Current News & Events
Shushilan Organized a Market Fair at Rohingya Camp Shushilan Organized a Market Fair at Rohingya Camp
Posted on: December 20, 2024, 6:24 pm
Cox’s Bazar, 18 December 2024 Shushilan organized a market fair under Sustainable and Inclusive Gender Equitable Livelihood Support for Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar Project on 18 December 202... Cox’s Bazar, 18 December 2024 Shushilan organized a market fair under Sustainable and Inclusive Gender Equitable Livelihood Support for Rohingya Refugees in Cox’s Bazar Project on 18 December 2024 at around CIC office premises in Rohingya Camp: 4 Extension. Suraya Akter Swety, Honorable Camp in Charge (CIC) inaugurated the fair. Along with Shushilan, BRAC, ActionAid Bangladesh, NGO Forum, AMAN and CNRS also participated in the fair with their stalls displaying handicraft and agricultural products from their project participants. Shushilan have been implementing the project with the support of the Pooled Fund managed by BRAC and funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Under this project Shushilan provided 24 days (120 hours) long handicraft training on 4 trades (Jute Craft, Bamboo & Cane, Nakshi kantha and Shital Pati) to 160 participants of Camp 4 Extension and 440 participants of Camp 2 East and provided input support to them. The participants have developed skills and with the input support they are now making handicraft products in their households. Although they are selling their products at camp level, sales volume is low as many people do not know about their produce. Hence, to create marketing opportunities for them Shushilan organized this market fair. This fair is expected to play an important role in promoting their products and increasing market connectivity. Md. Alauddin, Project Manager-Livelihoods, BRAC, Shushilan Pooled Fund project team and other NGO representatives were also present at the fair. Md. Golam Kibria Project Coordinator Shushilan Read More
Congratulations to Upokulbondhu Montafa Nuruzzaman Congratulations to Upokulbondhu Montafa Nuruzzaman
Posted on: December 19, 2024, 5:29 pm
Congratulations to Upokulbondhu Mostafa Nuruzzaman, Founder & Chief Executive, Shushilan to be honored as member of general body, Bangladesh NGO foundation. Shushilan family is proud for this achievem... Congratulations to Upokulbondhu Mostafa Nuruzzaman, Founder & Chief Executive, Shushilan to be honored as member of general body, Bangladesh NGO foundation. Shushilan family is proud for this achievement and believes it will explore you more to contribute for the development of poor, vulnerable and excluded community. Read More
Field visit report Field visit report
Posted on: November 28, 2024, 4:36 pm
On November 6-7, 2024, the SBC Chief of UNICEF Bangladesh, Ms. Bridget Job Johnson, visited the Bagerhat area to observe project activities. The delegation included Ms. Sataraia Jannat (SBC Officer) a... On November 6-7, 2024, the SBC Chief of UNICEF Bangladesh, Ms. Bridget Job Johnson, visited the Bagerhat area to observe project activities. The delegation included Ms. Sataraia Jannat (SBC Officer) and Ms. Tania Sultana (SBC Specialist), along with Sushilan staff including Deputy Director & Project Focal Ms. Shahina Pervin and Project Coordinator Mr. Shankar Kumar. The Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Project is a government initiative implemented by the UNICEF in collaboration with the community-based implementing partner, Shushiln, in Khulna Division. The project launched on October 18 of 2023 and will run until March 31 of 2025. It aims to address significant issues in the region including Child Marriage, Violence against Children and Women, and impacts of Climate-related disasters. In addition, the project focuses on enhancing awareness regarding vaccination coverage, non-communicable diseases, nutrition, and education, particularly for children and adolescents. The project brings together various stakeholders, including government ministries, local administration, community leaders, and service providers, to create a child-friendly environment and promote positive norms. During visit the team Community Dialogue session in Bagerhat Sadar Upazila, engaging local people in discussions on Child Marriage, Child Labor & Violence against Children, Mothers' Meeting facilitated by a Peer Leader (Mother) with local mothers in discussion on Child protection related issues in Fakirhat Upazila and IPT Show - An interactive popular theatre show focused on raising awareness about child protection in Mongla Upazila. The UNICEF team praised the engaging nature of the performance and the active response from the audience. Ms. Bridget Job Johnson and the UNICEF team became highly amazed and expressed their satisfaction with the effectiveness of the project’s approach, particularly the use of community dialogues and theatre performances as tools for social change. They highlighted the project’s potential to bring about lasting behavioral change in the communities. The Social & Behavior Change Project in Khulna Division is making significant strides in addressing key issues related to child protection, gender equality, and disaster resilience. The project’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness, train local leaders, and engage the communities in dialogues and theatre have proven to be effective in achieving its objectives. The project continues to play a vital role in improving the lives of children and families in the project areas. Read More
