated with Hitoishi Bangladesh meetings. The issues were: increase savings, care taking of IGAs, cattle rearing, said “Strengthen UP” project as a member of ‘Padma’ (An NGO) and collected mosquito homestead gardening, social problem, cattle vaccination, disaster management, samity (group) implemented by Sabalamby Unnayan nets free of cost and distributed to GO/NGO services etc. At the end of 31 December 2016, savings balance Samity (SUS). With help of Field Facilitator (FF) she the group members to prevent was taka 12,42,732. Now, average savings per member is taka 3162. Taka along with her family members made a Family Devel- malaria as nearby Indian hilly area. 51,90,000 was distributed among 299 borrowers for running their IGAs. Now, opment Plan (FDP) and received training on livestock Under the support of federation, members are running their different income generating activities (IGAs). management and gardening techniques through the Jahanara and her executive Members are making profit from their respective IGAs. 35% members are advice on issues such as: health, hygiene, sanitation, committee members arranged directly, 60% members are jointly and 5% members are running their IGAs early marriage, dowry, vegetables production and Annual General Meeting (AGM) depend on their sons. They are contributing in family expenditure especially savings during group meeting. Jahanara got the with active participation of all children education, land purchase and treatment purposes. Most of the family support including a cow, a goat, chickens, ducks, group members with a successful members can take nutritional food 3 times in a day. The members are able to saplings and vegetables seeds in amounting of taka manner. To solve a dispute of a increase investment in their ongoing IGAs. 299 members were brought under 15,506 from SUS. She reared livestock and poultry and group member, she participated as insurance policy. They deposit 1% against loan money in the office. In the cultivated vegetables by applying knowledge gained a judge with local Union Parishad reporting period, one nominee of member received insurance premium of from training and regular facilitation by FF and senior (UP) body. During this time, she taka 13,660.00 from insurance fund for death of the member. Now, Insurance technical staff as well. With several income streams- has been elected as a member of a fund is taka 3,71,046. During reporting period, 9 members have been involved cattle, poultry, eggs, vegetables worth about taka local school governing body. To with Vulnerable Group Development (VGD), 18 members with Vulnerable 70000; she joined then with consecutive“Sustainable run federation activities smoothly, Group Feeding (VGF), 12 members with Old Age Allowance and 5 members Technology Transfer to Enhance Productivity for she and her team appointed a with Widow Allowance. On the other hand, 32 students are getting stipend Ultra Poor (STEP UP)” project. After exploring her Federation Organizer (FO), rented from government primary school. 14 beneficiaries have received fertilizer, 16 leadership quality, she was selected for a exposure visit a house and disbursed taka 18000 beneficiaries have received seeds and 24 beneficiaries have received suggestion in India (West Bengal and Jarkhand) where same to three federation members for from agriculture office. The targeted beneficiaries are going to government project was implementing by Indian’s partner NGO vegetables cultivation. Now, hospital and livestock office for getting treatment. The husbands of the benefi- namely Tegore Society for Rural Development Jahanara and her team dream to ciaries give priority of their (beneficiaries) opinions and the beneficiaries can (TSRD). In 2014, during celebration of World Women establish their federation as a self- participate in decision making process. Now, group members know about Day sponsored by Haluaghat upazila administration; reliant organization. their rights and source of their rights. 4 union based cluster committee are formed for better forum of ultra poor by groups. Annual Report 2016 13 Structural Alleviation of Poverty Self Reliance is the Only and Marginalization of the Way to Freedom poorest Regions of Bangladesh (SAHOSH) Project Information District: Netrakona, Upazila: Durgapur and Kalmakanda, Total Federation: 8, Ultra poor family: 1091

All groups under the project have been rearing, seasonal vegetable cultivation, handed over to 8 federations. Federa- tailoring, shop keeping etc. Net savings tions have been working independently is now taka 7,08,967. since May 2015. They recruited 8 Federa- tion Organizers (FO) for implementing Services received from different federation activities. They are continuing GO-NGO institutions and UP weekly group meeting, monthly federa- 62 federation members received Vulner- tion meeting, savings activity, providing able Group Feeding (VGF) cards, 20 small capital support to group members Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) for implementing IGAs and assisting to cards, 9 Old age allowance, 6 widow the group members for getting services allowance, 24 Eid festival allowance, 22 from Union Parishad (UP) and other involved in earth work from Union Every heart keeps an aspiration of living training. The president of Jagroto GO-NGO institutions. Parishad (UP). Besides, they got 2 tube better, so that they can step forward to Mohila Unnayan Songhoton Mrs. wells from UP also. 132 federation mem- make their dream true, they can sand for Momena Khatoon, cashier Mrs. Since September 2016, SAHOSH bers received health services from themselves and others. 7 poor women Morjina Khatoon and Federation project has started again through federa- community health complex and upazila and 5 adolescent girls of Keronkhola Organizer (FO) of the federation tions. Now, 8 federations have their own hospital. 85 federation members received and Uttar Shakhaia villages have tried to Bacchu Miah participated in the capital. This fund was created by the supports from upazila livestock office change their condition through embroi- inauguration session and assisted to contribution of group members. This for their cows and chickens and ducks, dery training. implement the training successfully. fund was used in IGA by group mem- 10 members got different vegetable Trainer Mrs. Kulsuma Akter is a bers. At the end of 31 December 2016, seeds from upazila agriculture office, 6 A local federation ‘Jagroto Mohila member of the federation and she fund of 8 federations is taka 18,07,887. members received training from district Unnayan Songhoton’, Reg. No- District provided training without any trainer Outstanding is taka 13,82,333 for IGA, women affairs office, Netrakona. Women Affairs Office/Netra/115 allowance. taka 1,55,000 as land lease, taka 2,51,068 village: Chandigar, Upazila: Durgapur, at Bank and taka 23,986 as Cash. 8 It has been clearly understood that the District: Netrokona extended its assist- After the successful completion of federations have gotten registration behavioral attitude of the community ing hands to make their ambition realis- the training, now all of them are (Certificates) from District Woman people have been changed towards the tic. Local development organization earning money and the way, they are Affairs Office, Netrakona. Maximum involvement of both men and women in Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) also supporting their families too. They all group members are involved with all spares of the society. It always moti- encouraged their initiative. are grateful to Jagroto Mohila various IGAs supported by federations vates us to work for the poor and Unnayan Songhoton and SUS for such as: Cow and goat rearing, poultry extreme poor of the country for their On 3 March 2016 representative of SUS helping them to make them self sustainable changes. Sheikh Shahidul Islam inaugurated the reliant. Annual Report 2016 14 Social Development Thematic objective To create friendly environment for poor and marginalized people to get access into quality health, disability and education services

Annual Report 2016 15 Beside education, interest and skills of the students have been Non-Formal Primary increased due to involve with co-curriculum activities such as: Marianne Hofsten song, dance, reciting, drawing, role play, storytelling, quiz, Education (NFPE) physical exercise, daily assembly, oath, sports and games and Education Scholarship Project Information other creative activities. They have been made aware on cleanli- Cecelia Hofsten- District: 2, Upazila: 7, Union: 28, ness so that they keep their schools and homes neat and clean. a well wisher and Village: 116, School: 134, Student: 4020 They have made aware about the importance of different days friend of SUS because of celebrating different the days. Birth registration of who is the most of the students (96%) has been completed during the daughter of late period. They drink safe water and have sanitary latrines. They Marion Hofsten are rearing chickens and have planted fruit and wooden donated an saplings in their houses.The guardians have provided uniforms amount of taka and other necessary materials for their children. 12 disable 76,000 as one children have remained with continuous education. To ensure time donation in transparency and accountability and smooth running; develop- 2002 from her ment partners, government officials, people’s representatives inheritance after and elites of the locality have visited the schools. The guard- the death of her ians are taking care of their children as a result of guardian mother Marianne meetings. All the students have achieved their subject-wise Hofsten. SUS decided to lessons. Marianne Hofsten Success in PSC Examination 2016 start a memorial education fund as stipend for the Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) started its educa- A total of 386 students of NFPE School appeared in PSC Non-Formal Primary Education (NFPE) students tion program through 3 Non-Formal Primary examination in 2016. All the students passed the examination. of SUS those who were continuing their study for Education (NFPE) Schools in 1990 with 90 Out of 386 students, GPA- A+: 2, GPA- A: 58, GPA- A-: 204, higher education. From 2004, SUS developed its GPA- B: 105 and GPA- D: 17. (GPA: Grade Point Average) distribution policy, follow-up and selection criteria deprived, dropped out and irregular 7-10 years old and has been providing scholarship to 7 poor and children. Afterward, SUS expanded number of 250 meritorious NFPE students for their continuous schools according to the need of the community support from high school to university level every within its ability. During the period, 18,056 students 200 204 year which is going on till now. During 2002 to have completed their course successfully. 2016, amount of money received from SUS Support Group, Sweden and SUS own input and In 2016, 4020 (Boys 1535 and Girls 2485) children 150 collected money from deposited interest together is have studied in one to five level classes. Out of taka 1239389. In 2016, scholarship of taka 35000 which 386 students have passed Primary School 100 105 was distributed among 7 students (Taka 5000 each Certificate (PSC) examination successfully. 134 student). The names of the students are as follows: teachers have run their respective schools properly 58 Arifur Rahman (Accounting-Hons Final Year), through their acquired knowledge and skills from 50 Kamrunnahar (Philosophy-Hons Second Year), 17 training and other supports by SUS. By forming 2 Shapla Akter (Class-viii), Md. Shamim Mia (Class- School Management Committee (SMC), an oppor- 0 vii Ruma Aketr (Class-vii), Papia Akter (Class-x) - tunity has been created for people’s participation and A+ A A BD and Tania Akter (Class-vii). Total 33 students from the schools have been run through systematic way. 2004-2016 have gotten scolarship. Annual Report 2016 16 SUS Hospital Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Project Information Sabalamy Unnayan Samity (SUS) has been working with District: Netrakona, Program Participant: Women, government health department for many years to children and adolescents succeed the government EPI program. SUS organizes 44 SUS has been implementing the activities of “SUS EPI sessions. The target beneficiaries of vaccination Hospital” since 2010 with a view to provide quality program are: * 0-11 months old all children. * 15-18 health services to the poor people especially months old all children. * 15 years old all adolescents. * children, adolescent and women. 3098 patients 15-49 years old all eligible women. (Female: 1821, Male: 898 and Children: 379) have received treatment and other medical supports through 283 static clinics such as: 1042 ANC, 291 Walk For Life Dreams of Jahanara PNC, 1698 GH, 26 ARI, 10 CDD, 5 dysmenor- (The National Clubfoot Program of Bangladesh) Jahanara Akter is an inhabitant of Darunbali rhoea, 23 malnutrition and 3 IUD. 1767 patients village of Kailati union under Netrakona sadar have gotten different pathological support, 1449 upazila of Netrakona district. She is the daughter ultrasound, 47 ECG. 675 pregnancy package test. of Md. Jahangir Mia and Ruzina Akter. She is the 65000 pieces iron tablets have been distributed and member of ultra poor family. Her father is a day 345 have gotten operation supports from SUS laborer and mother is housewife. She is the eldest hospital. A total of 1695 patients (Male: 540 and of three brother and sister. She reads in class-ii female: 1155) received treatment and medicines and of Darunbali Non-Formal Primary Education 18000 pieces of iron capsules were distributed (NFPE) School of Sabalamby Unnayan Samity through satellite clinics. Out of which 612 patients (SUS). She is the first girl of their class. In the got advices and 328 patients were referred to differ- beginning, she studied in a Kinder Garten (KG) ent health clinics and hospitals. During 2016, school. But she could not continue her study due pregnant and lactating mothers have gotten counsel- to economical crisis. After stopping her study, she ing services of SUS Hospital. helped her mother in household works. During the time, her parents were informed about SUS operated NFPE school and they knew that no money and materials are needed to read in this school and quality of education is better than other schools. So, they got admitted her into SUS has been running the project with the assistance NFPE School. She is attentive to her study. She of The Glencoe Foundation, Australia and Health has stood first in yearly examination of class one. and Family Welfare Ministry, People’s Republic of Her parents are very happy to see her result and they want to continue her study. Jahanara dreams Bangladesh since 12 April 2011. The expertise comes that she will be a teacher of college and will bring every Tuesday in a week. Since April 2011-December prosperity of the country. They are grateful to 2016: *Total number of patient registered: 375 Sabalamby Unnayan Samity. (Children), *Total number of feet cast: 557, *Total number of patient undertaken tenotomy: 218, *Total number of patient on brace: 346 Annual Report 2016 17 Cleft lip and palate operation of 63 clients have Disability Rehabilitation been completed successfully. 39 clients have gotten- proper physiotherapy at home. 396 pregnant moth- New Journey of Ripa Project (DRP) ers and mother-in-laws attended 48 meetings. Project Information Mother-in-laws have become aware about compli- District: 2, Upazila: 8, Union: 58, cations and risk of delivery period that is helping to Village: 489, Registered Client: 4090 reduce disability during delivery. 557 feet has been cast of 375 registered clubfoot children and 346 special shoes have given to the children and they are going to be normal gradually. 22 networking meet- 909 ings have been organized with different like-minded 758 organizations. Disables are getting different advices 645 701 and services from those organizations. During this period, 4 days Types of disable client (International Disability Day, World White-stick Day, World Health Day 224 203 163 164 169 153 and Social Welfare Day) have been observed with befitting manner. Ripa Akter is 7 years old. She is the daughter of Maruf Public awareness has been increased Mia- a auto rickshaw driver and Rima Akter- housewife. through observing the days. The They live in east Malni village under Netrakona municipal- Male Male Male Male Male clients are getting supports and ity area of Netrakona district. She is the only daughter. Female Female Female Female Female benefits from the project continu- During pregnancy, Rima became sick often. She gave birth Hearing Physical Eyesight Mental ously though it has limitation in of Ripa at her home through an untrained Traditional CP & Disorder workforce, fund and other logistic Birth Attendant (TBA). After birth, Ripa did not cry, her Speech support. SUS is determined to hands and legs were very cold. Considering the situation, continue its effort to include deprived she was brought to Netrakona Modern Hospital. After and vulnerable disables with main proper treatment of doctors, overall situation became The statistics of World Health Organization (WHO) says that stream of development and to create improved and she was brought back to the home. When almost 15% of total population of Bangladesh is partially or a friendly environment where they she was 6-7 months, her parents observed that she does totally disable by any of the criteria. SUS has been implementing will be able to practice their rights. not behave like other babies. Through a courtyard meet- disability rehabilitation project since 1998 with a view to reduce ing, Sabalamby staff identified her abnormalities such as: disability and ensure the rights of persons with disabilities. no balance in shoulder, can’t move, can walk with help of other, problem in speaking, dropping saliva, eating prob- A total of 1952 (Male: 800 and Female: 1152) clients have lem i.e. she is a cerebral palsy (CP) hemiplegia. Physio- received services from static clinics. 48 assistive devices have therapy was provided from 2011-2013 through static clinic been distributed among 15 female and 33 male clients. By using and home. At present, she can walk without help of others assistive device, right positioning of disable clients have been but some problem still remains in right positioning of assured. 138 clients have been referred to appropri ate places for walking. She will get admit at government primary school better treatment. 19 students (Girl 7 and Boy 12) have been in 2017. Her parents hope she will lead normal life like included in inclusive education. 12 disables (8 male and 4 female) other children if we continue the exercise regularly. have received allowances through social welfare department. Annual Report 2016 18 Sharmin leads her life alongside her husband and Babu Barta Project child. Sabalamby Unnayan Samity- a non govern- (Baby Basic) Lack of ment organization of Netrakona initiated a project Project Information Family Awareness named `Babu Barta’ on September 2016. It`s a District: Netrakona, Upazila: Netrakona sardar, health related service project for pregnant and High fee of Delay Union: 2, Village: 20, Project Participant: 20 eligible married women Doctors Response of eligible married women of Netrakona district whose emergency age range is from 18-35 years. A team of pregnant after knowing about benefits of them and married women is formed in this village under through group discussions. Lactating Common the project. Sharmin was a regular member of this mothers are now having PNC Problems of team of pregnant and married women under Babu checkup regularly and feeding colos- Over Pregnant Untrained Barta’ projrct. In spite of her education upto 7th Crowded & Mothers Staff & trums and taking care of both herself Unhygienic Lack of grade, she wasn’t much health conscious for herself and infant. Pregnant mothers are Condition Govt. Staff or her family. She was suffering from mal- now aware of five danger sign and nourishment She used to attend pregnant women have decided to seek doctor’s help as team meeting regularly since her second unborn Lack of child was 7 months old. She used to listen vital soon as they see any of those signs. regular Superstition observation information, advices and pregnancy exercises Group members are given informa- and checkup carefully in the meeting. In such stage, a health care tion and idea about health care provider of her area reached her and had a conversa- services and as a result, women go to tion with her husband and mother-in-law regarding community clinic, government and duties towards expecting and conceived women and Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) is non-government hospitals for health Sharmin is now provided a guidebook named `Babu Barta Gorvo- working at 20 villages of 2 unions services. Pregnant mothers, lactating an aware mother kothon’ for their help and guidance during with 20 enable married women mothers, and eligible married women pregnancy period. Sharmin read the book with care group where 400 women participate have gotten health services and free and attention. When she was in eight months, she as group member. Since September medicinal prescription through was provided with a delivery kit box. She did four 2016, SUS has been working with 20 satellite clinic. times health checkups along with blood, urine, weight and blood pressure with ultra-sonograms. groups of pregnant women in order She felt pregnancy difficulties during her first to facilitate their pregnancy health Group members are now having safe pregnancy which she couldn’t share with anyone. care through Babu Barta project. delivery at home by trained and She now took healthy foods and regular iron, folic During the period,Social Babu Barta skilled Development Traditional Birth Attendant acids and calcium pills and she also received all the project has tried to bring positive (TBA) and go to government and TT vaccines by the help of Babu Barta health care change in these areas through a non-government hospitals if needed. providers. A bit more than 9 months, she felt labor cohesive effort. Relatives and family members are pain. An obstetrical was called from neighboring village by using the provided emergency number. now taking appropriate and extra Raidumruhi is a village of Singher Bangla union of By group meetings and sharing, they care of expecting mothers by helping After five hours of severe pain, on 21 December Netrakona sadar upazila of Netrakona district. 2016, the midwife brought forward a healthy, bright have learned about hygienic, nutri- them in their chores and are giving Nearly seven years ago, Sharmin was married in her tion, diseases and they now take them scope for taking more rest after boy baby. It was a normal delivery and he was own village to Abdul Monnaf, son of Mofazzol weighed nearly 2.5 kilograms. Both the baby and her nutritious food, seek doctor’s advice knowing about the importance of Mia. She is the second child of Alaluddin and family have applaud this initiative of `Babu Barta’ when needed. They go for checkups nutritious foods and process of Parvin Akter of Dorijagi village under Challisha project of SUS and are encouraging other women to regularly. Pregnant women are now behaving and taking care of mothers. union of same upazila and district. She has two be a member so that they may get proper health care regularly taking Iron, Calcium, Folic Now, they are growing vegetables in brothers. Her husband is a farmer. They have a five services for a safe and secured pregnancy. Acid, Vitamin capsules, TT vaccines their yard and rearing poultry. years old son. Annual Report 2016 19 3Thematic objective To improve the situation of social environment by reducing violence, stregthening governance and getting access into justice

