English E-newsletter Archives - Together for Better Life https://wavefoundationbd.org/news_category/english-e-newsletter/ Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:52:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://i0.wp.com/wavefoundationbd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/cropped-wave-logofvcsm-2.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 English E-newsletter Archives - Together for Better Life https://wavefoundationbd.org/news_category/english-e-newsletter/ 32 32 191699977 Microfinance-supported livestock farming is improving better lives https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/microfinance-supported-livestock-farming-is-improving-better-lives/ Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:38:33 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11866 Marginalized Bangladeshi women, on average, do not have their own income and depend on their families. Mst. Muslima Khatun from Jhaudia, Kushtia, was no exception. But with support from WAVE’s microfinance program, she has become a contributing member of her family and an independent woman. However, her story was not always this way.  Muslima’s story […]

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Marginalized Bangladeshi women, on average, do not have their own income and depend on their families. Mst. Muslima Khatun from Jhaudia, Kushtia, was no exception. But with support from WAVE’s microfinance program, she has become a contributing member of her family and an independent woman. However, her story was not always this way. 

Muslima’s story of hardship began to change in January 2020 when she became a member of the ‘Padma Mahila Samiti’, a microcredit initiative under WAVE. With an initial loan of BDT 20,000 she started goat farming, which brought modest profits. Encouraged by this success, she expanded her initiative the next year with a BDT 50,000 loan, steadily repaying her debts while building a small capital base. 

To further improve her family’s financial situation, she and her husband turned their focus to cattle fattening. In 2022, after completing specialized training on cattle rearing through WAVE’s Ujjibito Project, she took out a BDT 200,000 loan to start cattle farming. The venture proved successful, and in July 2024, she expanded her business further with a BDT 400,000 loan. 

Today, her farm is home to four Friesian cows. Her steady income has allowed her to regularly repay loans and significantly improve her living conditions, including constructing a larger home and a hygienic sanitary latrine. Muslimah’s initiative has not only transformed her own life but has also earned her respect within the community as a hardworking entrepreneur. She is now a role model, inspiring other women to follow her path. “If more women like me take such initiatives, they can achieve self-sufficiency and create new employment opportunities as well,” she shares. 

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Farmers’ dream to get a fair price comes true https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/farmers-dream-to-get-a-fair-price-comes-true/ Mon, 30 Dec 2024 05:35:47 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11864 Farmers in Golachipa and Golkhali unions of Patuakhali are now relieved as their dream of receiving a fair price for their products is becoming a reality. This positive change is being made possible through the “Pathways to Prosperity for Extremely Poor People – EU (PPEPP-EU)” project. The project, jointly funded by the European Union, PKSF, and the […]

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Farmers in Golachipa and Golkhali unions of Patuakhali are now relieved as their dream of receiving a fair price for their products is becoming a reality. This positive change is being made possible through the “Pathways to Prosperity for Extremely Poor People – EU (PPEPP-EU)” project. The project, jointly funded by the European Union, PKSF, and the World Trade Organization, is an effort to ensure fair prices for local farmers’ productions. 

Despite the improvement in productivity, the farmers were deprived of fair prices due to the lack of a proper marketing system. To solve this problem, Agricultural Service and Agricultural Product Marketing centres were set up at two places in the project areas on a priority basis in 2024; one in Kalikapur village of Golachipa Union and the other in Kismat Haridevpur village of Golkhali Union. 

An agricultural entrepreneur is running each of these centres. The project has provided financial assistance for the construction of houses and the purchase of materials for the centres. The centres are not just places to sell produce but integrated service centres for farmers. Farmers can directly sell their agricultural, fisheries and livestock products at the centres. They also receive fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, agricultural machinery, fish feed, poultry feed and other essentials and exchange views and solutions on agriculture, fisheries and livestock. 

The agricultural marketing centre in Kismat Haridevpur village is receiving positive responses from the community. Wholesalers from different districts of the country buy the betel leaf produced by local farmers from here three days a week. Truckloads of betel leaf are being distributed in different parts of the country, including Dhaka and Sylhet. 

“This centre has given us a fair price and encouraged our production. We can now sell our products directly to wholesalers, which was never imagined before,” said Ali Asgar, a local farmer. Another entrepreneur said, “The farmers are not only selling the produce but also getting the necessary materials easily from the centre. This has boosted the confidence of the farmers.” 