Strengthening household capacity for climate adaptive and resilient livelihoods to tackle food insec... Strengthening household capacity for climate adaptive and resilient livelihoods to tackle food insecurity and under- nutrition in southern Bangladesh Read More
Posted on: November 28, 2024, 1:41 pm
Project Inception Meeting Project Inception Meeting
The KABP Study Findings Dissemination and Consultation Meeting in Sunamganj The KABP Study Findings Dissemination and Consultation Meeting in Sunamganj
Posted on: November 20, 2024, 1:25 pm
With 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 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. As part of these initiatives, a Study Findings Dissemination and Consultation Meeting on People's Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Practices (KABP) was held on 13 November 2024 at the Upazila Parishad Hal Room, Bishwambarpur, Sunamganj 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. Abdul Malek, Upazila Coordinator of the SBC Sylhet Project, delivered the welcome speech. Following this, Mr. Mofizur Rahman, UNO, Bishwambarpur, Sunamganj, and the Chief Guest of the programme, gave the opening remarks. He greeted the participants and officially began the meeting. Following the inauguration, Mr. Md. Alamgir Mia, Coordinator of the SBC Sylhet Project, presented the project's objectives and shared the KABP study findings through a PowerPoint presentation. The meeting was attended by several special guests, including Mr. Chabab Mia, Chairman of Badaghat Union Parishad; Mr. Suman Chandra Barman, RMO of Bishwambarpur Upazila Health Complex; Mr. Moniruzzaman, Upazila Family Planning Officer; Mr. Swapan Kumar Barman, President of the Bishwambarpur Upazila Press Club; Mr. Saleh Ahmad, General Secretary of the Bishwambarpur Upazila Press Club; Mr. A. Aziz, Upazila Youth Development Officer; and Mr. A.K.M. Ehsanul Haque, Upazila Primary Education Officer, along with others. In the opening discussion, Mr. A.K.M Ehsanul Haque, Primary Education Officer said that they have some groups in every school, such as Little Doctor Team, Cub Scout Team and Cultural and Sports Team. If they move a little along with Shushilan’s team, it seems to be fruitful. Mr. Loman Mia, Assistant Sub Inspector of Bishwambarpur Police Station, said that they are trying to provide support to stop child marriage. He also emphasized that the chairman of each union should play a vital role in preventing child marriage. Mr. Moniruzzaman, Upazila Family Planning Officer, highlighted their focus on ensuring four antenatal care/checkups for every mother during pregnancy and encouraging hospital deliveries. He also emphasized that without stopping child marriage, reducing the maternal mortality rate would remain a challenge. Mr. Suman Chandra Barman, RMO, Upazila Health Complex emphasized their focus on healthcare initiatives. They strive to ensure that every individual has access to healthcare, with a particular focus on achieving 100% vaccination coverage for children. If any child misses their scheduled vaccination, their team visits the child's home to ensure it later in the month. Mr. Chabab Mia, Chairman of Badaghat Union stated that they have participated in different programme organized by Shushilan. Their efforts in disseminating various messages to the community people at the Badaghat Union as well as in this Upazila. He highlighted the issues of child marriage. He suggested enforcing laws to punish guardians who facilitate child marriages. He added that if one guardian faces penalties, others will become more careful. Mr. Mofizur Rahman, Upazila Nirbahi Officer, expressed his gratitude to everyone for attending the event organized by Shushilan. Addressing the issue of child labour, he emphasized that raising awareness among parents is the first step. He also noted that when parents have a stable income, their children will no longer need to work. Drawing the attention of the Upazila Primary Education Officer, he will start discussing reintroducing the school feeding program, as it can encourage children to attend school knowing food would be available. This initiative will significantly improve the education rate. He also urged the Secondary Education Officer to take necessary action. Mr. Rahman also highlighted the sanitation issues that many households still do not use sanitary latrines and do not practice handwashing properly, which often leads to a rise in different diseases. Regarding child marriage, he emphasized that notary public officials do not have the authority to approve such marriages. He stated that only valid approvals from appropriate legal bodies, such as the Court, would be accepted. Furthermore, he urged all Union Parishad chairmen to take special initiatives to address this issue. He also advised, addressing to the Marriage Registrars (Kazi) that if any child marriage registrars under 18 for girls and 21 for boys, their licenses would be cancelled. Ms. Fahmida Yasmin, Upazila Women's Affairs Officer and the chairperson of the programme emphasized the importance of raising family-based awareness to prevent violence against women and children. She highlighted the collaborative work with UNICEF, which is impacting children's development. Through various clubs, activities focused on health, education, nutrition, child rights, and preventing child marriage are being conducted. She concluded the meeting by thanking the SBC Team of Shushilan for arranging the wonderful and interactive event. Read More
"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