Current News & Events
"Enhancing Disaster Preparedness: Upazila Disaster Management Committee Focus on Protection Strategi... "Enhancing Disaster Preparedness: Upazila Disaster Management Committee Focus on Protection Strategies for Women, Adolescents, and Children Amid Cyclone Remal Impact" Read More
Posted on: November 12, 2024, 2:15 pm
11 November 2024, Upazila Disaster Management Committee meetings were held in Kalapara, Patuakhali, and Taltoli, Barguna, at Upazila Hall room. A total of 50 participants, excluding project staff, ha... 11 November 2024, Upazila Disaster Management Committee meetings were held in Kalapara, Patuakhali, and Taltoli, Barguna, at Upazila Hall room. A total of 50 participants, excluding project staff, have participated in the meeting, including UNO, Upazila Fisheries Officer, Upazila Livestock Officer, Upazila Women Affairs Officer, Upazila Education Officer, Officer in- Charge, Union Chairman, Press Club Representative, and project staff. Upazila Nirbahi Officer was present as the chief guest in Md. Robiul Islam UNO, Kalapara, Patuakhali, Ummeh Salma UNO, Taloli, Barguna The primary objective of this meeting was to discuss and enhance the protection services for vulnerable groups—specifically women, adolescents, and children—during and after Cyclone Remal. This aligns with the project’s mission to strengthen community resilience and provide targeted emergency support to those most affected. A meeting was held with the Upazila Disaster Management Committee (UzDMC) to discuss and improve protection services for women, adolescents, and children during and after a disaster. This meeting was part of the project "Emergency Support for Cyclone Remal Affected People in Barguna, Khulna, and Patuakhali Districts." The key objective was to develop strategies for enhancing safety, support, and recovery for vulnerable populations in disaster-affected areas. The topic of the meeting was Review of Existing Protection Services and Gaps, Development of a Gender-Sensitive Disaster Response Strategy, Coordination and Resource Mobilization, Training and capacity building for community volunteers. After the discussion • The committee agreed on a coordinated approach to better utilize existing resources for targeted support for women, adolescents, and children. • Decisions were made to enhance shelter facilities with gender-segregated spaces and essential supplies for women and children to mitigate risks and ensure dignity. • All participants agreed on the capacity-building sessions for UDMC and volunteers on protection services. These will be implemented at the union level to prepare local volunteers and staff. • UDMC members recommended allocating more funds and resources specifically for protection measures, including health supplies, sanitary kits, and safe spaces. The meeting highlighted the essential role of the UDMC in providing protection for vulnerable groups during disasters. With the agreed-upon actions, this initiative is set to improve the safety and well-being of women, adolescents, and children affected by Cyclone Remal. These steps will reinforce the disaster preparedness framework at the Upazila level and strengthen the resilience of the most affected populations in Barguna, Khulna, and Patuakhali districts. Read More
SMC/Ad-Hoc committee Meeting October,2024 (ACTIVE Project_ VSO Bangladesh funded) SMC/Ad-Hoc committee Meeting October,2024 (ACTIVE Project_ VSO Bangladesh funded)
Posted on: November 7, 2024, 11:48 am
SMC meetings were held in 3 Government primary schools of Raja Palong, Haldia Plong & Jalia Plong Union. This meeting was held on dated at 28 & 29th October-2024. Education Mobilizer Anup Kumar Mondal... SMC meetings were held in 3 Government primary schools of Raja Palong, Haldia Plong & Jalia Plong Union. This meeting was held on dated at 28 & 29th October-2024. Education Mobilizer Anup Kumar Mondal conducted the meetings. He discussed the aims and objectives of this meeting. He discussed in the SMC meeting to improve the quality of pre-primary education. In two meetings Ukhiya Upazila Education Officer Mukther Ahmmed was present and gave valuable speech to improve the quality of education. He said that VSO-Shushilan low cost learning materials is attractive and important for learner and environment. So this materials using to GPS. SPO-Sahadot Ullah share with SMC about ACTIVE Project activity. Also invite them for visit SRHR,GPS,ECCE-Host,Livlihood activity. In one of these meetings assistance Upazila Education Officer Shahadat Hossain Akhand was present and gave him valuable speech to improve the quality of education.SMC members of each school gave their valuable speech. UEO appreciate to VSO and Shushilan for contribute to GPS and if possible support more GPS.PaglirBil GPS -SMC Member MD.Didarul Alam highly appreciate Shushilan and VSO Activity and if any time invite any program he freely join. Read More