These centres are not just a marketing platform but a successful model for improving the rural economy and livelihood of farmers. They have opened a new horizon for the farmers, who are getting a fair price for their produce. 

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Disaster management training for vulnerable community https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/disaster-management-training-for-vulnerable-community/ Sun, 29 Dec 2024 11:19:53 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11862 The risk of disasters is increasing day by day with climate change especially in the southern part of Bangladesh. The lives and livelihoods of the people here are at risk every year due to frequent cyclones and tidal surges. However, the people of Bakerganj upazila of Barisal are no longer helpless in the face of […]

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The risk of disasters is increasing day by day with climate change especially in the southern part of Bangladesh. The lives and livelihoods of the people here are at risk every year due to frequent cyclones and tidal surges. However, the people of Bakerganj upazila of Barisal are no longer helpless in the face of these disasters. The “Strengthening Community Preparedness, Rapid Response and Recovery in Bangladesh” (ACT) project has been working to reduce disaster risk in the region since 2017 by WAVE Foundation. 

The main goal of the ACT project is to reduce disaster risk and raise awareness among the people, to make the Union Disaster Management Committee and youth members skilled through training, as well as to increase the general people of the community with the necessary practical skills in dealing with disasters.  

In 2024, disaster management training was conducted in 10 batches in the vulnerable areas of Bakerganj. There were 30 participants in each group. A total of 300 participants, including 130 women and 170 men, have been trained in all batches. Participants were given a clear understanding of the nature of the disaster and the identification of local risks, how to use the resources and capabilities within the community to deal with the disaster, how to take action according to the level of the cyclone warning signal, and what to do before and after the disaster.  

After the training, Nurjahan Begum, one of the participants, said, “Earlier, we didn’t know what to do when we heard the warning signal. I learned how to prepare for this training. Now I know how to get my family to safety.” Similarly, Arif Hossain, a youth member of the community said, “The knowledge gained from this training will not only benefit me but everyone in the society. I learned how to lead and help others in times of crisis.”  

These trainings of the ACT project are a well-organized effort not only to reduce risks, but also to save human lives. Participants are able to play an important role for themselves and their community. Such initiatives are making the local community more confident and on the path to a safe and sustainable future. 

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Morzina Begum recovers six-year dues through village court https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/morzina-begum-recovers-six-year-dues-through-village-court/ Sun, 22 Dec 2024 05:44:35 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11870 Mst. Morzina Begum (40), a resident of Angulia village in Sukhpukuria Union under Chougacha, Jashore, found herself in a prolonged dispute over leased land payments. Six years ago, her neighbor Md. Matiar Rahman (55) verbally leased 16 decimals of her agricultural land for an annual payment of BDT 11,000. However, after the agreement, he failed to […]

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Mst. Morzina Begum (40), a resident of Angulia village in Sukhpukuria Union under Chougacha, Jashore, found herself in a prolonged dispute over leased land payments. Six years ago, her neighbor Md. Matiar Rahman (55) verbally leased 16 decimals of her agricultural land for an annual payment of BDT 11,000. However, after the agreement, he failed to pay any amount except for a nominal BDT 1,000 over the six years, despite repeated reminders from her.  

On March 26, 2024, she visited Matiar’s house to demand the total dues of BDT 65,000. To her shock, he not only refused to pay but outright denied the existence of any contract. Feeling helpless, she sought assistance from the local ward member, who attempted to mediate the matter but was unsuccessful.  

Unsure of what to do, she was looking for further support. Right then, she came to know about WAVE Foundation, which has been working to raise awareness about access to justice through its “Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh” (AVCB) project. With their guidance, she learned about her right to seek legal recourse. Encouraged by WAVE’s support, she decided to take action. 

On April 16, 2024, with guidance from WAVE, she lodged a civil case with the Sukhpukuria Union Parishad Village Court by paying a nominal fee of BDT 20. The Union Parishad Chairman, under Rule 31 of the Village Courts Rules, accepted the case. Within just two weeks, on April 30, 2024, the Village Court resolved the matter, ordering Matiar to pay the full amount of BDT 65,000 owed to her. The amount was recovered and handed over to her promptly. 

