Project Background and Justification.
This project aims to improve the socio-economic condition of Bangladesh, by providing them with income-generating opportunities, skills training, cash assistance, loans, self-help groups, awareness campaigns, social services, and community events. The project will distribute various livelihood components (auto rickshaw, auto van, fishing net and boat, grocery shop with grocery goods and cow rearing) to the selected families according to their needs and preferences. The project will also enhance the capacities and participation of the beneficiaries in managing their livelihoods and businesses, as well as in community development and social welfare activities. The project will contribute to the reduction of poverty, vulnerability, and dependency among the destitute families, and to the promotion of social cohesion and harmony in their society.
Project Justification
Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated and least developed countries in the world, with a population of about 170 million and a per capita income of $2,227. Despite remarkable progress in economic growth, social development, and poverty reduction in recent decades, Bangladesh still faces many challenges such as inequality, unemployment, environmental degradation, natural disasters, climate change, and social unrest. According to the World Bank, about 24.3% of the population lives below the national poverty line, and 12.9% lives in extreme poverty. Poverty is more prevalent and severe in rural areas than in urban areas, and among certain groups such as women, children, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.
The destitute families are the most vulnerable and marginalized group in Bangladesh. They are defined as those who are living below the poverty line, have no regular source of income, have no productive assets, and are socially excluded. They face multiple deprivations and risks such as hunger, disease, illiteracy, exploitation, discrimination, violence, displacement, and insecurity. They have little or no voice or representation in decision-making processes that affect their lives. They have limited access to social protection schemes and entitlements that could help them cope with shocks and stresses. They have low self-esteem and confidence to pursue their aspirations and potentials.
The project is based on the following assumptions:
The destitute families have the right to live a dignified and decent life free from poverty and injustice.
The destitute families have the capacity and willingness to participate in their own development process if they are given adequate opportunities and resources.
The destitute families can benefit from various livelihood components that suit their needs and preferences.
The destitute families can enhance their skills and capacities in managing their livelihoods and businesses through training sessions.
The destitute families can access interest-free loans from a revolving fund that will help them expand their businesses and meet their emergency needs.
The destitute families can form self-help groups that will facilitate peer learning, mutual support, and collective action.
The destitute families can improve their awareness and participation in community development and social welfare activities through awareness campaigns.
The destitute families can access social services and entitlements from relevant government and non-government agencies through linkages.
The destitute families can foster a sense of belonging and harmony in their society through community events.
The project is expected to bring about the following benefits and outcomes for the destitute families:
Increased income and savings from their livelihoods
Improved living standards
Enhanced skills
Reduced vulnerability
Strengthened social networks
Improved awareness
Increased participation
Fostered social cohesion
Expected Results of the Project: The expected results of the project “Project Self-reliant: A Livelihood Project for Destitute Families in Bangladesh” are as follows
Improved Livelihoods: Increased monthly income for the destitute families through their engagement in diverse livelihood activities. Reduction in poverty levels among the targeted families, enabling them to meet their basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
Enhanced Self-Reliance: Empowerment of the targeted families to manage and sustain their livelihood activities independently, reducing their dependency on external aid. Improved financial management skills and business knowledge among the beneficiaries.
Economic Empowerment: Successful establishment and operation of auto rickshaw and auto van businesses, leading to enhanced mobility and transportation services within the community. Profitable fishing activities contributing to increased income and food security for the families engaged in fishing.
Livelihood Diversity: Diversification of income sources for the beneficiaries through the establishment of grocery shops and cow rearing activities, ensuring resilience against economic fluctuations.
Enhanced Food Security: Families engaged in fishing and cow rearing activities have improved access to protein-rich food sources, contributing to better nutritional outcomes.
Social Upliftment: Improved social status and self-esteem among the targeted families as they transition from destitution to self-reliance. Increased participation of women in livelihood activities, fostering gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Knowledge and Skills Transfer: Beneficiaries acquire new skills and knowledge related to driving, fishing, shop management, and animal husbandry, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurship.
Sustainable Impact: The project’s positive impact is sustained beyond the project duration, as beneficiaries continue to operate their businesses and share their knowledge with others.
Community Development: Positive influence on the broader community through improved access to transportation, goods, and services offered by the beneficiaries’ businesses.
Project Replicability: The project serves as a model for other organizations and regions to replicate similar initiatives, promoting self-reliance and poverty alleviation. The ultimate goal of these expected results is to uplift the destitute families, empower them to break the cycle of poverty, and create a sustainable improvement in their livelihoods and overall well-being.
Livelihood project: Livelihood project is an all-embracing tool of SAWAB Foundation to root out poverty from the society. Through this project SAWAB Foundation works to promote sustainable livelihood so that families and communities can enjoy a prosperous life. 170 families of Vakurta & Birulia union, Savar upazila under Dhaka district are provided with grocery shop goods, cattle, and rickshaws as they themselves can earn their livelihood and can save a certain portion of their income for their children’s education. SAWAB Foundation hopes that at the end of the project all the beneficiaries will be self-reliant.