“Building a Resilient Future: IRC-Shushilan Project Progress and Climate Strategy Session" “Building a Resilient Future: IRC-Shushilan Project Progress and Climate Strategy Session"
Posted on: October 31, 2024, 10:27 am
Date of the meeting: 29 October 2024 Venue: Shushilan head office, Khulna Participants: Mohamed Riyas, Regional Emergency Director, IRC; Subarna Barma, Head of Emergency and Resilience program, IRC;... Date of the meeting: 29 October 2024 Venue: Shushilan head office, Khulna Participants: Mohamed Riyas, Regional Emergency Director, IRC; Subarna Barma, Head of Emergency and Resilience program, IRC; Mostafa Nuruzzaman, Chief Executive; S.K Amirul Islam, Adviser; Satchidananda Biswas, Director; Sherina Akter, Deputy Director; Shahina Parvin, Deputy Director; project managers Faujhia Rahman and M M Mehedi Hasan and available all staff member at head office. On 29 October 2024, the IRC team visited Shushilan head office for an introductory and discussion session with the staff of Shushilan. The main purpose of this visit is to understand the project's progress, success, and implementation challenges of the ongoing project. Besides, the IRC team has an interest in the climate change initiatives of Shushilan in Southern Bangladesh to understand how they can leverage our emergency response project learning to work together on a long-term program. The key objectives of this field visit were • We are sharing the project progress and providing feedback for further action. • Discussion of climate change initiatives to work together in the long run Brief of the Meeting: Deputy director Sherina Akter, along with two project managers, received the guest with a warm welcome. Chief Executive Mostafa Nuruzzaman welcomed Mohamed Riyas, Regional Emergency Director, and Subarna Barma, Head of Emergency and Resilience Program, with a flower bouquet. The discussion meeting has taken place in the conference room of the head office. The meeting started with the national anthem and Shushilan song, followed by the organizational presentation presented by Chief Executive Mostofa Nuruzzaman. In this presentation, organizational profile, background, mission, vision, working area, projects & programs, people's organizations, Shushilan’s culture, offices, and publications were briefly discussed to understand the organization at a glance. Director Satchidananda Biswas presented a presentation on climate change initiatives of the organization, where different projects, programs, and initiatives to adapt, mitigate, and reduce the climate change impact were discussed. The key focus area was disaster risk reduction (DRR), adaptation, climate resilience, and sustainable solutions. Next, the project presentation was presented by project manager Faujhia Rahman, where the project progress, major achievements, implementation challenges, and areas of improvement were discussed. After the discussion session, the cultural team performed a dedicated song and organized a play regarding disaster risk reduction, which was highly appreciated by the IRC team. Read More
High Officials’ Visit to SRSP Project High Officials’ Visit to SRSP Project
Posted on: October 25, 2024, 10:26 am
The World Food Programme (WFP) has undertaken a project called “Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) in Northern Flood Prone Area” in collaboration with the European Union Humanitarian Aid (E... The World Food Programme (WFP) has undertaken a project called “Shock Responsive Social Protection (SRSP) in Northern Flood Prone Area” in collaboration with the European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO). Shushilan is implementing this SRSP Project in Gaibandha, Kurigram and Jamalpur Districts, the project aims to implement readiness initiatives for anticipatory preparedness and strengthen the community resilience of the vulnerable communities’ preparedness. On October 6, 2024, a delegation of high officials from ECHO and WFP visited the SRSP project activities in Gaibandha District. ECHO Representatives: Mr. Davide Zappa, Regional Thematic Expert on