Expressing her satisfaction, she shared, “I am very happy to get my contract money of BDT 65,000 through the Village Court within seven days. I only spent BDT 50, including fees and transportation costs. I didn’t know about the Village Court before, or I could have resolved this issue earlier. It is an excellent system that provides justice locally with minimal cost, time, and hassle.”  

Morzina plans to use the recovered money to buy a cow to support her family. She emphasized that she holds no grudge against Matiar and is relieved the matter has been peacefully resolved. 

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A community-focused vision: The catalyst of change in rural veterinary care https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/a-community-focused-vision-the-catalyst-of-change-in-rural-veterinary-care/ Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:41:04 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11868 Born into a farming family, Dr. Md Shazedur Rahman saw firsthand challenges of rural farmers in animal health care. Although government veterinary services existed, many marginalized farmers could not access them. From a young age, Shazedur dreamed of addressing this gap in his community. He pursued his graduation in veterinary science. After graduation, he started […]

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Born into a farming family, Dr. Md Shazedur Rahman saw firsthand challenges of rural farmers in animal health care. Although government veterinary services existed, many marginalized farmers could not access them. From a young age, Shazedur dreamed of addressing this gap in his community. He pursued his graduation in veterinary science. After graduation, he started working on a private farm, but his inner desire to serve his community soon called him back. In 2019, he returned home and began providing door-to-door veterinary services to rural farmers. Despite noble intentions, lack of promotion and equipment limited his monthly income to BDT 10,000-15,000. His financial difficulties continued, and the lack of modern diagnostic facilities hampered his ability to serve his community. Determined not to give up, he dreamed of a veterinary diagnostic center. Later in 2019, he learned about the RMTP and contacted them for support in expanding his services. RMTP was impressed by his qualifications and dedication and provided initial support. The project supported him in attending a 5-day training program on “Veterinary Diagnostic and Laboratory Services” and securing a BDT 150,000 loan from WAVE Foundation to help him establish ‘Animal Care Point’, the first private diagnostic center in his community. RMTP covered 30% of the costs for the ultrasonography machine and diagnostic center development, allowing him to offer advanced services. Animal Care Point now serves 30 -32 farmers’ daily, improving livestock health through essential veterinary care. His initiative benefited not only himself but also the community. He created jobs by hiring two assistant doctors, a lab assistant, and an office assistant. His personal income increased by 50%, even after covering expenses. His upgraded diagnostic services have improved livestock health, increased production, and benefitted the economy of his community. Now, Dr. Shazedur envisions expanding his services even further, reaching more communities, and continuing to reduce unemployment while enhancing the lives of local farmers.  

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Youth Assembly organizes workshop on fact-checking https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/youth-assembly-organizes-workshop-on-fact-checking/ Fri, 29 Nov 2024 11:15:45 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11860 At present, the flow of online information is deeply affecting our lives, where it is very important to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Misinformation destroys social trust and threatens harmony. On November 23, 2024, Youth Assembly and WAVE Foundation jointly organized a workshop on “Fact Checking: Navigating Truth Amid Rumors and Misinformation” in the seminar […]

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At present, the flow of online information is deeply affecting our lives, where it is very important to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Misinformation destroys social trust and threatens harmony. On November 23, 2024, Youth Assembly and WAVE Foundation jointly organized a workshop on “Fact Checking: Navigating Truth Amid Rumors and Misinformation” in the seminar room of the organization’s head office.  

The workshop was organized as part of CIVICUS Global Perspectives 2024 and made the participants more efficient and confident by acquiring the necessary skills to combat misinformation in the digital age. More than 30 participants, including students of different public and private universities of the country, civil society members and representatives of voluntary organizations, took part in the workshop.  

Fact-checking expert Shubhashish Dip of Fact Watch Bangladesh conducted the workshop. The workshop discussed various sources of misinformation such as text, images, videos and AI-generated content. Participants learned about tools such as reverse image search and AI video detectors. In the workshop, the participants were given hands-on practice to verify the information immediately.  

“This training changed my approach to online content,” said a participants Sumaiya Akhter, a student from Eden Mohila College. “I am now more confident in tackling misinformation and developing responsible online behaviour.”  

The workshop discussed the social impact of misinformation, such as hate speech and stereotyping. By learing various methods, including lateral reading and prebunking techniques, participants are made proficient in critical analysis abilities and prevention of misinformation.  