Annual Report 2016 20 clearly shows still how tough to get legal (RTI) act and ask for necessary informa- Access to Justice service for any poor family without support. tion was rare. That’s why the project’s (Facilitate Activism for Just Also that creates a potentiality for the main aim is to facilitate the legal services opportunist groups to take that chance. at UP level and district court level. So that Equitable and Accountable Society) poor and deprived people can get their Project Information As a democratic county, it is responsibility of justice easily. Also it tries to play a vital District: 4, Upazila: 9, Union: 37, the government to ensure every one’s access role to construct an equitable and Village: 801, Direct and indirect beneficiaries: 1291563 to justice. The project “Facilitate Activism accountable society by increasing the for Just Equitable and Accountable Society” trend of exercising RTI act by community is working to facilitate access of people in people. That is very important to facilitate justice procedure. The society of developing their right claiming movement. countries goes through different social changes, in that crucial period every public Target beneficiaries of the project are the service oriented organization has to play a poor and disadvantaged communities constructive role to facilitate the right direc- including the women, children and tion of development. Legal service ensuring religious minorities. Because of participa- organizations are very important among tory approach, it involves the members of them. Union Parishad (UP) is our traditional the Union Parishad, contestants of the and very popular local organization which UP elections, local NGO workers, works very closely with mass rural people. It lawyers of the Bar, Member of legal aid has various activities and scopes including committee of union, upazila and district providing local legal service. In such circum- level, Journalists, other professionals, We believe that real development starts at a local level and sustain- stances, the project has trained UP chairmen organized CBOs, Local level service able development of any country largely depends on ensuring and secretaries on village court and arbitra- providers of government and non- good governance at every tire. Widely, following elements are tion council, trained Community Based government organizations. deemed as parameters of good governance: accountability, trans- Organizations (CBO) on written and ideal parency, responsiveness, equity & inclusiveness, participatory mediation, tried to increase participation of Area and peoples coverage of the project practice, efficiency & effectiveness of key person, consensus women in mediation and other activities, In 2016 in total 2361 plaintiffs and appli- oriented etc. Bangladesh is developing country and its history of united panel lawyers to facilitate legal cants have been benefited through proj- democracy has been interrupted several times. That’s why the support for everyone at rural and district ect support. Moreover indirectly, project practice of institutional democracy and its different service provid- level. At the beginning, project found that activities have created a platform to get ing organ is still not that participatory and well functioned.Justice the utilization of Government Legal Aid legal support in more convenient manner delay is justice deny. A study of national daily newspaper ‘Prothom Fund (GLAF) was quite low. Village courts for about 1291563 inhabitants of the Alo’, finds that the high court of Bangladesh needs 200 years to also weren’t that functional just because of project area. It is noted that that the settle existing complaints or cases through regular trial by existing less community concern, less awareness and project has been covered 37 unions of 9 workforce and procedure. Moreover, in an average, every family lack of trained key person. Rural civil society of Netrakona, Mymensingh, whether plaintiff or accused has to spend more than taka 20000 for wasn’t trained and aware about written and Jamalpur and , 14 unions the settlement of any case at district or higher court, where our formal mediation also the participation rate of Netrokona, 4 unions of Mymensingh monthly average per capita income is still under taka 8550. That of female mediators was significantly low. district, 6 unions of sadar upazila of AnnualTrend Report of 2016 exercising 21 Right To Information and 6 unions of sadar upazila of Sherpur district. aforesaid activities project hasto committees and MSP project has 3000 organized different training, work- seen that 416 complaints have 2703 shop, meeting, legal counselling, beensubmitted for the support of community gathering, publishing legal aid service against that 193 2500 poster/ leaflet, along with related complaints have been settled. day observation too. In 2016, plaintiffs have received To facilitate the premises of local taka 11246585 as compensation 2000 Component-wise complaint received status justice, the project directly works with money from mediation. Through mediation, village court, arbitration arbitration council, beneficiaries council, legal aid service and right to have received taka 654000 and 1500 2014 information act (RTI-2009).As a through village court, beneficiaries consequence of these efforts in 2016, have received taka 103000 also 2015 project has received 2703 complaints from Government Legal Aid Fund 2016 from plaintiffs and against the (GLAF) plaintiffs have received 1000 836 complaints, the project has observed taka 45000 as compensation that with the direct support of Mano- money. As result of local justice 565 badhikar Sangrokkhon Parishad and GLAF support, plaintiffs have 490 500 395 404 416 390 (MSP), 1698 complaints have been been saved from wastage of taka 232 288 337 230 mediated. Project has received 145 30405000. The trend of the 125 145 131 complaints under arbitration council in project is very positive, though the working area against that 42 project has faced some basic 0 hindrances in 2016 like transitional Mediation Arbitration Village GLAF RTI complaints have been settled. Also in Council Court working area, community people have period of UP and non trained UP bodies that affected the service of Major activities of the project is capacity develop- submitted 404 complaints under leaders and sensitize all about village court among them 73 village court and arbitration coun- ment of members of the Union Parishad, profes- equity, justice, rights and gender complaints have been settled. Through cil. But the overall comparative sionals, members of the local Bars, members of balance. To accomplish all the the support of legal aid trend of the project is as follows: the government legal aid committee of the proposed district and CBOs. This project begins with advocacy, awareness and motivational activi- ties. Beside that CBOs are trained and developed as federate at union, upazila and district level in the proposed working area. Activate village court, arbitration council, facilitate legal aid service for poor and deprived people and make RTI act more familiar to all and exercising formal mediation are main arena of actions of the project. Strengthen the relationship between MSP and district admin- istration, upazila administration, upazila parishad,union parishad, elites of district upazila and union level, salishkar, lawyers and religious Annual Report 2016 22 Year-wise total complaint received status 2014-2016

1429 Shanaj Shopna Rewarded 2014 as ‘Joyeeta’ 2015 2016 Shanaj Shopna is the 2nd daughter of Abdul Khalek. They are the inhabit- ant of Sunui Bagbari under of Netrakona district. At her childhood, for her primary education, she used to go 4 kilometres away from her home. Shanaj enjoyed her primary education though it was bit tough for her. From her childhood, she was bit different, any irregularity 4058 2000 or violation of rule used to make her unhappy. She used to share those problems with her teacher and parents to solve them. She had a natural leading quality. After completing her primary education, she started her high school education at Atpara High School. From there, she passed SSC. From her childhood, she likes to work for society. She likes to work for women to establish their rights and to protect violence against them. Day Year-wise total complaint by day that quality was making her popular in her community and she was becoming a well known face. As a consequence in 2003, she was elected as settled status 2014-2016 UP member and she served for her society as a UP member. When Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) 785 started to work at Atpara, she became interested about the activities and vision of the project. She became a member of MSP and from 2009; she has been playing the role of women and child affair secretary of Atpara 2014 upazila MSP. She is working for oppressed women continuously. For her 2015 effort in 2016, she has been rewarded as ‘Joyeeta’ (Winner) by Bangladesh 2016 government as human rights activist category. At the reward giving 2361 program she says in her speech that she is happy being rewarded but the same time she feels that we have to work more to change the situation and 1493 to bring real freedom of women and to remove gender discrimination. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Atpara says that she is an idol of our society. We should follow her path to remove gender discrimination from our society and to change the power structure at society and family level.