DRR Ms. Anna Orlandini, Head of Office Mr. Mokit Billah, Programme Officer WFP Representatives: Mr. Riccardo Suppo, Head of Programmes Mr. Siddiqul Islam Khan, Head of Resilience Innovation Unit Mr. Gias Uddin Talukder, Programme Officer Ms. Bithika Biswas, Head of Field Office, WFP Rangpur Shushilan Representative: Mr. Nashir Uddin Faruk, Deputy Chief Executive The delegation visited Uria Union, Fulchhari Upazila, where they met with SRSP beneficiaries, Union Volunteers, and members of the Union and Upazila Disaster Management Committees (UDMC and UzDMC). Key Activities During the Visit: Meeting with Beneficiaries: The delegation arrived at Uria Union at 9:00 AM and spent the day speaking with SRSP beneficiaries. They discussed how the financial aid was received, its impact, and collected suggestions for improvement. Beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the timely support during disasters. Household Visits: The team visited several households to see how beneficiaries prepared for floods and used the financial support provided by the SRSP project. These visits offered valuable insights into the project's impact at the household level. Discussion with Volunteers: The officials engaged with Union Volunteers to learn about their roles during the July 2024 flood. They discussed the volunteers' future responsibilities during disasters and explored the need for additional resources or equipment to improve disaster response. Exchange of Views with UDMC: The delegation met with the Union Disaster Management Committee (UDMC) to review the committee’s actions during the July 2024 flood and discuss future disaster preparedness plans. They also explored how additional resources and equipment could enhance disaster response. Meeting with Upazila Officials: In the afternoon, the delegation met with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer, Project Implementation Officer (PIO), and Women Affairs Officer at Fulchhari Upazila Parishad. They noted that although beneficiaries under the Safety Net Programme are affected by disasters, they do not receive specific support for these events. The SRSP project, piloted for these beneficiaries, addresses this gap. The delegation expressed hope that the Government of Bangladesh would expand the SRSP initiative within the national Safety Net Cell to prevent vulnerable communities from falling deeper into poverty due to disasters. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the SRSP project's progress and its positive impact on vulnerable families. The feedback from beneficiaries, volunteers, and local committees will help improve future project activities. There is optimism that the SRSP model will be adopted more widely as part of the government’s safety-net initiatives for disaster-prone areas. Read More
Progress Meeting Highlights Relief Efforts for Cyclone Remal-Affected Communities in Taltoli and Kal... Progress Meeting Highlights Relief Efforts for Cyclone Remal-Affected Communities in Taltoli and Kalapara Read More
Posted on: October 24, 2024, 6:06 pm
On 22-23 October, a progress sharing meeting was held under the "Emergency Support for the Cyclone Remal-affected People in Barguna, Khulna, and Patuakhali'' at Taltoli and Kalapara Upazila. The Upazi... On 22-23 October, a progress sharing meeting was held under the "Emergency Support for the Cyclone Remal-affected People in Barguna, Khulna, and Patuakhali'' at Taltoli and Kalapara Upazila. The Upazila Nirbahi Officers chaired as the chief guests, and the Project Implementation Officers, Upazila Agriculture Officers, Education Officers, Women Affairs Officers, Heads of Upazila Level Government Departments, NGO representatives, and beneficiaries of the project were present. In the meeting, progress is mentioned through the sharing of the project. objectives/goals. This is in the following: Cyclone-affected populations in the Taltali, Rangabali, Kalapara, Koyra, and Paikgacha subdistricts are able to meet their basic needs and access life-saving services to continue leading dignified, safe, and empowered lives. Expected Result 1: Cyclone-affected populations are able to meet their basic needs and protect their livelihoods. Expected Results 2: Equitable access to information and referral services protects affected populations from violence and harm. Major acheivements: • The project is working in 4 unions (Borobagi, Pachakurali, Mithagonj, and Mohipur) with 1500 direct beneficiaries who got 6,000 BDT as cash support through bKash. • 6000 indirect (1500x4=6000) beneficiaries through direct outreach conducting three awareness sessions include messages on prevention against GBV, child protection, economic recovery process, and prevention from waterborne diseases. • Coordination meetings with the government, NGOs, and private sector actors to ensure services of the referral at the upazila level. • Coordinate with the Union and Upazila Disaster Management Committee to increase awareness-raising and reduce the risk of post-cyclone damage for vulnerable communities. Read More