“I have learned some strategies that will help not only me, but also my community, deal with misinformation,” said Arif Hossain, a member of the Youth Policy Forum. “This initiative is very important to build a conscious society.”  

The workshop concluded with an interesting quiz competition and certificate distribution ceremony. Youth Assembly and WAVE Foundation will continue to organize such workshops to counter rumours and misinformation across the country.

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WAVE at Regional Symposium on Women’s Political Participation in Sri Lanka https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/wave-at-regional-symposium-on-womens-political-participation-in-sri-lanka/ Tue, 05 Nov 2024 11:13:11 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11858 A regional symposium titled “New Paradigm: Coalition for Women in Politics” was held on 29 October 2024 at Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka to strengthen women’s inclusion and empowerment in politics. The symposium was jointly organized by WAVE Foundation (Bangladesh), Democracy Research Centre (Nepal) and People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (Sri […]

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A regional symposium titled “New Paradigm: Coalition for Women in Politics” was held on 29 October 2024 at Mount Lavinia Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka to strengthen women’s inclusion and empowerment in politics. The symposium was jointly organized by WAVE Foundation (Bangladesh), Democracy Research Centre (Nepal) and People’s Action for Free and Fair Elections (Sri Lanka) with the aim of creating a regional network of gender inclusive political participation.  

Mohsin Ali, founder and executive director of WAVE Foundation, attended the symposium as an honored panelist. He discussed in detail the challenges, achievements and future direction of women’s political participation in the context of Bangladesh. Besides, Sanaiyya Faheem Ansari, researcher and prominent gender consultant presented the results of the study conducted on the basis of data collected from 12 districts of the country on behalf of WAVE. 

In the symposium, Mohsin Ali handed over an embedded report prepared on the basis of the information and results obtained from the research to the concerned stakeholders. Later, he signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Coalition for Women in Politics to establish a regional network for women’s political participation. In addition, the participants, who participated directly and virtually, discussed various aspects of women’s inclusion in politics, empowerment and regional cooperation.  

WAVE Foundation is implementing the ‘Building a Regional Network on Gender Inclusion in Political Participation’ project in collaboration with The Asia Foundation. The project seeks to identify and address cultural and socio-economic barriers to women’s political empowerment. 

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Go Green Center Towards Promoting Agroecology and Safe Food https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/go-green-center-towards-promoting-agroecology-and-safe-food/ Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:50:26 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11614 WAVE Foundation along with its youth platform Youth Assembly, has been running the Go Green program which urges individuals, families, societies/communities and institutions to adopt a green lifestyle. One of the major components of this program is Agroecology and Safe Food. Despite Bangladesh’s self-sufficiency in food production, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides […]

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WAVE Foundation along with its youth platform Youth Assembly, has been running the Go Green program which urges individuals, families, societies/communities and institutions to adopt a green lifestyle. One of the major components of this program is Agroecology and Safe Food. Despite Bangladesh’s self-sufficiency in food production, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has made safe food a significant concern.  Over the years WAVE has been focusing on advancing agriculture through Go Green Center under its Go Green program to ensure safe food through agroecology practices.

Since 1993, WAVE Foundation has been implementing major agricultural programs across various districts, focusing on crops, livestock, and fisheries. In 2010, the organization began developing a center on 10 acres of land in Koshaghata, Chuadanga, to train and establish farms and demonstration plots. Initially known as the Center for Development and Capacity (CDC), it was officially renamed as Go Green Center on February 6, 2024. The center’s ongoing activities include an integrated agriculture unit (crops, livestock, and fisheries), a Black Bengal Goat Breeding Farm, a Fish Farm, a Dumba Breeding Farm, various vegetable demonstration plots, and a seed storage facility.

The Black Bengal goat breeding farm, started in 2010 with 30 goats, now houses over 200 goats. This farm, along with around 300 family farms, produces and sells goats through the Goat Mart. The Dumba breeding farm, initiated in 2018, has successfully adapted to the local climate, with 21 Dumba currently being raised and sold, generating significant income. The fish farm employs semi-intensive carp fattening methods in three ponds, producing large fish for the market. Additionally, the center educates beneficiaries on profitable fish farming techniques. The vegetable demonstration plots at the center test and showcase eco-friendly farming techniques, training farmers on safe, chemical-free practices to promote agroecology and sustainable vegetable cultivation for safer food production. The seed storage facility, the only frozen storage for onion seeds in Bangladesh, supplies high-quality seeds year-round, promoting modern and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The Go Green Center is committed to continue its crucial role in promoting agroecology and safe food, contributing significantly to local agricultural sustainability and national development goals.