Annual Report 2016 23 In the reporting period, project has performed Promotion of Equitable Society by different types of activities such as: 716 MSP monthly meetings, 6 quarterly MSP meetings, Ensuring Access to Justice Project 28 communication and facilitation training for MSP members, 34 community meetings, 702 Project Information courtyard meetings, Printing of 50 Flip Charts District: 2, Upazila: 8, Union: 60, Village: 1377, for conducting courtyard meeting, 4 union Direct and indirect beneficiaries: 1,82,229, sharing meeting and 7 upazila sharing meet- Types of beneficiaries: Poor and extreme poor ings, celebrated national and international days. 33 training on gender responsive shalishi for union MSP members, 6 batches residential training for MSP potential leaders and frontline staffs, 28 sharing meetings on corporal punish- & service providers, especially police adminis- ment act with school students, teacher and tration. Community people contact with service SMC, publish 2000 booklets on arbitration providers and raise their need based complaints council and government legal aid fund, print- and the police administration shows their ing of 84000 formats of arbitration council, 15 commitment to give assistance to the poor and training on gender responsive shalishi for helpless people. After receiving trainings, union parishad representatives, 50 legal aid participants have gathered knowledge on orientations for union legal aid committee communication and facilitation, quality media- members, 244 union bi-monthly meetings, 7 tion, arbitration council and legal aid fund. upazila bi-monthly meetings, 2 coordination Now, they are able to represent their purpose meetings of Government Legal Aid Fund accurately in the right place and they are (GLAF) at district level, 60 folk shows and 75 sincerely considering any problem of women. legal camps, receive 412 complaints, resolved Participants have gathered knowledge on 143 cases through mediation, referred 155 corporal punishment act and they know about cases have been referred to District Legal Aid SUS is working with poor and disadvantage group who are socially their roles and responsibilities regarding the Committee (DLAC), resolved 5 cases through issues. Especially, students have been informed excluded specially women for long time. From its long experience, Arbitration Council, followed-up 421 cases, 3 SUS realized that community legal services are most essential for the Rights & Governanceabout the acts which are helpful to them. It is quarterly and 11 monthly meetings. Learned expected that the participants have gotten an disadvantage group of the society. In this connection, SUS started a District Judge, Deputy Commissioner, Upazila project “Promotion of Equitable Society by Ensuring Access to opportunity to learn about the activities of the Chairman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO), Arbitration Council and Government Legal Aid Justice” with the assistance of CLS from January 2015. Focused respective Government Officers, Union areas of this project are Human Rights protection. SUS has been Fund through publishing booklets. The poor Parishad (UP) Chairman, union MSP mem- victims are getting scope torun their cases at implementing the project with a view to i) To organize and bers, saliskar, women leaders, local leaders and strengthen CBOs at grass root level for protecting human rights and free of cost. The folk shows on mediation, elite persons were present in different inter- Arbitration Council and Government Legal Aid ensuring community legal service; ii) To ensure effective Shalishi ventions of the project. (mediation) through active participation of CBO member; iii) To Fund were organized in presence of 3628 male avail legal support opportunities through activating and strengthen- and 7482 female. People have been informed Now, union MSP members are getting more about different life related issues and now if ing arbitration council and iv) To improve government legal aid fund strength to reduce all kinds of violence. Estab- utilization rate towards poor and disadvantaged people. they feel any problem, they communicate with lish good relation between community people MSP committee and other legal aid related Annual Report 2016 24 service providers. During the reporting Rafiza is happy now period, SUS has success- ready to go, in the mean time, Bachhu Mian beats her very fully celebrated impor- hardly and tears off clothes. He threw her in the nearest tant national and inter- pond. After hearing this news, Rafiza’s parents came to national days and they rescue her from Bachhu’s torture. But Bachhu was very have been made aware disobedient. He tried to confine her. In that situation, about the importance of Rafiza’s parents went to the local police station and they the days. Through legal requested them to rescue their daughter. Then police camps, the disadvan- rescued her. Next time, Rafiza’s parents communicated with taged people are aware Md. Abul Kasem, president of Galagaon union Manobad- of their rights and hiker Songrokkhon Parishad (MSP). They requested him to victims raise their prob- solve the conflict between their daughter and her husband. lems and resolve by the MSP president took a written allegation from Rafiza. Then lawyers. The lawyers he investigated the complaint by the assistance of Syed have been sensitized to Hasan Suhin, Union Facilitator of PESEAJ project. After run the cases of poor investigation, he motivated both parties to solve this conflict victims. The project by mediation. staffs have been refreshed of their MSP arranged mediation on 14 December 2016 at knowledge and deliver Tarakanda office of SUS. Shree Pradip Chakraborty, Presi- services to the commu- dent of upazila MSP, Md. Abul Kasem, president of nity people efficiently. Rafiza Akter (30) is a daughter of Kajim Uddin at Gabragati village of Galagaon Galagaon union MSP, Ahdul Khalekh, secretary of Field problems are Galagaon union MSP, Nazim Uddin, member of Banihala discussed and solutions union under of Mymensingh district. She has three brothers. Their family is too poor. For that reason, Rafiza could not go to school. Due to union MSP, Rukon Uddin, secretary of Tarakanda sadar are explored on the basis union MSP were attended the mediation. On the other hand, of everyone opinion. poverty, her father Kajim Uddin could not run his family properly. So, he thought that if he can handover Rafiza to a bride, he will be very happy. Rekha Rani Chakraborty, Project Coordinator, Mahabubul Alam, Legal Aid Support Officer and Dipok Roy, Supervisor Most of the planned While Rafiza was 14 years old, she got married with Bachhu Mian (40) of of PESEAJ project also took part in the mediation on activities have been behalf of SUS. achieved in this year. So Nalchapara village under Banihala union under Tarakanda upazila of Mymensingh district. Bachhu Mian is a small farmer. He maintains his family by it can be said that After long discussion, Bachhu Mian accepted his fault. He community people are the income of agriculture. Rafiza gave birth of one son and two daughters. But Rafiza was not happy with Bachhu Mian. He was torturing mentally and physically expressed his commitment that he will not torture Rafiza in aware about the legal future. At first, Rafiza was not agreed to return to Bachhu’s services and legal assis- to Rafiza for very minor causes. As a result, her relation with husband, father-in- law and mother-in-law was falling down. Several times, Rafiza were bound to family. But after motivation by all, she became agreed and tance through participa- went back to her husband’s family. tion in various interven- come back to her father’s family. Every times, Bachhu Mian sent her to his family through the mediations of local elites. Rafiza, very innocent woman of rural tions. This indicates that Now, Bachhu and Rafiza are living together. Bachhu’s other the goals of the project village was fighting to stay with her husband’s family. But intensityl of torturing was increasing day by day.On 5 October 2016, Bachhu Mian ordered Rafiza to go family members are taking care of Rafiza. They are leading are being fulfilled gradu- their life with joy and happiness. ally. back to her parent’s home after quarrel for a nominal cause. While Rafiza became Annual Report 2016 25 giving, cultural ceremony, sports and games, In this year, 4 women leaders of SVAW Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW) gathering on violence against women etc. committee have been elected as members of Awareness on violence against women has Union Council and Municipality. Women been raised through mass communication. participation has been increased remarkably in Project Information Human chain has been organized and memo- other social activities. The positive attitude has District: 2, Upazila: 8, Union: 64, randum has been submitted to the local admin- been created among the police administration istration for protecting violence against on women issue. Community people and Village: 684, Direct and indirect beneficiaries: 1,43,237 women. Awareness has been raised against acid Marriage Registrar have become more violence through campaign at school and conscious about early marriage and this has SUS initiated effort to stop violence against women in Netrakona district become possible due to develop mass aware- with like-minded organizations in July 2003. In December 2003, a college level. Upazila SVAW committee has obtained the membership of upazila law ness regarding women issue and impact of district committee of 18 members was formed with elites, journalist, enforcing committee, government violence women empowerment. People are now aware lawyer, physician, teacher, NGO representative, cultural worker, local against women and children protection about the demerits of illegal divorce as they government representative, human rights activist, women leader and committee and upazila legal aid committee. know the laws regarding illegal divorce. Proac- student. SVAW committee has been working at upazila level. In each SVAW committee’s temporary office has been tive role of Union Parishad (UP) has been upazila, there are 15 members in executive committee, 5 members established at upazila complex by the assistance developed by the SVAW activities. Community advisory committee and 40 members general committee. Netrakona of Upazila Nirbahi (Executive) Officer-UNO people are also aware about the law against district SVAW committee has attained the membership of National as well as in Union Parishad (UP) by the acid throwing due to mass awareness Forum of Violence against Women in 2006. The network covers 29 assistance of chairman. During the period, taka campaign by SVAW committee and media. . Netrakona SVAW committee and network were 8,70,000 was recovered as compensation money by the There was no complaint on illegal pregnancy reformed in 2015. The objectives of SVAW committee are to provide initiative of SVAW committee. during the reporting period. Taka 28,50,000 legal support, ensure legal justice of victim women, create awareness has been saved due to solve 57 cases by mediation and about violence against women issues among mass people, provide coun- In addition, women are participating in media- taka 4,00000 has been saved due to run 80 cases under legal aid fund. seling and assistance to the victim women for access into different social tion, local justice system as mediator/decision Laws along with proper services. maker and local government election, which implementation helped in decreasing the are the great achieve ments of the project. incidences significantly. In 2016, 25 female SVAW members have been rewarded as ‘Oporajita’ by government’s Women Affairs Department for their extraordinary Success of Tajmohol “Rights do not come easily. We have to earn it”.Tajmahal Akter of Shahpur village of Madan upazila says these achievements. The marriage registrars are performing their duties more words boldly. Her family is consisted with her husband Motiur Rahman and five sons. Her husband is the only carefully to prevent early marriages. During the period, 18 early earning member of this family. Tajmahal came to know about Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW) marriages have been stopped by the initiative of Marriage Registrar, committee by working under Rights and Governance program of SUS and became a member of the commit- Union Parishad and SVAW representatives. A strong inter-relation and tee. By participating in different meeting, training, workshop organized by SVAW; she came to know about the network have been developed among the unions, upazilas and district position and rights of women in the society. She worked hard to achieve and also practiced these in her family SVAW members and as a result, members of one upazila SVAW to bring change like children’s education and financial stability. committee are participating in other upazila’s mediation. Considering the On the other hand, she gained mass popularity in her area because of her different works through SVAW nature of complaints, district and upazila level SVAW committee mem- committee and she wanted to compete at Union Parishad (UP) election. After being questioned, she answered bers are taking initiatives such as: Salish, fact findings, counseling to the that women are still remaining behind. She competed in the election with a view to eradicate the reasons of victims and refer the complaints to the government legal aid these lacking of women. She also said that problems need to be uprooted from the very initial stage. After service/fund. Lawful support has been provided for ensuring legal winning election, she expressed her feelings of establishing rights of poor, especially women by changing social justice of the victim women as well as rehabilitated them. During day position of women, stopping violence against women. She said, “SUS has contributed a lot behind my success observation, the following programs were taken in Netrakona district and encouraged me to walk on this path”. I want to work in this way from my position for the betterment of such as: Rally, human chain, discussion meeting, instant speech, prize my society. Annual Report 2016 26 Sharique III Project Information District: 1, Upazila: 3, Union: 20, Pourasava: 2, Moholla/Area: 74, Village: 775, Direct and indirect beneficiaries: 1,54,529

Union Community Clinic Sharique III - a local governance project. It provides various services such as: Financial manage- and old area at ward level with 481 male and 243 ment, UP planning process, gender female participants. Speak up and RTI trainings have analysis, RTI, ward level planning, been provided to new UPs. Support has been given budget preparation, budget to 20 UPs for publishing sharing, review budget, GO/NGO coordination meeting etc.

In 2016, support has been given to UPs in developing annual plans bottom up (from Ward shava level) in presence of 6648 male and 4342 female participants. Support has Sharique III - a local governance project. It provides various services such as: been given to UPs in updating of Financial management, UP planning process, gender analysis, RTI, ward strategic plans (workshops) at UP level planning, budget preparation, budget sharing, review budget, level with the participation of 509 GO/NGO coordination meeting etc. male and 113 female. Training has been provided to 220 male and 55 In 2016, support has been given to UPs in developing annual plans bottom female on UP Roles and Responsi- up (from Ward shava level) in presence of 6648 male and 4342 female bilities. Training has been provided participants. Support has been given to UPs in updating of strategic plans to the UPs on Accounting, Audit (workshops) at UP level with the participation of 509 male and 113 female. and Reporting, Budget analysis Training has been provided to 220 male and 55 female on UP Roles and and Budget implementation. Responsibilities. Training has been provided to the UPs on Accounting, Supports has been given to the Audit and Reporting, Budget analysis and Budget implementation. Supports volunteer groups to organize has been given to the volunteer groups to organize discussions on findings discussions on findings needs for needs for support (semi annually ) in new and old area at ward level with 481 support (semi annually ) in new male and 243 female participants. Speak up and RTI trainings have been Community Latrine provided to new UPs. Support has been given to 20 UPs for publishing Annual Report 2016 27 tance. At family level, 63 Nari Morcha group complaints have got judgment. By these ACCESS: Access of women in Social, members have provided final decision about mediations and legal judgment, victims have their children marriage and they have opposed received taka 320000 as compensation money. Political and Economical Sector to arrange 21 early marriages of their children In all these mediations, Nari Morcha members Project Information against the decision of male family members and Jono Morcha members have worked to District: Netrakona, Upazila: 2, Union: 4, and they became successful to stop those early ensure women participation and gender friend- Village: 40, Direct and indirect beneficiaries: 13,527 marriages. It should be mentioned here that all lyenvironment along with women mediators. 63 marriages have been arranged without any By involving with such activities, now 45 Nari dowry. In that case, male family members also Morcha members are playing vital role as supported Nari Morcha members to stop such mediators in their community. All their evil social traits. During the period, 11 Nari initiatives are helping to create an environ- Morcha members have become the victim of ment for participatory decision making at domestic violence; they all have shared the family level and to get justice of women incidences in Nari Morcha meetings and Jono through local justice and legal aid service. Morcha meetings. Among those complaints, 10 complaints have been settled through After implementing those activities, 315 Nari mediation and 1 complaint is under trial with Morcha members and 54 Jono Morcha mem- the assistance of government legal aid support. bers have received medical treatment from Besides, Nari Morcha and Jono Morcha mem- government hospital and among them, 286 bers have provided support to 110 victim have received free medicine. 21 members have women to get legal support and justice. received different types of fertilizer, insecti- Among them, 99 complaints have been settled cides, seeds, and taka 22500 cash support for through mediation and 24 complaints referred growing seasonal vegetables. 31 Nari Morcha to government legal aid service, among them 2 members and 134 spouse group members

