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

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

A Healthier Tomorrow: HPV Vaccine Initiative Targets Millions of Girls in Bangladesh A Healthier Tomorrow: HPV Vaccine Initiative Targets Millions of Girls in Bangladesh

Posted on: October 20, 2024, 11:27 am

The Bangladeshi government, with the cooperation of UNICEF, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), and WHO, launched a groundbreaking Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign. This effort aims to protect the... The Bangladeshi government, with the cooperation of UNICEF, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), and WHO, launched a groundbreaking Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign. This effort aims to protect the health and future of millions of girls in Bangladesh by preventing cervical cancer, a disease that kills thousands of women each year. On October 24, 2024, the campaign will begin in Barisal, Khulna, Rajshahi, Chattigram, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Maymansingh. The safe and highly effective vaccine will be distributed free of charge to girls in grades V through IX, as well as those aged 10 to 14 who are not enrolled in school. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. However, a single dose of the HPV vaccine has the capacity to prevent cervical cancer; therefore, this campaign is an important step toward eradicating this menace. This strategy demonstrates Bangladesh's dedication to the health and well-being of its youth, paving the path for a brighter and more prosperous future.The SBC-Barishal team has already made major efforts to support the government, ensuring the campaign's success. They are advocating and sensitizing parents and adolescent girls in the community to get this vaccine, as well as assisting them with their birth registration. Their efforts have already been noted and acknowledged by government officials and UNICEF alike. To prevent cervical cancer, get your beloved adolescent (10–14 years old) one dose of the HPV vaccine. Read More

Staff Review Meeting, Social & Behavior Change Program_Barishal Area Staff Review Meeting, Social & Behavior Change Program_Barishal Area

Posted on: September 2, 2024, 10:47 am

On August 27, 2024, a quarterly review meeting for the Social and Behavior Change Project was held at the Bangladesh Development Society in Barisal, attended by 62 participants, including community mo... On August 27, 2024, a quarterly review meeting for the Social and Behavior Change Project was held at the Bangladesh Development Society in Barisal, attended by 62 participants, including community mobilizers, senior staff, and representatives from UNICEF and Shushilan's top management. Sherina Akhter, Deputy Director and the project focal of Shushilan, moderated the meeting, while Rekha Yesmin, Project Coordinator of the SBC-Barisal project, co-moderated. The Chief Executive of Shushilan, Mostafa Nuruzzaman, Chief of UNICEF's Barisal Field Office, Mr. Anwar Hossain, SBC Officer of UNICEF, Sanjit Kumar Das, Planning and Monitoring Officer, Al Mumin Sarwar, and Shushilan's IMEL Cell Head and Deputy Director Shahina Pervin were present. The meeting brought together UNICEF and Shushilan to review project progress and discuss future strategies. Read More

The memorable People's Dialogue ever in Khulna City Corporation history was orchestrated by the Shus... The memorable People's Dialogue ever in Khulna City Corporation history was orchestrated by the Shushilan's ERB project, as part of the Promoting Advocacy and Rights (PAR) activities in collaboration with USAID and Counterpart International. Read More

Posted on: August 11, 2024, 7:58 pm

It brought together over 400 marginalized community representatives alongside Upokulbondhu Mostafa Nuruzzaman, Chief Executive and key representatives of Shushilan. The honorable mayor, Talukdar Abdul... It brought together over 400 marginalized community representatives alongside Upokulbondhu Mostafa Nuruzzaman, Chief Executive and key representatives of Shushilan. The honorable mayor, Talukdar Abdul Khalek of Khulna City Corporation (KCC), was the chief guest of the program. Furthermore, Habibun Nahar, former MP of Bagerhat-3, and Nani Gopal Mandal, MP of Khulna-1, were special guests of the event. Md. Abdullah P. Eng, Managing Director, KWASA, Bitan Kumar Mandal, ADC, Tanya Azuaje, Program Manager – Governance, Counterpart International, and Katie Croake, Chief of Party, PAR, Counterpart International, were also present. The event included KCC Councilors, representatives from NGOs and journalists, alongside members of marginalized communities – all united in their dedication to forging a sustainable future through inclusive urbanization. The program was moderated by Shahina Pervin, Deputy Director and Project Focal, Shushilan Read More