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Youth Assembly Champions World Environment Day 2024 with Inspiring Initiatives https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/youth-assembly-champions-world-environment-day-2024-with-inspiring-initiatives/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:44:22 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11547 In celebration of World Environment Day 2024, WAVE Foundation’s youth platform ‘Youth Assembly’ undertook various activities from June 5 to June 10, 2024. The primary goal of these activities was to raise environmental awareness and inspire young people to engage in conservation and restoration efforts. Aligned with this year’s theme #GenerationRestoration, Youth Assembly organized a […]

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In celebration of World Environment Day 2024, WAVE Foundation’s youth platform ‘Youth Assembly’ undertook various activities from June 5 to June 10, 2024. The primary goal of these activities was to raise environmental awareness and inspire young people to engage in conservation and restoration efforts. Aligned with this year’s theme #GenerationRestoration, Youth Assembly organized a Climate Strike, a webinar on youth roles in the climate crisis, and an online campaign focused on resource conservation, restoration, and reuse.

Since 2015, Youth Assembly has been contributing to sustainable socio-economic development through campaigns, policy advocacy and various activities related to climate issues alongside education, employment, and skill development for the youth. The initiatives for this year’s World Environment Day aimed to build a green and sustainable planet. The youth are determined to unite in reducing the risks of climate change and protecting the environment.

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Transforming Lives: From Begging to Prosperity https://wavefoundationbd.org/news-posts/transforming-lives-from-begging-to-prosperity/ Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:41:25 +0000 https://wavefoundationbd.org/?post_type=news&p=11545 Fifty years ago, Kafiron a 65-year-old woman from Kala village in Chuadanga District married Kheder Ali, a local day laborer. Their early years were very difficult, often without enough food. As time passed, Kheder’s eyesight got worse, making him incapable of continuing his labor. With no other means to sustain themselves, he turned to begging, […]

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Fifty years ago, Kafiron a 65-year-old woman from Kala village in Chuadanga District married Kheder Ali, a local day laborer. Their early years were very difficult, often without enough food. As time passed, Kheder’s eyesight got worse, making him incapable of continuing his labor. With no other means to sustain themselves, he turned to begging, a fate they endured for three to four years.

In late 2019, their lives took a dramatic turn when they were selected for the ‘Beggar Rehabilitation’ program, a part of the WAVE Foundation’s ENRICH Project. This initiative, managed through the respective UP ward committees, aimed to uplift the most vulnerable. Under this project, Kafiron and Kheder received a cow with a calf, two goats, five pairs of pigeons, a cattle shed, a tube well with a loft for goats, and a house, all worth BDT 1 lakh. The condition was simple yet profound: they must give up begging and become active community members.

From that point, Kafiron and Kheder took charge of their lives. The cow they received blessed them with two calves, and the goats and pigeons multiplied rapidly. They sold one calf for BDT 1.27 lakh, three goats for BDT 23,000, and pigeons for BDT 3,000. With their combined earnings, they purchased approximate13 decimal land and a house for BDT 1.50 lakh. Additionally, they leased 33 decimal of land to cultivate rice and corn twice a year.

Today, their total assets, including two cows, 3 goats, six pairs of pigeons, a plot of land, and 33 decimal of mortgaged land, are valued at approximately BDT 6 lakh. The once-destitute couple now leads a life of dignity and contentment, free from the shackles of poverty and begging.

“WAVE Foundation’s ENRICH Project made our days brighter. Each sale and harvest fill us with gratitude, as it marks our journey towards self-sufficiency with unwavering support”, Kafiron Begum mentioned. The Beggar Rehabilitation Program of WAVE Foundation has provided them with material resources and restored their self-confidence and dignity. Their journey from begging to self-sufficiency is a bright example of what can be achieved with a bit of help and hard work and is a beacon of hope for many in similar circumstances.

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