65 Education Stipend Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has been running ACCESS project since Pregnancy Allowance January 2012 with a view to create friendly environment to participate, taking Service received VGD Card VGF Card decision and getting legal justice at social and family level; getting services of differ- scenario of 2016 Old Age Allowance ent government and non-government institutions; increase access of women in Widow Allowance empowering process; ownership of women in production process and resources; Disability Allowance increase economical capacity; establish their rights and proper application of laws and rendering people’s opinions at local level. To achieve the goal, the project has 35 segmented its outcomes for enhancing equality and gender balance in the society. 15 10 10 During the reporting period, 333 Nari Morcha members have participated in 6 different social events such as: birthday party, marriage ceremony, local fair and 3 funeral program that provided a picture of increasing environment of free move- ment for women. Most of the male family members of the groups are helping their female member at domestic work and women’s decisions are getting impor Annual Report 2016 28 have received farmer support card. 80 Nari running a poultry farm and now she is earning procession against sexual harassment, which has been occurred in Dhaka Morcha members have received IGA training almost taka 10000 per month. 14 members University at New Year celebration, against acid violence, against Hefajote Islam and 67 Nari Morcha members have received have got job in different local organizations. 5 (a fundamentalist group) movement. Also the project has given effort to create loan from youth development office to start members are running grocery shop, 91 mem- and develop some women mediators besides mass awareness building. So, they and run their IGA. From UP, 6 Nari Morcha bers are involved with homestead gardening, 8 can speak to establish the rights of women in their society. The project has members have received pregnancy allowance, Nari Morcha members are selling their prod- worked for gaining public support and encouraging service units to implement 10 members have received Vulnerable Group ucts as hacker, 7 members are involved with law and policy to establish women’s rights in this patriarchal society. Development (VGD) card, 35 have received tailoring and they are earning in average of Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF), 15 mem- taka 3000 each, 164 members are rearing Dilruba Khanom bers have received old age allowance, 10 mem- chicken and ducks, 33 women are rearing A canvas of women empowerment bers have received widow allowance, 3 mem- cattle, 1 member is running a tea stall. 130 Dilruba Khanom of 33 years old is the wife of Kamrul Islam from 7 No. Kailati bers have received disability allowance and 65 members have received training from SUS union, Netrakona sadar upazila. She is the fourth of four daughters and two sons of children of group members have received and youth development office on IGA. 4 her parents. After completing Secondary School Certificate (SSC)in 1998, she was education stipend. 130 adolescent school girls members of Nari rcha have received training married with cycle mechanic Kamrul Islam of Anantapur village because of poverty. Dilruba has a son named Apurbo who is reading in class two. She was only a house have received TT vaccine, 70 Nari Morcha from SUS on tailoring. Now, they are provid- wife. members and their kids have received vaccina- ing training to others. 34 Nari Morcha mem- tion and ANC, PNC from community clinic, bers have directly involved with local market- For the empowerment of rural women in Social, Economical and Social Sector, Family Welfare Assistant (FWA), Family ing and selling process. In that case, project Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) started a new project named ACCESS in January Welfare Visitor (FWV) and Health Assistant has a great concern about green technology, 2013. 5 women groups (Nari Morcha) were formed in 10 villages of Kailati union. (HA). That indicates that the professional so project always encourages the group mem- Every Nari Morcha group consists of 20 women. Dilruba was one of them. Issue based bi-monthly meeting has been organizing since 2012. Dilruba’s attendence was relationship among the group members and bers to choose IGA which is environment spontenious. After joining and experiencing Nari Morcha meetings, she came to service providers has been become more friendly. Even government institutions also realize that, if women member include in school management commitee, female functional than before. And more rural emphasize on that issue that’s why group students would be able to express their problems easily. For this reason, she included women are asking their service to different member’s involvement with agro and farm herself in school management commitee as parent’s representative. The Nari Morcha service provider organizations and the based IGA has been increased significantly. members selected her as their president for her willing force which she performed positive attitudes of the service providers are Their involvement is helping to make them very dedicately. She joined Jono Morcha meetings regularly as a representetive of her group. Her dedication and sincearity again proved her worthy enough to make her encouraging more women to include them- economically empowered. Information Jono Morcha president also. She also made her position in Kailati Union Parisad selves with the practice and process. Also the dissemination and connectivity with local Commitee, Family Conflict Resolving Commitee and Children and Women Affairs group based practice is encouraging other market, production and different entrepre- Commitee. community women to involve in the system. neurship development organization is helping the group members to improve their confi- Union Parishad secretary invited her to Union Budget Meeting. She participated in the During the period, it has been seen that 48 dence and to contribute for their family as well meeting with 50 women from Nari Morcha Group and 5 men from spouse Group. While the meeting was going on, she realised that there was no allocated money for women have started to work in field directly as whole economy of our country. women in the proposed budget of UP and she questioned about it to chairman and with males to grow crops. 14 Nari Morcha requested for allocating money for women in the UP budget. On the basis of her members have claimed their inheritance rights Project participants have worked with union proposal, BDT 20,000 was allocated for women’s development training. She is a to their brother and 5 members out of 14 parishad and upazila administration to prevent regular member of madiatons and she also informs local people about the services of have already got their inheritance property. early marriage. As a result, 2 unions of Safety Net. She also works for the pregnent women regarding their regular check-up, 154 women have started savings by fixed Kendua upazila have declared early marriage health care and arrenges necessary medicines from Health Complex. At present, she is broadcasting her willingness of participation in future election for the post of deposit in different banks. 228 Nari Morcha free union by upazila administration. Also Women Vice Chairman through Welcoming Posters and Field Works. members have received loan from different during the period, project participants have organizations to start their IGA. 1 member is taken part in several social movements like Annual Report 2016 29 Here it is mentioned that Justice Reform and Corruption Upazila Corruption Efforts of JRCP Project helped Prevention (JRCP) Prevention Committee, CPC for getting ACC Award Muktagacha have been GIZ. After starting of the project Project Information awarded by ACC for best activities at field level, where exist- District: Mymensingh, Upazila: Mymensingh sadar performance in 2014 within ing CPCs and social group formed and Muktagachha, Union: 14 the Dhaka Division. CPF by Bangladesh Police Department members solved local prob- e.g. Community Policing Forum lems with the help of (CPF); the members of this forum Bangladesh Police and are reorganized and started to Community people (like participate in different activities on protection of early corruption prevention and plays marriage, family conflict, their role actively in their working land dispute and others CPC members are working as social area. For the first time, Union Paris conflicts). During the had has allocated budget for fiscal reporting period, news of group with the assistance of ACC to raise awareness on corruption year 2014-2015 at union level different activities under through the motivation of CPC and this project has been prevention. But before 2014, CPC of mymensingh and CPF for preventing corruption. By published in the Daily this time, unions have already been National & Local News unit were involved in two or three awareness raising activities around the spending their allocated budget for Papers. CPC have been corruption prevention activities as gradually activating to play year such as: rally and discussion This project ‘Justice Reform and Corruption Prevention’ is meeting in the corruption prevention arranging mass gathering on anti their role to the respective drugs and corruption prevention, a joint initiative of Law and Justice Division, Ministry of places collaboration with week and anti-corruption day with the Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Anti-Corruption help of anti corruption commission contribute to celebrate corruption integrity unit, organized prevention week. In addition, CPC Commission and German Development Cooperation mass gathering, and views district coordination office. (GIZ). This project is funded by the German Development is working with different sector or exchange meeting with level including Union Council, Cooperation (GIZ). The overall goal of the project is to ACC, IU, CPF, SMC, Govt. As corruption is so widespread in our improve access to equitable justice for all citizens and to society, without the social involve- Health Complex, Education Official, Civil Society and Offices and other Government assist local communities in preventing corruption. SUS is local elites. SUS has raised ment, it is very difficult for ACC to working as an implementing partner of GIZ in 2 upazilas fight against corruption. Anti- Institutions for ensuring public awareness for implement- services. CPC members also partici- (Mymensingh sadar and Muktagachha) under Mymensingh ing the activities such as Corruption Commission (ACC) is district. This project is working with 2 CPC (Corruption working hard to reduce corruption. pated in district and upazila level views exchange meeting monthly law and order meeting as Prevention Committee), 40 CPF (Community Policing and open discussion against But corruption is so deep rooted that Forum), 40 IU (Integrity Unit), 1 TG (Trainers Group) only ACC’s work is not sufficient. In an observer to grow attention in corruption, observe Inter- corruption prevention. During directly. The overall objective of the project is to improve national Anti-Corruption this perspective, Justice Reform and access to equitable justice for all citizens and to assist local Corruption Prevention (JRCP) 2016, District Corruption Preven- Day, Victory Day observa- tion Committee, Mymensingh has communities in preventing corruption. During 2016, tion, Organized Anti- project is a joint initiative of Law and District Corruption Prevention Committee, Mymensingh Justice Division, Ministry of Law, been awarded by Anti-Corruption Corruption Rally and Commission (ACC) for the best has been awarded by Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Cultural Program etc. Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; for best performance in this year. Anti Corruption Commission and performance. Annual Report 2016 30 performed in working area by the initiative Gender and Social Justice Project of MSP and MNS for demanding justice of child killing, ongoing violence against Stand beside the people Project Information women and children including different Love the people District: 1, Upazila: 1, Union: 4, Village: 120, killings by the name of religious extremism. Direct and indirect beneficiaries: 1,02,000 39 cases have been taken by the MSP and Honesty is the best policy. If you do not cheat with MNS and 9 cases were mitigated by shalish. others, if you do not tell a lie, if you behave with others 82 men and 20 women attended the Salish. 3 in a justifiable way then you are an honest man. shalishes were presided over by the repre- Nobody can prosper without honesty. Everyone sentative of MNS. 1000 people have been respects the honest person. Shamsuddin Ahmed, made aware on existing laws. More than 100 president, Manobadhikar Songrokkhon Parishad people succeeded to get consultancy from (MSP), Challisha union, Netrakona sadar upazila, lawyer from the legal camps. Human rights Netrakona district says, “As a human rights worker, I forum prepared review report of human think that we have to stand beside people and love rights situation of Netrakona district 2015 them. We have to find out real person and show in 4th time. International women day has respect to them. Our first work is to educate people been observed by the network of CBOs. proper way and spread love and faith among them”. It Poor and deprivedpeople got legal advice in is not expected that only light will prevail in the society. the field level through free of cost. A Light and darkness remain and flow together. We feel It is said that every people will enjoy equal rights but we see that dialogue on enforcement of child marriage unhappiness from the bad people as well as feel proud poor people don’t have easy access into the law. It is the duty of law has been arranged by the participation from good works of the good people. If we can regain the state to take under consideration of our socio- economical of chairman of union council, Kazi and the values of the bad people then they can be positive condition. However, the government is taking some initiative to Imam. 90% child marriage has been reduced power of the society. In this way, we may achieve the provide legal support through different declaration and admin- by the awareness program of CBOs. desired goal. istrative order. The effort did not bring much result due to less Women are participating in decision making campaign. By considering this, we establish civil society organi- process during arbitration/shalish and they My expectation is that everyone will remain aware about their rights. My dream comes true because zations through which poor people reach the door of law. As are getting invitation and their active partici- pation is so significant. CBO members are Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS), Women Develop- consequence of the activities, organizations such as: Manobad- ment Organization (WDO) and Ain O Salish Kendra, hikar Songrokkon Parishad (MSP), Manobadhikar Nari Somaj becoming more active and taking responsi- bility as human rights activist. Dhaka always encourage me to do such kinds of good (MNS), RTI Task Force, National Human Rights Commission works. By the assistance of them, I along with like- (NHRC) and Manobadhikar Ainjibee Parishad (MAP) are minded persons established a social organization on working at local level as voluntary basis. It is our strength that a group of committed, honest and active people is standing and legal support. Later on, it becomes Manobadhikar Songrokkhon Parishad (MSP). During the tome, it has During the year, Nigar Sultana Laki and Abdul Hai got prize of stepping forward regarding human rights. It is very much necessary to keep the confi- gained name and fame in the locality. In this year, we best human rights worker from deputy commissioner of Netra- have established a permanent office by the effort of all. kona. 15 member of Manobadhikar Nari Somaj are attending dence of people. Access to justice of poor people; local courts (Salish, Salishi Parishad At present, I am the president of MSP. We got lots of Salish regularly and they are playing their role for decision and Village Court) will be more effective committed human rights workers. They work in their making. Challisha and Kailati union were child marriage prone and set the future directions for achieving area without thinking about financial benefit only. I area. MSP, MNS took initiatives, they worked against child the cherished goal. We think, we will go salute them. Day by day, new person is adding with our marriage collaboration with local and government administra- ahead by throwing away any kinds of preju- noble work. I want to be a human rights activist tion. As a result, child marriage rate of two unions is about zero dice, limitation and barrier. forever. percent now. Demonstration and human chain has been Annual Report 2016 31 Improvement of the Real Situation Strengthening Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of Overcrowding in Prisons in Promoting Inclusive and Transparent in Bangladesh (IRSOP) Budget Processes in Union Parishads) Project Information Project Information District: Mymensingh, Upazila: Trishal and District: Netrakona, Upazila: Netrakona sadar, Atpara and Kendua, Fulbaria, Union: 8, Union: 25, Village: 120, Direct and indirect beneficiaries: 10,759 The project currently working in the Project Foundation course has been following specific areas: Paralegal Advi- conducted by GIZ through which we institutionalized partner- sory Services (Output 1), Restorative got lots of ideas from GIZ about the ships between Union Justice (Output 2), Reduction in Recidi- project implementation and it was a Parishads (UPs) and good preparation for project implemen- vism (Output 3) and Empowerment CSOThe Deputy Coun- through Information (Output 4) under tation at field level. Training on mediation skills and relevant laws for try Director, Hevetas, GIZ. Sabalamby Unnayan Samity Swiss Intercooperation working On Restorative Justice PNGO staff members has been (Output 2). The objectives of the conducted through which we have and Project Manager, project are: Increased community gathered knowledge on mediation Helvetas Intercoopera- responsiveness and restorative justice relevant laws. It would be helpful for tion Germany (gGmbH) mechanism to reduce inflow of cases project implementation at field level. have already visited the which can play a vital role to reduce the Workshop on Revisit Implementation areas and have given a overcrowding in Prisons in Bangladesh. Strategy and Information Management multimedia brief presen- System (IMS) on Restorative Justice (RJ) Sabalamby Unnayan Samity has started implementa- tation to staffs on 27 During the year, 72 Ward level Commu- has been conducted by GIZ and by the tion of the project “Strengthening Civil Society Orga- November 2016. The nity Based Organization (CBO) have experience sharing with all PNGOs of nizations (CSOs) in promoting inclusive and transpar- staffs reached a good been formed with 936 members (Male: IRSOP projects, we have gathered lots ent budget processes in Union Parishads” from understanding on the 630 and Female: 306) and 8 Union of experience and it must help us November 2016 by the financial assistance of Euro- action, its goal, objec- Level CBO have been formed with 168 smooth implementation of the project. pean Union and Helvetas Intercooperation Germany tives, expected results Ward CBO meeting on project activities members (Male: 110 and Female: 58). (gGmbH). The project has targeted to support in 25 and implementation During the period, union and ward and mediation process at 72 wards has approaches. A 3 days been arranged with 814 male and 554 unions under 3 upazilas of Netrakona district where level committees have been formed and people are still unaware of development and imple- residential training for they are working accordingly. Field female participants. Introductory meet- mentation of their UP development budgets. The goal the project staffs was experience sharing and discussions on ing with UP Chairmen, members and organized by HELVE- project activity and related documents local leaders at union level on project of the project is to strengthen capacities of CSOs to engage in inclusive and transparent decisions on TAS Intercooperation have been done through Monthly activities has been organized with 160 Germany (gGmbH) on male and 41 female participants. Intro- budgets and expenditures. The objectives of the Project Staff meeting. Project Orienta- 13-15 December, 2016. tion for IRSOP staff members has ductory meeting with Police Staff at project are: 1) Strengthened existing legal and demo- upazilla level on project activities has cratic spaces and accountability mechanisms, which The project staffs have been conducted where Primary Idea been capacitated to run has been gathered about project and it been conducted with 37 male and 7 allow adequate and inclusive representation of CSOs has led the way of IRSOP project female participants. in budgetary processes and 2) Enabled fair, transparent the project properly. The implementation. and inclusive budget processes through developed and staffs of the project have Annual Report 2016 32 visited the fields. During our field visit, we have introduced and shared the project goal and objec- Shelter Home Project tives and collected different types of lists with during the period; SUS provides mobile numbers which will be helpful during Project Information training and counseling to develop CSOs formation and smooth communication. Provision of Sheltered women/adolescent: 10 their capacity and potentiality. From Communication with the District and Upazila 1998 to 2016, SUS provided shelter administration is vital part of project implementa- to 126 adolescent girls and women. tion. Rapport building and introduce of EU-CSO and LA project to the Deputy Commissioner In the year 2016, total 8 adolescent (DC),Deputy Director-Local Government girls and women have been selected (DDLG), Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNO), for shelter home project. They have Upazila Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, UP Chairmen, received training from sewing Secretaries, Members and relevant line depart- section under SUS handicraft train- ments has been done during this period. They are ing centre. They have learned how to very much cooperative and supportive to the operate sewing machine, how to cut NGO’s initiatives particularly in promoting local the cloth, process of making baby governance involving Union Parishad. The local dress, women dress such as: frock, administration encouraged us to initiate these pant, petticoat, saloar, kamiz, mexi activities as soon as possible because majority of (gaun), fatua, blouse, trousers and UP chairmen and members have been elected tops of women etc. They have also newly. gotten counseling on reproductive health and rights also. After going It is a great inspiration for the project team to start To improve the life and livelihood status of poor, deprived, back of their homes, they will be the project activities as per plan. The Deputy divorced and widowed women, SUS operates different diversi- capable to utilize their knowledge in Commissioner (DC), Deputy Director-Local fied projects. As a part of initiatives and to provide the support their lives. SUS has provided sewing Government (DDLG), Upazila Nirbahi Officers and shelter in more formal and constructive way; SUS is provid- machines to them. After going back (UNO), Upazila Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, UP ing service to the victim women through shelter home project. home, they will start working with Chairmen, Secretaries, Members and relevant line The goal of the project is to make the helpless adolescents and their sewing machines and will help departments and CSOs along with project partici- women self-reliant and rehabilitate them in the society. Objec- their family through their earning. pants have extended their cooperation to initiate tives of the Project are: to create social involvement for taking Moreover, they will continue their the project activities and they have agreed to responsibility of the neglected adolescents and women; to give education again. provide necessary supports for successful imple- confidence to the socially victims women and adolescents by mentation of the project implementation. SUS is increasing their capacity; to change the livelihood condition of Sabalamby Unnayan Samity believes prepared to accelerate the project activities with victim adolescents and women and to make them aware on that if appropriate process may confidence and commitment. We are expecting health, law and rights. follow with friendly environment, a necessary efforts from the project management plenty of doors will be opened for which would be helpful to achieve the goal within The women who are very much vulnerable in aspect of social the poor and deprived people of our the time frame. security, lack of support from family or widow, divorced get society. SUS expects to continue and services of shelter home. In most of the cases, they need social, expand this project through the financial, technical and legal supports. For such women or girls, assistance of government, civil SUS shelter home project provides shelter for one year and society as well as donors. Annual Report 2016 33 Thematic objective Agriculture, Environment 4To capacitate the community to utilize resources at optimum level; and Climate change Access into safe water and sanitation; prepare and respond to cope disaster and adapt climate change