The KABP Study Findings Dissemination and Consultation Meeting – SBC Sylhet The KABP Study Findings Dissemination and Consultation Meeting – SBC Sylhet
Posted on: October 21, 2024, 9:49 am
With the UNICEF's technical support, Shushilan is implementing a project titled 'Social and Behavior Change Interventions to Foster for the Wellbeing, Rights and Empowerment of the Most Marginalized C... With the UNICEF's technical support, Shushilan is implementing a project titled 'Social and Behavior Change Interventions to Foster for the Wellbeing, Rights and Empowerment of the Most Marginalized Children and Adolescents in Sylhet, Bangladesh''. The main objective of this project is to protect children and adolescents from any form of harm and make them empowered so that they can raise their voices on their issues, in addition to ending child marriage, preventing violence against children and women, addressing the impact of climate change, increasing EPI coverage, nutrition, and education, and activating families and communities through positive behaviours to create awareness and address issues and challenges surrounding children and adolescents. In continuation of this, a Study Findings Dissemination and Consultation Meeting on People's Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices (KABP) was held on 2 October 2024 at the Sylhet City Corporation Hall Room to discuss and share the data obtained from the study on People's Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices (KABP) on violence against children, ending child marriage, child protection, health care and cleanliness. Mr. Abu Nausher Ali, the Deputy Team Leader and Focal Person of the SBC Sylhet Project delivered the welcome speech. Following this, Mr. Md Ashik Nur, Secretary of the Sylhet City Corporation, and the Chief Guest of the programme, gave the opening remarks. He greeted the participants and officially began the meeting. Mr. Md. Alamgir Mia, Project Coordinator of the SBC Sylhet Project, started the session with a presentation. He outlined the project's objectives and shared the findings of the KABP study. There were present special guests such as Dr. Zahidul Islam, Chief Health Officer (CHO), Sylhet City Corporation, Mr. Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Deputy Director of Family Planning, Mr. Md. Abdur Rafiq, DD of Social Services Department, Dr. Ahmed Sirajum Munir, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer (UHandFPO) Sylhet Sadar Upazila, Deputy Director of Sylhet Islamic Foundation, Mr. Sheikh Ali Haider Azam, SBC Consultant of UNICEF's Sylhet Field Office, Mr. Md. Nashir Uddin Faruq, Deputy Chief Executive of Shushilan, Mr. Md. Shahidul Islam, Assistant Director, Shushilan and others. Dr. Md. Zahidul Islam also expressed his disagreement regarding the child marriage statistics, saying, "I disagree with the 40% rate for Sylhet division and the broader context of Bangladesh. The data should have been shared with the relevant government departments before the meeting.'' Mr. Sheikh Ali Haider Azam replied on this note ''This 40% of Child Marriage data disseminated from Multi-Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) - 2019. He said, ''Every research has challenges, including data collection and rechecking. However, we also presented the data of MICS-2019. Mr Nashir Uddin Faruq, Deputy Chief Executive of Shushilan, stated, ''We are behind on our target, but with determination, we can still reach our goal. It is a challenge, but not impossible to overcome. We will review the data and ensure accuracy. We also emphasize that no girls under 18 will be married, and we will continue working together to move the country forward. Thank you all for attending the meeting.'' Ms. Shahina Aktar, Deputy Director of Women Affairs, Sylhet and the chairperson of the programme, concluded the meeting by thanking SBC Team of Shushilan for arranging the wonderful and interactive event. Read More
