Islamic Relief Bangladesh 348d ago

Kurmitola, a congested stranded community camp in Mirpur where Urdu speaking people live. These are familiar as Bihari camps. The Camps are small with large population, limited access to safe drinking water, toilets and inadequate sunlight. Most of the slum dwellers struggle to acquire their basic needs. Girls drop out is a very common scenario here. Girls get married early and later look after their family as home maker. This is a story of an exceptional home maker who started her own business with the help of Islamic Relief. Though these camps have substandard living conditions, despite such poverty and environment, when someone strives for success, it is truly commendable. Right holder Munni had the lack in vocational training and skill to engage any activity. She was depended on her husband's little income, and when the household was struggling with shortages and difficulties, Islamic Relief Bangladesh intervened with PROYAS project. "My name is Munni Akhtar, and I reside in the Kurmitola camp. My husband works as a weaver, but his income is not enough to sustain our family. We have three children, and we cannot afford to provide them proper education. Thanks to Islamic Relief Bangladesh, as they have taught us the block batik work. We received a grant of 15,500 taka from them, and with that money, we have purchased color and fabrics for batik. Now, we are working on batik and endeavoring to achieve self-sufficiency. "- Munni stated her situation. With the aim to provide proper nutrition to her children, she started rearing chicken in a small space by making cages. She invested the money what she had earned from her Block Batik work which she had learned from Islamic Relief to fulfill her children's nutritional needs. The Promoting employment for young women and adolescent boys and girls of stranded community through vocational and life skill trainings (PROYAS) project was kicked off in 2022 which aimed at vocational training and seed money for 500 young men and women living in the camps. The training and subsequent cash grant would be useful to have a better life with direct access to market. Being a member of the "Youth Empowered Group" (YEG) under Islamic Relief's PROYAS project, Munni regularly participates in weekly meetings and here she learns more about awareness issues as well as various social issues. She saves money as well with the hope of expanding her business in future. She wants to become a helpful resource to her family and community during emergencies like the COVID-19 Pandemic or any other natural or man-made disaster. A cooperative store has been set up under PROYAS project which is run by the “Protiva Somobay Somiti”. The right holders not only have the access to this store, they display their sewing products as well. Selling clothes at a good price within the camp was challenging, but the store has facilitated their sales. The cooperative store allows them to get a fair price for their products which help them to be self -reliant. Lastly Munni says, “I display and sell my products at the cooperative store. This is a great privilege for me as I do not need to go outside our camp to sell my product. I am grateful to Islamic Relief for giving me the opportunity. “