Annual Report 2016 34 conducted a survey on 400 families and 2 deep tube-wells in 2 villages. Also for aware- Promotion of Safe Water and Hygiene existing 13 primary schools of the area. ness raising and encouragement, 86 families According to the survey the condition of have installed their own sanitary latrines. After a in Disaster Prone Community water and sanitation of the families were as working one year in that are the project has follows: 18.12% families have own tube- found the following changing scenario: Project Information well but almost 100% families drink tube- District: Netrakona, Upazila: Netrakona sadar, Union: Amtola, well water but 88% tube-well are shallow Amena is quite Village: 20, Beneficiaries: 2880 (Direct), 2160 (Indirect) than 100 feet. That has a great chance of bacterial contamination. 28% tube-well has better than before PWaSH project has started to work at Shib- By addressing water sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) as an urgent and existence of Arsenic 75-100+ ppb that is more than normal level. Out of targeted nogor at January 2016. During the time of complementary needs of disaster prone communities in the haor (low survey, project staffs find Amena Khatoon land) region of of Bangladesh; SUS has started a 400 poor and extreme poor families 21 families have individual sanitary latrine and as an old lonely widow. She lives in a hut all project named “Promotion of Safe Water and Hygiene in Disaster Prone alone. She has none to take care of her even Community” with the financial support of Human Appeal 48 families have combine sanitary latrine. 217 families use unhygienic latrine. 194 she become sick. When the project staffs International-UK in January 2016. The goal of the project is “Enhancing form village based women group in that Safe Water and basic sanitation and hygiene facilities and community families go for open defecation. Out of 13 primary schools 10 have hygienic sanita- village that time other group members also people are adopted with climate changes impacts”. Geographically, proposed her name as a beneficiary of the Netrakona is a low lying area and almost in every year, it faces an inevi- tion facility and 09 schools have running safe water facility. project. The way she has become a member table monsoonal flood. That has a deep impact on the water and sanita- of the group. She is very regular to group tion situation of the area. To change the situation sustainably, the project Considering the above mentioned condi- discussion and other activities of the project has started to work with 400 families and 2400 primary school students though she lives hand to mouth. After 5 in that area. Besides providing direct support, the project has an intention tion, SUS has started to work with these 400 families and 13 primary schools. months when project starts to gives sanitary to raise awareness, change hygiene practice and make functional the latrines among the group members then linkage among community based groups and regarding service providing Initially, SUS has worked to raise awareness among the participants about the necessity project staff asks for the names to group organizations like union parishad and Department of Public Health and members that who will get sanitary latrine. Engineering (DPHE). At the beginning of the project, SUS has of using sanitary latrine and using safe drinking water. Then through Ward Devel- All the group members also proposed her opment Committee (WDC) and Union name to consider her helpless condition. 203 Disaster Management Committee Then in August 2016 project gives her a Improved Scenario of 194 (UDMC), SUS has tried to facilitate those sanitary latrine. After getting sanitary latrine Hygienic Latrine in 400 Families families and schools. Through advocacy, she is using it according to instruction. That helps her to improve her overall health and 137 union parishad and DPHE have provided 60 sanitary latrines to these families and hygiene practice and condition. At the time they have constructed 2 nice WaSH blocks of follow-up and next meeting when 90 in 2 primary schools. Besides, project has project staffs ask to her how is she feeling 55 52 provided 100 sanitary latrines to 100 poor now? She replies that she is very happy and 48 it helps to reduce her common illness Jan’16 21 Dec’16 families and 2 submersible tube-wells in two primary schools and one sanitary diarrhea. Amena is quite better than before. latrine to one primary school. Moreover, For that she thanks to the project initiative. Hygienic latrine Hygienic latrine Unhygienic Open on the basis of need and arsenic contami- Individual Combine latrine Defecation nation status, project has installed Annual Report 2016 35 Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP) Farmer Farida Project Information Towards expected direction District: Netrakona, Farida Yasmin is 47 years old. Her Upazila: Netrakona sadar, Selected farmer: 50 husband is Md. Abdur Rashid. He is 60 SUS has been implementing the ‘Sustainable Agriculture Project (SAP)’ years old. They are the inhabitants of through Sabalamby Agriculture Farm (SAF) at Netrakona sadar upazila of Ramkrishnapur village under Amtola Netrakona district with a view to disseminate appropriate and modern union of Netrakona sadar upazila of technologies on organic farming to the selected farmers. The target Netrakona district. They have two sons farmers have been made aware on soil management, environmental and one daughter. Two sons are degradation, climate change and its adaptation as well as sustainable involved as mason as well as agriculture agriculture. The traditional farmers were also interested on sustainable work. All the children are married. agriculture through sharing the experiences of the target farmers. The They completed their education upto participated farmers gathered knowledge on different technologies. The Secondary School Certificate (SSC) targeted farmers got scope to share the experiences on sustainable examination. Before 25years, Abdur agriculture. They shared their experiences to others. The training was Rashid came from Aragaon village of conducted on local seed production, cultivation and preservation; Atpara upazila of Netrakona district. compost preparation and integrated pest management and vegetables harvesting. They had 120 Surveillance Project (NGNESP) of Sabalamby Unnayan The farmers have acquired knowledge on practicing ecological farming, to Samity (SUS) funded by Helen Keller prepare compost in the homestead and to control pest in their vegetable International (HKI). She received gardens. Sustainable agriculture is the important wing of SUS. SUS has training on cultivation technique, been working with the farmers since its inception by emphasizing on seedbed preparation, nursery manage- sustainable agriculture. The farmers need more support from government ment, seed preservation, pest manage- and other agriculture related institutions for their sovereignty. ment and business operation and taka 20000 for fish culture. Her husband management. Side by side, she took and children helped her all the time. She Development and Social Welfare taka 6000 from Sabalamby Unnayan communicated with government agriculture Samity (SUS) as seasonal loan and office and SUS staff regularly. She has now 5 Assistance Program started cultivation. Later on, she was houses along with 2 tin-shed houses. They Project Information involved with “Sustainable Livelihood have all types of necessary furniture. She District: Mymensingh Upazila: Dhobaura, Union: Dokkhin Maijpara for Poor Producer (SLIPP)” and cultivates vegetables throughout the year. She Group: 21, Members: 525 “Alternative Livelihood Options mitigates different expenditures by selling the (ALO)” projects of SUS which were vegetables in the market. They also meet up SUS has been implementing a project from September 2016 with 525 mem- funded by Development Wheel their nutritional demands. They cultivate bers (Tribal: 329) of Dokkhin Maijpara union under of (DEW)She used Integrated Pest Man- paddy in 160 decimal lands as lease. She earns Mymensingh district by the financial assistance of Mennonite Central Com- agement (IPM) method for pest net profit of taka one lac yearly excluding all mittee (MCC). During 2016, 1574 fruit saplings and tomato, chilli, indian control such as: Use Ash, set stick in expenditures. The women of the area come spinach, bean seeds have been distributed among the members. 3 Members the cultivable lands, set ferumen trap to her for taking different advices. Farida is got training during this year from this project. They have observed AIDS day etc. Afterward, she took the instance of other women of her locality. through rally and discussion meeting. Annual Report 2016 36 Stop Violenece

against Advocacy Women Networking and

Adolescent Integrated Development Empwerment Program (IDP)

Family/

Finance

Mymensingh sadar, Mymensingh & Kendua upazila, Netrakona Deveopment

Through Through

Micro Micro

Household Livelihood

Disability Disability

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation

(ECD)

Development Health Health

Early Chilhood Chilhood Early

Reproductive Reproductive and and Health Health

Annual Report 2016 37 To make the development sustainable, through its expe- Disability Rehabilitation: SUS has a special rience, Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) realizes that attention about disable people of the society. along with economic support, every society needs some Especially, the disable children of village based basic supports like education, health service, inclusion group members get free therapy for long period of disable people in mainstream, gender equality, so that they can get chance to improve their preventing violence and increase access to information condition and to lead a normal life. Also the and an effective linkage for advocacy. From that learn- mothers of those children get training on basic ing, Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has been imple- therapy. Moreover, SUS provides free club-foot menting the integrated development program in 60 and cleft lip and palate operational service and villages under 10 unions of Kendua upazila of Netra- other necessary care for children. That is helping kona district and of many disable children to get back a normal life. Mymensingh district since 2012 with the assistance SUS also works to facilitate their rights by Quaker Service, Sweden. SUS is implementing the providing information and doing advocacy at program through integrated, participatory and right different level. ` based approach. Under this program, SUS mainly children of village based women group members to admit focuses on family development through the support of in ECD center. Here children get chance to introduce with Stop Violence against Women: Gender equality Livelihood Development, Education, Health, Adoles- basic alphabet learning beside other co-curriculum activi- and violence free society for women is one of the cent Empowerment, Disability Rehabilitation, Stop ties, which make them interested about schooling. For preconditions of sustainable development. In our Violence Against Women and create environment to NFPE, SUS has special intention to include drop out patriarchal society, women become the victim of avail government and non-government services. children with continuous study. Through the support, SUS violence in many levels. Especially, the rate of Component-wise brief description is as follows: ensures 100% primary education for children of program violence against women at domestic level is quite participant’s families. For the last five years, through close high in our society. But it is very tough to prevent Livelihood Development: Through livelihood devel- supervision and effective relation with community, SUS violence against women only by law. For that a opment program, SUS tries to increase the inclusion of has enabled to keep the dropout rate in these schools cohesive effort is needed from community level. poor and marginalized people with productive and under1% To create a sensitized group on women rights, economic activities. Specially, to bring the rural women SUS works with a group name SVAW (Stop in productive cycle, SUS always encourages them. For Health: Initiative of Bangladesh government to ensure Violence against Women). They work at that SUS forms village based women group and the health service at rural level through community individual level to prevent domestic violence provides them different skill development and IGA clinic is really extraordinary. But for tradition and through mediation, arbitration council. based training. The program keeps the participants in superstations, still people and specially women and Sometimes, they take the support of government close observation to run their IGA successfully. Gener- adolescent girls feel shy to speak about their legal aid service if needed. ally, program encourages participants to involve with reproductive health issues. To know their problems and agro or farm based IGA which are environment friendly. to encourage them to take treatment, SUS provides Networking and Advocacy: Project of right To make functional of the whole process, SUS provides basic health care by health worker, doctor, satellite based approach has some limitations and to initial financial support but always encourages them to clinic and a district based hospital. Pregnant mother of overcome those limitations on the way of become independent by their effort. among members and their adolescent girls get special facilitating a better life of community people, it attention and free basic treatment through that service. Education: Through NFPE (Non Formal Primary needs community and other supports. To ensure Pregnant mother of group members get C-section the rights and service of its participants and Education) and ECD (Early Childhood Development) i.e. service at reasonable cost from SUS hospital. pre-primary education, SUS tries to serve the education community people, SUS is working as a catalyst support in rural areas. To ensure a better platform for under a network and it encourages advocacy at starting primary education, SUS encourages the 5+ any level. Annual Report 2016 38 During the project so far, Changes/Progresses have been selected from 48 villages (One from towards fulfillment of project objectives each village) and provided training on safe motherhood, delivery management, care of Objective: Increased optimum level of income of the targeted lactating mother and new baby and supplied beneficiaries by establishing local business facilities, developing necessary materials. Pregnant mothers are women entrepreneurship and traders in the working area. communicating regularly with TBA. Besides, all the mothers are taking services from nearest health At present, there are 86 women groups in both areas centers (Community clinic, union family welfare (Kendua and Mymensingh). Under these groups, 1095 center and upazila hospital) according to the members out of 1407 have received loan from SUS. advices of TBA and project staffs. As a result of Most of the members are accumulating their savings providing activities of the project, most of the regularly of taka 20-50 weekly and taka 7214691 was Objective: Ensured quality education and increased the rate of members of working area have made aware on collected as savings money from January to December primary education. regular check up, TT vaccine and nutritious food 2016. During the period, taka 35710000 has been of pregnant mothers. During the reporting period, distributed among the group members as loan and loan trained TBAs have assisted to complete safe outstanding is taka 17515977. During the period, 257 SUS has operated 40 Early Childhood Development delivery of 388 babies. women have been developed as small entrepreneurs centers (Pre-Primary School) where 1199 students (649 girls and 550 boys) have obtained pre-primary through using the loan. One day in a week, each group Objective: Created a friendly environment for establishing arranges meeting to ensure participatory process where education at free of cost. SUS formed 40 Center Management Committee (CMC) with the the rights of the disabled by the detection and prevention of objectives of group formation, problems and steps of the causes of disability. solution, importance of savings, rules of group, credit participation of the guardian’s for prevailing proper disbursement system are discussed. Out of 1407 teaching environment of the centers. The guardians Project works to create disable friendly women, 1097 women have been directly involved them have understood the importance of quality education. environment and to increase awareness on with IGA. Among 1097 women, most of them are The students have been made aware on mutual disability. Cerebral Palsy (CP) training has been rearing poultry, cattle, engaging in homestead gardening respect, cleanliness, brush the teeth regularly, cut the provided to the guardians of disables. Besides, 103 and some of them have started other entrepreneurships nails, drink safe water, use of hygienic latrines and clients received physiotherapy in 699 times through like rice mill, buying auto rickshaw as rent, small keeping interest in going to school. Birth registrations static clinics. As a result, a guardian of disable has grocery, tailoring etc. In every month, each of them are of all students have been completed. The guardians provided services with her own initiatives. The earning taka 3500 to 4500 beside their male members. now dream that their children will be brought up as perfect future representatives. disables have made aware about their rights. 2 pair Objective: Improved safe motherhood by creating an enabling environment of nutrition practices, sanitation and reproductive health development without compromising any risk of HIV and STD by establishing village level health initiative centers.

SUS started to work by selecting 960 eligible couples (Maximum 2 children) from 48 villages with a view to ensure safe motherhood of program participants of working area through developing reproductive health along with nutritional practice and sanitation. For this reason, 48 Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA) Annual Report 2016 39 special shoes, 1 hearing aid, 3 parallel bar, 1 weight marriage and dowry. They have learned 10 sewing bear, 1 back snub and 1 Punch ball have been items. They are depositing savings regularly. Most distributed among the disable clients. 25 disable of the adolescents are cultivating vegetables and clients have been referred for better treatment. 10 have planted fruit and wooden saplings in their disables have been included with inclusive house premises and they are rearing chickens and education and 15 disable clients have received ducks. The project staffs and adolescents have allowances from government institutions. Positive arranged 16 community meetings in 16 villages on 3 changes have been shown for 8 clients, out of 10 issues such as: child marriage, child labor and stop those who got Primary Rehabilitation Therapy child punishment. No early marriage happens in (PRT). the schools, Out of 24, peer educators have stopped 7 early marriages, all the family members of peer educators are taking safe water and using Objective: Trained and developed adolescents as agents of sanitary latrines and 119 have taken TT vaccine. social transformation. The peer educators of each school have published wall magazines (One in each school). They have To run the adolescent empowerment project, 16 As a result, teachers and students have gotten idea expressed their opinions, feelings and thinking about their role to stop early marriages. SVAW groups have been formed at 16 villages with 20 through these magazines. members in each group. One leader and one committee observed two important days (International deputy leader have been selected from each group. Objective: Activated and strengthened local CBOs to stop Women Day and Stop Violence Against Women Day) To run the group properly, a 3-days training on violence against women for enhancing the empowerment of with 962 participants. 8 legal camps have been adolescent empowerment and leadership the targeted vulnerable households. arranged and 24 victims have taken legal advices by the development has been conducted and they are lawyers. The SVAW committee received 54 complaints running their activities smoothly. They have (Dowry: 33 and Conjugal conflict: 13, Maintenance: 2, One district SVAW committee, 2 upazila SVAW Polygamy: 1, Physical torture of women: 3, Divorce: become aware on the following issues for committees and 8 union SVAW committees have discussing in the groups at weekly basis such as: 1). 6 cases have been referred to legal aid fund. 25 been reformed to stop violence against women in complaints have been mediated through salish. Taka Personal hygiene, moral education on adolescent the working area. 40 members of 8 union SVAW period, marriage and early marriage, TT vaccine, 680000 has been taken as dower. SVAW committees committees received 2 days training on duties and have stopped 24 early marriages. Upazila SVAW food and nutrition, water-sealed latrine and uses, responsibilities. The committees are providing legal rights and law, HIV and AIDS, sexual harassment, committee has formed a savings fund at Rupali Bank, support to the poor people with the assistance of Kendua Branch, SB A/C# 8372 and savings amount is law on stop violence against women and children, Union Parishad (UP) and legal aid and they are also effect of climate change on adolescent, problems taka 9000. At present, SVAW committees are working arranging different arbitrations. In 2016, 48 in the locality as active organization; so many persons regarding health and reproductive health, bad bi-monthly meetings of union SVAW committee effect of drugs etc. Besides, they have made 5 are getting assistance for their rights. Besides, have been arranged with 890 participants (Male: 648 Mymensingh district SVAW committee has conducted graphics by using PRA tools such as: Problem tree and female: 242). Upazila SVAW committees have of adolescents, prioritization of problems, cause 6 bi-monthly meetings. The district SVAW committee organized 6 bi-monthly meetings with 107 members have participated in different salishes and and diagram on bad effect of early marriage, participants (Male: 80 and female: 27). By the mapping of reproductive health, picture of sexual they continuously keep coordination with different initiative of SVAW committee, discussion meetings committees. They have also participated in different harassment and diagram on adolescent rights. They on early marriage and violence against women have have made specific plan against each of the rally, human chain and other social movements on been held in 9 educational institutions and 5 wards regards to stop violence against women. graphic and have taken implementation initiative. with 2150 participants. All the group members are active against early Annual Report 2016 40 Kedua upazila is situated 27 km. away from through sewing training for 3 months. Out Netrakona district town. Batta village under of 20 adolescent girls, 11 have bought Chirang union of Kendua upazila is one of the sewing machines and they are earning backward villages regarding health, education money by running their business and and other social aspects. In 1999, SUS started its helping their families. Son of Dulena has Micro Finance and Micro Enterprise Program studied at SUS pre-primary school and he by forming a group with 24 women with the will get admitted into government primary Success Story of Dulena assistance of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation school in their village in 2017. Dulena (PKSF). Dulena was the treasurer of that group shared with her husband about the impor- and she received a loan of taka 10000 for cow tance of women empowerment and rearing. She has been continuing her business till children education besides participating in now. Her husband is Abdur Rahman and they income generating activities. SUS does not have one son and one daughter. SUS conducted work with health, education and adoles- a survey of this village in the beginning of 2016 cent issues; it also works for establishing and identified the problems of the village. the rights and justice issue. So, an union Considering the needs, a health group was Stop Violence Against Women (SVAW) formed with 20 women between 18-30 years committee has been formed at Chirang old (Mother of one or two children and newly union with the participation of different married women); an adolescent girls group with classes of people of different villages of 20 adolescent girls of 12-18 years old and a the union. Dulena’s husband is the pre-primary school with 30 children of 5-6 member of union SVAW committee and years old. SUS staffs discussed about goal and he comes forward to protect violence objectives of respective activities such as: repro- against women or early marriage. Dulena ductive health, safe motherhood, family has constructed a new house by taking planning method, safe water and sanitation, housing loan from SUS. She is cultivating Dulena is the member of credit group, president of health nutritious food, HIV & AIDS, personal hygiene vegetables and rearing chickens, ducks and group and her daughter is the member of adolescent group and cleanliness, children health care, care of pigeons and has planted fruit and wooden pregnant mother and safe delivery, adolescent saplings in her house premises. She also and her husband is the member of union SVAW period, health problems of adolescents and sends the disable clients to SUS Kendua committee. She is leading a happy life through an remedies, importance of education etc. A yearly office for counseling and treatment. She integrated effort and is grateful to SUS. plan has been prepared and all the activities have communicates with different government been implemented accordingly. Dulena under- institutions for services. At present, stood that it is not possible to bring changes Dulena is the member of credit group, only with taking credit and other social factors president of health group and her daugh- are necessary for sustainable development. Her ter is the member of adolescent group and daughter has been engaged with adolescent her husband is the member of union group and she has made aware about adolescent SVAW committee. She is leading a happy issues through drawing graphics in their group life through an integrated effort and is and she has also learned sewing grateful to SUS.

Annual Report 2016 41 Thematic objective 5To strengthen relationship with GO/NGO for achieving/exercising and demands for community.

Annual Report 2016 42 SUS is involved with different national and district level networks for strengthening relationship with GO/NGOs for Pro-poor Budget Advocacy Workshop achieving/exercising rights and demands of community. SUS has implemented different events/programs in collaboration water and sanitation has been orga- with Campaign for Good Governance (SUPRO), Campaign for nized by Sabalamby Unnayan Popular Education (CAMPE), Bangladesh Shishu (Children) Samity (SUS) at Shingher Bangla Adhikar (Rights) Forum (BSAF), National Forum of Organiza- Union Parishad (UP) with the tions Working with the Disabled (NFOWD), National forum technical and financial support of for stop violence against women (Jatiya Nari Nirjaton Protirudh Unnayan Shahojogi Team (UST). Forum-JNNPF) The economy and development work of Bangladesh is getting strengthened day by day. In such crucial period, participation of mass people and women in devel- In every development, gender equity and equality is a very opment flow is very much needed. important issue. People’s health and health service is a major This kind of workshop helps the indicator of development. Drinking safe water and using people to make aware about devel- hygienic sanitation is a precondition of better health standard opment process and their rights. of any society. To identify real problems of water and sanitation From that point of view, lots of and to make a plan to change the scenario on 31 May 2016 with community people have directly participation of almost 50 people including UP member, UP participated in the workshop and secretary, Local community base organization representative, gathered knowledge that will help local teacher, religious leader, Mediator, women leader, NGO them in future to make any partici- Since inception, SUS has been trying to keep good working representative, an advocacy workshop on engaging women in patory plan and to involve in devel- relationship with different GO-NGO institutions and other the developmentprocess and increasing budget for women for opment process. development players. Presently, SUS is involved with the follow- ing committees such as: District law and order committee; government legal aid committee (District level); meet the people; Global Action Week district drugs control committee; district water bodies manage- A week long program was arranged jointly ment committee; district acid control committee; rehabilitation with SUS and CAMPE from 24-30 April assistance committee of acid affected women and disables and 2016. An essay competition was organized special opportunity act 2006 for women prisoners; district disas- in participation of students of four high ter management committee; district relief and rehabilitation schools. By keeping the slogan of Global committee; district disable rehabilitation and welfare committee; Action Week “Fund the Future: Education monitoring committee of identifying sensitive cases; monitoring Rights Now”; SUS arranged a round table committee of protecting women and children trafficking; district sitting at Press Club, Netrakona. women development committee; district community policing committee; district corruption prevention committee; district Local Governance Support Project (LGSP) committee; women and children prisoner protection committee. Annual Report 2016 43 Disability Day, National Motherhood Day, World Celebration of National Literacy Day, Victory Day, Indigenous Day, World Peace and International Days Day, World AIDS Day etc. individually and collaborate with government and other like-minded organizations and civil society. A large number of populations have been covered by dissemination of necessary messages through applying different tools and methodologies. SUS observed International Women Day, Legal Aid Day and Human Rights Day and others Days by PRSEAJ, IDP- Kendua of Netrakona District, IDP-Mymensingh of Mymensingh district, SOMMAN, G&SJ, EELASS, MJF project and SVAW committee where more than 5000 people attended those programs. In addition, SUS observed international Meena day at Atpara, Madan and

We can highlight different issues among the people through celebrating of the national and international days. SUS observed the days to raise awareness of issues among certain communities and tribute to memorable events. For achieving the success of objectives, SUS observed National and International days such as: International Women Day, Interna- tional Mother Language Day, Independence Day, National Legal Aid Day, World Human Rights Day, Global Hand Washing Day, National Stop Violence Against Women Day, Begum Rokeya Day, World Rural Women Day, World Autism Day, International . During this period, 4 days (International Disability Day, World White-stick Day, World Health Day and Social Welfare Day) have been observed with befitting manner. Public awareness has been increased regarding disability issue and persons with disabilities have made aware on their rights. The days have been observed through colorful rallies, discussion meeting, fair, human chain, sports and game, drawing compaction, cultural events, award giving, easy compaction etc. Government officials, NGO represen- tatives, social leader, CBO, press and electronic media and people of different classes and professions actively participated in the programs and they expressed their opinions and ideas. Annual Report 2016 44 Emergency Response

The representatives of Triton Textile Limited visited different NFPE Schools and distributed education materials among 3000 students and 240 blankets among 240 students.

SUS takes initiative during and after disasters by considering Blanket distribution ability, opportunity and limitations such as: Relief, rehabilita- tion, awareness raising and training. SUS provided emergency On 17-19 January 2016, blankets have been and rehabilitation services during the devastating flood of distributed among 623 students of SUS oper- 1988, 2000, 2004, 2007, contributed to SIDR victims at Bager- ated 20 NFPE schools of Netrakona sadar hat area in 2007, extended flash flood support at Khaliazuri upazila and 377 students of 13 NFPE schools upazila of Netrakona district in 2010, cold wave response in of Modon upazila of Netrakona district by the Atpara, Modon, Kendua upazila of Netrakona district in 1998 assistance of Elite Garments Industries and tornado of 2004, 2007 and 2014. Limited in coordination of Action Aid.

On 9 August 2016, 100 packets relief materials have been On 7 January 2016, blunkets have been distrib- distributed among 100 flood affected people of Kedua uted among 30 students of pre-primary school Kalibari, Mestha and Ranagachha unions of Jamalpur sadar of SUS at Parail village under Ghagra union of upaizila in presence of Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Jamalpur, UP Mymensingh sadar upazila of Mymensingh chairmen, SUS officials and other elites of the locality. Each district by the assistance of Rotary Club, package contains 3 kg rice, 500 gm lentil, 1 litre soybean oil, 1 Mymensingh. kg pressed rice, 500 gm molasses, 1 kg salt, 2 kg potato, 4 pack- ets oral saline. Annual Report 2016 45 School Bag Distribution 30 school bags were distributed among 30 students of Hajibari, Churkhai pre-primary school by the assistance of Begum Rokeya Fellow, Mymensingh.

Annual Gathering

On 12 January 2016, a daylong Annual Gathering was held with the chief guest of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Netrakona along with different program related stakeholders Oporajita Award and other civil society people at SUS head Office campus, Netrakona. On that occasion, a brief paper on SUS was 25 female SVAW members have been rewarded presented along with next 5 years strategic plan of SUS. as Oporajita by government’s Women Affairs Besides, certificate of honor and prize were distributed Department for their extraordinary achieve- Student Gathering among the selected program participants of SUS operated ments. different programs. The program was ended through On 27 October 2016, a daylong Student Internship performing a cultural show by SUS staffs. Gathering was organized in SUS Head Office with 600 students along with Election News their guardinas of 20 SUS NFPE During 2016, a total of 66 members (Male: 41 and Schools of Netrakona sadar upazila of Female: 25) of Manobadhikar Songrokkhon Parishad Netrakona district. The program was (MSP), Manobadhikar Nari Somaj (MNS), Nari started through national anthem and Morcha, Hygiene group, Village Development Commit- taking oath. The Executive Director tee (VDC), Ward WATSAN Committee (WWC), Ward deliberated her welcome speech. Mr. Platform have been elected as members and chairmen Steven along with other 14 persons of in UP election. Out of which 4 male members were Triton Textile Limited were the special elected as chairmen. guests in this program. The students sang songs, performed dances, recited Human Rights Award rhymes and poems etc. Fouzia Nasrin- a member of MSP (Manobadhikar Songrokkhon Parishod) has gotten award of best Sofia Hansson and Amanda Hammarlund: They human rights activist in 2016 by Manusher Jonno Foun- came from Swallows (India-Bangladesh), Sweden who dation (MJF). worked as internship on Adolescent Empowerment. Annual Report 2016 46 To capacitate the relevant6 stakeholders, keep project activities on track and ensure necessary support for smooth running of the project/program

Annual Report 2016 47 Program Support Unit (PSU) Training, Monitoring and Evaluation, Reporting Publication, Documentation and Communication Human Resource Financial Management (HRM) Management SUS provided different trainings to 3923 (Male: 2260 and Female: 1663) program participants and other stakeholders. Besides, 14639 (Male: 8562 and Female: 6077) program participants and other stake- holders have been participated in different workshops and orientation In 2016, SUS has reviewed and updated its out of 8 projects. 23 staffs (Male: 20, Female: sessions. 120 staffs (Male: 85 and Female: 35) have received trainings Staff Management Manual, Financial Man- 3) of different projects have left SUS for by different organizations (Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation, Commu- agement Manual, Child Protection Policy, personal reasons as well as to get better nity Legal Services (CLS), Swallows (India-Bangladesh), BRAC, GIZ, Information Disclosure Policy, Human opportunity. During the period, 2 staffs died. Helvetas Intercooperation, Germany) and SUS. A total of 301 trainees Resource Management (HRM) Policy, Different vacant positions have been filled up resided at SUS dormitory due to participate in residential training. Gender Policy, Disability Policy, Anti- by recruiting new staffs as well. 39 (Male: 24, Total 121 guests (Local: 96 and Foreigner: 25) from different parts of Corruption and Bribery Policy and other Female: 15) new staffs have been recruited the country and abroad were stayed at SUS guest rooms. necessary documents as per demands of for inclusion of 5 projects. the organization. 68 staffs (Male: 51, Female: 17) have lost their jobs due to phase

2500 2260 2000 1663 1500

1000

500 85 35 0 Male Female Male Female

Staff Program Participant Central Monitoring team monitored the implementation process, progress and information collection process of following current programs such as: Integrated Development Project (IDP)- Mymensingh and Kendua, SOMMAN, PESEAJ and JRCP programs with the decision of Training of Staff and Program Participants SUS Management authority. The areas of monitoring were administrative documents, adolescent group, pre-primary school, health group, peer education activities of school, human rights protection council and federation etc. Annual Report 2016 48 Study on Present Situation of SUS Operated NFPE Course Completed Student SUS has conducted a study on phased out student of SUS operated For conducting the study, 42 schools (80%) are married and 50 students (32.26%), out of NFPE School for the year 1998-2000. SUS operated 3 years long 52 from 52 schools i.e. 252 students (20%) from 155 became the victims of early marriage. NFPE Schools at Netrakona sadar, Atpara, Modon and Kendua 1260 students (30 students from each school). Information came out from the study that they upazilas of Netrakona district from 1998. From these schools, 1560 Out of which 111 (40%) were boys and 141 have been made aware about taking their students completed their 3 years course successfully in 2000. SUS (60%) were girls. To select 252 students, 1, 6, 12, children. Total children of 155 married selected these schools for study. Through this study, information 18, 24 and 30 serial numbers were followed students are only 234. In economical context, was collected from course completed students of NFPE schools. from student register. If any student of this family income has been increased in positive The main objectives of the study were as follows: serials were not found; later or earlier student manner. 31.58% students earn less than taka *Assess educational qualification of the student. was selected accordingly. 5000, 34.21% earn above taka 5000, 17.11 *Assess profession and income of the student. above taka 10000, 5.95% above taka 15000, *Assess discrimination of boys and girls in education. In this study, it was found that 46.83% fathers 8.55% above taka 20000, 1.32% above taka *Assess rate of early marriage. and 55.95% mothers are totally illiterate. Most 25000 and 1.32% earn above taka 30000. Only *Assess social condition of the student. of the husbands and wives of the students read 48.02% students help their family economi- in between class-v and class-viii. The education cally. 35.00% scenario of the phased out students was found that 34.13% students read from Higher Second- In health context, 98.41% students are healthy ary Certificate (HSC) to Masters of Arts (MA) and 1.59% are disables. On the other hand, 30.00% 30.16% level classes and rest 65.57% students were 100% students take safe drinking water and dropped out in different classes and were 93.65% use hygienic latrine. The social and involved with different professions. The political scenario of students was also shown 25.00% reasons for dropped out are 51.21% due to that 3.97% students are involved with social insolvency, 16.26% due to marriage, 10.24% clubs, 1.19% are the representatives of 20.00% students were not interested to continue their government and non-government organiza- education. It was seen that out of 252, 155 tions, 7.18% pass their opinions in different students are married. Out of 111 boys, 36.03% social salish/arbitration and 3.17% students 15.00% are married and out of 141 girls, 81.56% are involved in political parties. 14.29% 12.30% In this study, emphasis was given to some of 10.00% the important qualities of the students such as: 8.73% 9.13% 1.59% students have gotten stipends in their education life, 5.15% were involved with 5.16% 5.56% scouting, 1.19% were the members of Bangla- 5.00% 4.76% 2.78% 2.38% 2.78% desh National Cadet Core (BNCC), 21.03% 1.98% can sing, 11.90% can role play, 17.46% can 0.00% drawing pictures, 22.62% are involved in Garments Business Agriculture House Staying Govt. Private Tailoring Day Unemployed Study Others sports and games and 23.81% are involved Worker Wife Abroad Service Service Laborer with other works. Annual Report 2016 49 Publication of SUS

Annual Report 2016 50 Babu Barta (Baby Basic) Project Engaging Communities for Project Information Social and Behaviour Changes Project Duration: 1 August 2014 to 31 July 2016, District: Netrakona, Upazila: Netrakona sadar and Project Information Project Duration: 15 August 2012-August 2016, Kendua, Union: 6, Village: 43, Pregnant wome: 810, District: 1, Upazila: 3, Union: 21, Total village: 378, Direct and Eligible Women: 1080, Adolescent Girl: 120 indirect beneficiaries: 3,96,553

Phased out project

From 1 August 2014 to 31 July 2016, Babu Barta project has imple- Engaging Communities for Social and Behaviour Changes is a collabora- mented a various types of interventions to achieve its goal “To help tive project being implemented in partnership with government, and empower the eligible women and adolescent on pregnancy and UNICEF and Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS). The objective of the child birth by providing related all information the way they can take project is to increase knowledge and improve practices of key child appropriate decisions to avail health care services when necessary.” survival and development through Communication for Development To fulfill the goal, SUS has worked with 1080 capable rural women (C4D) approaches that promotes and elaborates people’s own develop- (aged 18-45) and 120 adolescent girls (aged 12-17) in Kendua and ment needs and create demand for quality services and support to practice Netrakona sadar upazila of Netrakona district with the financial and positive behaviours and social norms. This project worked for improving technical support of US State Department of Small Grant. social status of children and address gender discrimination due to traditional beliefs and practices that hamper the development of children, Survivors Network for Prevention especially in the lowest quintile. Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) has and Better Inclusion facilitated the implementation of these C4D interventions in 378 villages Project Information under 21 unions of 3 upazilas (Atpara, Madan and Khaliajuri) under Project Duration: September 2014-May 2016, District: Netrakona district in partnership with UNICEF. First phase of the project Mymensingh, Upazila: 13, Total victims: 123 has been implemented from 15 August 2012 to 28 February 2014; second SUS implemented this project “Survivors network for prevention and phase has been implemented from 22 March 2014 to 21 March 2015 and better inclusion” with a view to rehabilitate the acid victims in the third phase from 10 May 2015 to 31 August 2016. SUS has facilitated the society through establishing their rights by the financial assistance of promotion of 8 key life savings behaviors and prevention of 3 harmful Acid Survivors Foundation (ASF). practices through implementing multi-pronged communication approaches and activities. Annual Report 2016 51 Alternative Livelihood Promotion of Water Supply, Options (ALO) Sanitation and Hygiene in Hard-to-Reach Project Information Areas of Rural Bangladesh Project(PWaSH) Project Duration: 15 May 2013 to 31 October 2016, District: Project Information Netrakona, Upazila: Netrakona sadar, Union: Amtola, Rouha, Project Duration: August 2012 to March 2016, District: Netra- Mougati, Singherbangla and Kailati, Group: 18, Group kona, Upazila: Modon, Union: 2, Village: 34, Household: 7416, Member: 648 Beneficiaries: 37712 Alternative Livelihood Options (ALO) is a project funded by Big Since its inception, SUS’s assistance in the region has been directed primarily at support- Lottery Fund and implemented by Traidcraft Exchange (TX) and ing local communities. This started with a focus on emergency and early recovery assis- Development Wheel (DEW) with an overall objective to reduce tance for communities affected by natural and manmade disasters. The project PWASH poverty among poor and marginalized communities in Mymensingh, have been implanted from August 2012 and its working to improve the water and sanita- Sherpur and Netrakona districts by decreasing production cost, tion standard of the haor and the back ward locality and ended March 2016. The program increasing income and employment opportunities and access to has been implemented at the 34 villages of 18 wards of 2 unions under Madan upazila of market. It started its activities on 15 May 2013 and ended on 31 Octo- Netrakona district by covering 7416 HHs and 37712 populations. ber 2016. Ensuring Effective Legal Aid Support Service (EELASS) Enhancing Governance and Capacity of Service Providers and Civil Society in Water Supply Project Information Project Duration: July 2014-June 2016, District: 1, Upazila: and Sanitation Sector Project Netrokona Sadar and Durgapur, Union: Mougati, Medni, Project Information Kailati, Challisha, Birishiri & Chondigor) and Chowki Adalot. Project started: January 2013 and ended: September 2016, District: Netrakona, Village: 63, Direct and indirect beneficiaries: 77,729 Upazila: Mohongonj, Union: 2, Village: 27, Household: 8,735. In the 3rd part of constitution of republic Bangladesh, section basic rule, clause 27, it has been mentioned that all the citizen are equal to law SUS initiated ‘Enhancing Governance and all have rights to get legal service. To ensure the access of marginal- and Capacity of Service Providers and ized, poor and helpless people in legal service republic government of Civil Society in Water Supply and Bangladesh has made the law of Government Legal Aid Service Act Sanitation Sector Project’ in January 2000. From the beginning, National Legal Aid Service committee and 2013 for enhancing governance for non government organization Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) is providing pro-poor (Poor friendly) safe working together in Netrakona so that the targeted people can get their and sustainable water supply and sanita- legal support. It has been long time, they are working together but still tion service with a view to assist to it couldn’t possible to spread the usefulness of the act to everyone just improve the public health management because of lack of information and unawareness among the mass through forming ward committees, people. To change the scenario Sabalamby Unnayan Samity has started union committees, hygiene session to work with the financial support of Manusher Jonno Foundation groups which has been phased out in (MJF) in above mentioned working areas. September 2016. Annual Report 2016 52 Our Media Hits

Annual Report 2016 53 SUS always encourages visit of development partners, government officials and other visitors to the community. Exchange views, successes and personal information create a good learning environment at community level. The visitors also get the opportunity to observe how the programs are implementing for improving the socio- economic status of the poor and vulnerable communities.

In 2016, the following visitors visited different programs of SUS such as: Mr. Asaduzzaman Noor, Honorable minister, Ministry of Cultural Affairs, People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Johan Frisel, Honorable Ambassador, Swedish Emabassy; Mr. G.M. Saleh Uddin, Divisional Commisioner, Mymensingh; D. Md. Mushfiqur Rahman, DC, Netrakona; District Commissioner (DC), Sunamgonj; Mr. Shahidullah Kaiser, UP Chairman, Kandiura, Md. Mutasimul Islam, UNO, Kendua, Jahanara Rosy, Upazila Vice-Chairman, Mr. Emdadul Haque, Upazila Primary Education Officer and Mr. Golam Rabbani, Assistant UPEO, Kendua, Netrakona; Mrs. Rita Rani, representative of GIZ; President and directors of Lions Club, Mymensingh; Mrs. Rehana Akter Dolly, Convener and Mrs. Shahana Saeed, member, Begum Rokeya Fellow; UNO, Upazila Chairman, Upazila Vive Chairman, DPHE Engineer, Derai; Grants Officer, Quality Management Team Leader, Regional Coordinator, Sharique, HSI-PIU office, Dhaka and Sharique Advisory Committee, Suna- mgonj; Kamrul Huda, Senior Monitoring specialist and Shamsul Arefin, Monitoring & Evaluation manager, Shirin Snapshots ofSnapshots Visitors Lira, Capacity Building and Research Specialist and Mr. Fayaz Ahammed, Consultant, CLS; Overseas Develop- ment Institute (ODI) team , DFID; Ms. Neha Kapil, Chief and Ms. Shirin Hossain, C4D specialist, UNICEF Bangladesh; Ms Mary Myers, Team Leader, Monitoring & Evaluation team of ITAD; representatives of Human Appeal, UK; Mr. Steven, Triton Textile Ltd; Representa- tives of BRAC, PKSF, NGO Forum for public health, MJF, SUS Support group, Finland; The Swallows (India- Bangladesh and representatives from other government and non-government institutions.

Annual Report 2016 54 Snapshots of Visitors

Annual Report 2016 55 Phased out Program/Project of SUS Health and Family Planning With MCHC (1986-1996) by family Planning Services and Sustainable Livelihood for Poor Producer-SLIPP (2008-March 2012) by Training Center (FPSTC) Development Wheel (DEW) Employment Counseling (1989-1998) by NORAD Women Market Corner (2006) by AAB Kishoree Empowerment Project-KEP (1999-2000) by NORAD United Nations Convention for Rights to Persons with Disabilities- Trickle Up Programme (1995-1998) by International Voluntary Service (IVS) UNCRPD (September 2012-June 2013) by giz Integrated Development Project-IDP (1995-2007) by Action Aid Bangladesh SHARIQUE-A local Governance Project (November 2007-August Women Development Project-WDP (1990-1995) by CARE Bangladesh 2013) by Swiss Intercoperation-HELVETAS Bangladesh Nutritional Surveillance Project-NSP (1996-2003) by Helen Keller International (HKI) Food Security for Ultra Poor in Haor region-FSUP-H (January 2009- Skill Development for Women and Children (1996-2000) by CARE Bangladesh November 2013) by CARE Bangladesh Flood Proofing Project-FPP (1998-2004) by CARE Bangladesh Access to Food security and Accelerated Livelihood towards Bio- Reflect and Social Mobilization (1998-2005) by Action Aid Bangladesh diversity-AFAL (June 2009-September 2013) by Aranyak Foundation Kishoree (Adolescent) Empowerment Project-KEP (2001-2007) by NETZ Bangladesh NGO Gardening and Nutrition Education Surveillance Project-NGNESP (1998-2002) Democracy Enhance through Social Harmony-DESH (2011-April by Helen Keller International (HKI) 2014) by Asia Foundation Bangladesh Wheat Production (2000-2004) by CIMMYT Strengthening Economic Empowerment of Ultra Poor-SEEUP (2010- Water and Sanitation Project-WATSAN (2000-2005) by NGO Forum 2013 by NETZ partnership for development and justice Garbage Management Project (2001-2002) by Sister Community Association (SCA), SHOUHARDO II (March 2012-February 2015) by CARE Bangladesh Sweden Structural Alleviation of Poverty and Marginalization in the poorest Sustainable Approach for Quality Education-SAQE (2001-2005) by AAB Regions of Bangladesh-SAHOSH Project (May 2014-30 April 2015) by Dampara Water Management Project-DWMP (2001-2003) by CIDA NETZ partnership for development and justice District Partnership Initiative Fund-DPIF (2003) by Directorate of Agriculture Extension-DAE Phased out in 2016 SHOUHARDO-Strengthening Household Ability to Respond to Development Oppor- Babu Barta-Baby Basic (August 2014-July 2016) by US State tunities (2006-2010) by CARE Bangladesh Department of Small Grant Ensure Access to Justice in Promoting Women Rights Project (2008) by Ensuring Effective Legal Aid Support Service-EELASS (July 2014-June 2016) by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) gtz  Polli Tathya Kendra (Rural Information Center) (2009-2010) by D-net Bangladesh Promotion of water supply, sanitation and hygiene (PWaSH) in hard to Community Response in Education-CRE (2009-2011) by Save the Children, Sweden- reach area by Water Aid in Bangladesh Enhancing Governance and Capacity of Service Providers and Civil Denmark Society in Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (January Gender Responsive Community Based Policing-GRCBP (2009-2011) by giz  2013-September 2016) by NGO Forum for public health Community Based Health Management Project in Loko Kendro (2010) by Midwives Alternative Livelihood Options-ALO (15 May 2013-31 October 2016) Association, Norway by Development Wheel (DEW) Promotion of Legal and Social Empowerment of Women-PLSEW (2010-2011) by giz Engaging Communities for Social and Behavior Changes project (15 Aquaculture Extension Project-AEP (1999-2005) by Mymensingh Aquaculture Exten- August 2012-August 2016) by UNICEF-Bangladesh sion Project (MAEP)/DANIDA Survivors network for prevention and better inclusion (September Disability Rehabilitation Project (Piloting) under RIIP-2 (2010) by Center for Disability 2014-May 2016) by ASF in Development (CDD) Annual Report 2016 56 Strategic Focus 13: Climate change Strategic Plan of SUS for 2016-2020 Aim: To ensure that SUS contributes to address the needs that arises due to climate change Strategic Inspiration Strategic Focus 14: Governance of the organization To see SUS as a model organization in development arena of Bangladesh (Coordination/Institution/Administration/Finance/ Program) Strategic Focus 1: Shift from project approach to theme-based program approach Aim: To enhance the efficiency and sustainability of program achievements Aim: To re-arrange projects/ interventions of SUS under thematic areas & restructure through mainstreaming governance at project and organizational level. the management accordingly Strategic Focus 15: Implementation of strategic plan Strategic Focus 2: Credible staff base Aim: To ensure efficient implementation of the Strategic Plan 2016-2020 Aim: To promote a creative & low-cost staff development initiative through peer learning process in order to improve staff behavior and need based skills Follow-up of Strategic Plan Focus 3: Rights based approach Efficient and effective implementation of the strategic plan is essential in Aim: To promote Rights based Approach as crosscutting issue in SUS projects/ order to boost-up overall ability of Sabalamby Unnayan Samity and to programs ensure its right direction to move forward. To ensure efficient implemen- Strategic Focus 4: Performance accountability & result based implementation tation of Strategic Plan 2016-2020, SUS formed a 5-members strategic Aim: To ensure individual accountability among SUS staff of all levels plan implementation committee (SPIC) and the Executive Director moni- tored the progress of strategic plan implementation regularly. Strategic Focus 5: Inquisitiveness and innovation Aim: To ensure that SUS undertakes innovative interventions During this period , SPIC has formed a 7-members Central Monitoring Strategic Focus 6: Gender Sensitivity and Evaluation committee and a 5-members Central Fund Raising Aim: To ensure gender friendly climate in SUS committee. SUS has tried to complete the assigned actions of 2016 Strategic Focus 7: Communication and networking against monitoring timeline such as: thematic areas in broader spectrum, Aim: To ensure that SUS keeps its all stakeholders update with need based information Rearrange management structure as per thematic division, Reorganize on regular basis and strengthen SUS central management committee and coordination Strategic Focus 8: Organizational & program sustainability committee, establish an independent training campus: Development of Resources by Enhancing Academic Management (DREAM) center, facili- Aims: tate the process of promoting Rights based approach in all projects as To ensure that each of the SUS project/program undertakes efficient phase-out policy crosscutting issue, make existing central gender working group more To steam line the thoughts on future leadership and financial sustainability functional to liaison with project base gender working group, keep all Strategic Focus 9: Financial management donors update regularly on progress, show progress in web site, maintain Aim: To ensure IT based efficient finance management regular exchange with local partners, government and other relevant Strategic Focus 10: Information Technology players, orient staff on framing and exercising of phasing out process, Aim: To ensure IT based IEC communication system in SUS develop a guideline on SUS-HRM policy, form a climate change watch Strategic Focus 11: Human Resource Management (HRM) committee, short management report is prepared at the end of each Aim: To establish an efficient HRM cell to facilitate the staff management and capacity month for each project both for donor finance project and the microfi- development process nance project, developed and implementing information disclosure policy Strategic Focus 12: Creation of example on “Netrakona as a clean town” of the organization, policies are updated regularly to accommodate the Aim: To establish a model on “Municipal Cleanliness” and influence national policy for changes etc. Executive Committee and management meeting have been replication held regularly and meeting minutes, decisions and actions have been preserved properly.

Annual Report 2016 57 Donor and SUS Contribution

45%

55%

Donation received from different donor SUS income from different sources

Properties and Assets 13% Fixed Assets FDR 1% Field Loan Outstanding 86%

Fund and Liabilities Capital Fund 7% 7% 9% 30% Member Savings PKSF Loan Inclusive Home Solution Loan Insurance

47%

Annual Report 2016 58 Sabalamby Unnayan Samity (SUS) Shibganj Road, Netrakona Statement of Financial Position (Consolidated) As at 31 December 2016

Particulars Notes Amount in Tk Amount in Tk Fund & Liabilities FY 2016 FY 2015 Fund 1 13,088,045 6,043,438 LLP Mgt. Reserve 2 16,322,065 14,359,323 Disaster Mgt. Reserve 3 - 3,894,266 PKSF Fund Account 4 89,016,670 93,183,329 Loan Account 5 1,165,088 12,338,957 Loan From Inclusive Home Solution 6 17,286,000 22,286,000 Members savings 7 57,279,763 51,664,046 Inactive members savings 8 86,747 81,858 Insurance 9 12,360,477 10,924,754 Security fund 10 537,753 562,753 Short Term Loan 11 8,541,948 13,022,060 Savings Interest Provision 53,608 103,712 Printing & Stationary Provision 345,000 268,794 Repair & Maintenance Provision 86,400 92,200 Salary Provision 44,646 266,497 Total 216,214,210 229,091,987

Annual Report 2016 59 Properties & Assets Fixed Assets 12 27,769,969 28,025,424 FDR 13 3,100,000 2,978,411 Revolving Loan Fund (Outstanding) 14 179,168,057 172,565,876 Advance 15 284,821 158,937 Cash in hand 16 1,549,183 295,664 Cash at bank 17 4,342,180 25,067,675 Total 216,214,210 229,091,987

Annual Report 2016 60 Statement of Comprehensive Income (Consolidated) For the Period of 1 January to 31 December 2016

Particulars Notes Amount in Tk Income FY 2016

Donation received from different donor 1 81,085,444 SUS income from different sources 2 67,201,737 Bank Interest 44,822 FDR Interest 258,529 Total 148,590,532 Expenditure Personnel cost 77,618,228 Programme cost 36,248,492 Administrative cost 8,701,666 Service Charges Payments 6,629,909 Bank charge 152,365 Interest paid to group members 2,403,061 Depreciation Cost 255,455 Loan Loss Provision 9,432,061 Printing & Stationary Provision 59,888 Repair & Maintenance Provision 44,800 Total 141,545,925

Excess of income over expenditure 7,044,607 (Transfered Capital Fund) Total 148,590,532

Annual Report 2016 61 Receipts & Payments Account (Consolidated) For the year ended 1 January to 31 December 2016

Particulars Amount in Tk Receipts FY 2016 Opening Balance Cash in hand 295,664 Cash at bank 25,067,675 PKSF Fund Account 44,000,000 Donation received from different donor 81,085,444 SUS income from different sources 60,776,539 Loan realization from group members 257,950,561 Savings collection from group members 42,619,632 Inactive Member Savings 11,175 Insurance collection from group members 2,275,395 Bank Interest 44,822 FRD Encashment 1,000,000 FDR Interest 1,036,940 Security Received 20,000 Total 516,183,847

Annual Report 2016 62 Payments Personnel cost 77,618,228 Programme cost 36,248,492 Administrative cost 8,701,666 Service charge payment 6,629,909 Loan refund to PKSF 48,166,659 Loan refund to Inciusive Home Solution 5,000,000 Loan refund to SUS own 10,140,991 Loan distribution to group members 275,126,712 Savings refund to group members 37,003,915 Inactive member savings refund 6,289 Insurance salender 921,504 Interest paid to group members 2,403,061 Security refund 45,000 Bank charges 152,365 Short Term Loan 101,809 Advance 125,884 FDR Purcahese 1,900,000 Closing Balance Cash in hand 1,549,183 Cash at bank 4,342,180 Total 516,183,847

Annual Report 2016 63 Notes Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year of 31 December 2016 1 Donation received from Different Donor 81,085,44 4,931,880 565,188 497,619 531,697 8,234,118 BRAC- 1,864,937 HELVETAS Intercooperation, Germany 2,136,375 HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation 5,071,007 Human Appeal, United Kingdom 2,666,668 Quaker Service, Sweden 9,189,648 Quaker Service, Sweden 387,116 Sister Community Association, Sweden 1,087,126 Sister Community Association, Sweden 440,091 Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) 7,926,160 Small grant department of US governmnet 1,542,012 The Tides Foundation 782,500 Ain O Shalish Kendra-Bangladesh 984,406 GTZ Bangladsh 2,688,441 The Swallows (India-Bangladesh) 1,858,860 UNICEF- Bangladesh 8,409,572 Water AID- Bangladesh 1,103,000 Acid Survivors Foundation 221,459 CDD- Bangladesh 317,805 NGO Forum- Bangladesh 540,021 Tradecraft -Bnagladesh 282,738 CLS- Bangladesh 16,350,000 MCC-Bangladesh 475,000 Total 81,085,444

2 SUS Income from Different Sources (Microcredit service charge, Training sales, 67,201,737 Guest room, handicraft, Model Farm)

Annual Report 2016 64