SKS Foundation in Development Operation 

SKS Foundation’s development program structure defines how the program activities are organized and grouped into main program themes. SKS’ development program is evolved from a service delivery operation to rights-based approach in order to attain specified aims and objectives. The program structure of SKS Foundation has a well-rooted foundation of 4 mainstream program pillars. SKS Foundation runs these mainstream programs taking the respective strategic issues into proper consideration.

CSO Platform Meeting Held to Tackle COVID-19 Crisis

“The Government of Bangladesh has engaged all-out efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic. The Civil Society Organizations are working hard to help the poor and distressed people in facing this crisis. Their efforts are commendable and thankful. But I think, there is room for improvement.” AKM Idris Ali, the District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer, Gaibandha made this statement.

The District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer was exchanging his views as a guest of honor in the CSO Platform Meeting on 18 May 2020. He also appreciated SKS Foundation’s role and contribution in setting-up the 100-bed Isolation Center in Gaibandha.

SKS Foundation, in partnership with Start Fund Bangladesh, organized the CSO Platform Meeting with participation of non-governmental organizations working in Gaibandha to tackle the coronavirus crisis in the district. The Meeting was held at SKS Foundation's Conference Hall, Gaibandha.

In the Meeting, the participating organizations highlighted their respective initiatives taken so far by them to tackle COVID-19. However, the CSO representatives pointed out that the marginalized people of the district are still in a dire situation. And to support the needy people effectively, they felt, there is a need for coordination between/among the NGOs and government organizations. To this end, it was decided that an organization would be given the responsibility of coordination and a database would be prepared for conducting emergency response in a disciplined manner. The Meeting also decided to chalk-out work-plans of the respective organizations in relation to fight this pandemic effectively.

Representatives from Friendship, RDRS, OBOLOMBON, GRDF, SDRS, CHINNOMUL MOHILA SOMITY, Gaibandha Government College, SKS Foundation as well as local journalists from Radio Sarabela, the Dainik Madhukar, and so on attended the Meeting.

SKS humanitarian support in prevention of Corona crisis

Corona Virus (Covid-19) has turned as a pandemic situation worldwide as well as in Bangladesh. People are being contaminated day by day and methods are failing to slow down the fatality due to Corona contamination. As a result, people from all walks of life ranging from the vulnerable rural poor to the urban well-off families are being affected from the wrath of this fatal virus.

With a view to overcoming this situation, SKS Foundation, in partnership with ANDHERI HILFE, Germany, has been providing humanitarian support to the poor & distressed families under the project ‘Emergency Food Support in the Context of Covid-19’. As part of this initiative, the project has support 725 low-earning families during this lockdown situation. SKS Foundation has provided support to 350 ethnic minority ‘Santal’ and other poor families in ‘Katabari’ and Kamdia union of ‘Gobindaganj upazila and 375 families of Saghata and Muktinagar union of Saghata upazila. The food package for each family included- Rice-20kg, Lentil (Mosur)-3kg, Potato-10kg, Salt-1kg and Soyabean oil- 2 liters.

The food package distribution took place on 3 May 2020 at the respective community areas following the social distancing as advised by the administration while representatives from the local administration & UPs were present. Officials of SKS Foundation were also present and managed the distribution of food package.

SKS distributed Hygiene Kits, Food Package and Cash Money among the low-income families

In prevention of Coronavirus (COVID-19), SKS Foundation distributed Food Package, Hygiene Kits & Cash Money among a total of 1,043 families accommodating around 5,000 people with support from the Start Fund Bangladesh. The distribution covered 550 families with Food Package and Hygiene Kits, 450 families with Hygiene Kits, and 43 families with Multi-purpose Cash Grants (MPCG) in 4 unions including Kamarjani & Mollarchar under Sadar upazila, and Banogram & Jamalpur under Sadullapur upazila of Gaibandha district.

Each Hygiene Kit Package contained 1 Tap-attached Bucket with a Lead, 1 Mug, Soap-1250 gm, Detergent powder- 1 kg, Surgical Mask- 50 pieces, Sanitary Napkin- 8 pieces and a Leaflet upholding the messages on health & hygiene practices relating to Coronavirus issue. Each Food Package contained Rice-55kg, Lentils-15kg, Oil-6kg, Salt-1kg, and Sugar-2kg. The poor, day labor, elderly & women-headed families and other low-income families received the Hygiene Kits and Food packages while the jobless saloon workers (Barbers) received cash money Tk. 3,000/each. SKS Foundation distributed all the items reaching at the door-step of the recipient families in presence of the Chairmen & Members of the respective unions.

SKS’ Food Bank Feeding 3,000 Day-labor Families during Lockdown

In Corona (COVID-19) lockdown, when daily wage-earners are struggling to feed their families, SKS Foundation’s Food Bank has appeared to be the last resort to 3,000 families to survive. As Coronavirus has spread and lockdown imposed, lives of day labors thrown into starving while they are without work and food. These vulnerable families are facing unprecedented experiences as they do not know when and how the situation will end.

In rural areas like Saghata and Fulchhari upazila of Gaibandha district, SKS Foundation has promoted 12 Food Bank initiative (points) where community people have been storing rice to meet their need in crisis. The communities store 14.5 metric ton rice yearly. It helps the communities to meet their food crisis during any disaster or, emergency.

The Food Bank is an initiative taken by the community people to store rice in exchange of saving for future.  In community, the families extremely exposed to natural disaster hoard their fist-hand rice and the rice is given and taken among themselves as they need to meet any crisis. As disaster-prone Gaibandha district, SKS foundation has promoted and expanded this Food Bank initiatives to other organizations/programs to prepare local people to fight any upcoming disaster.

The Food Banks have come into most of use these days when the community daily wage-earners are struggling to feed their families as their daily income halt for Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Now, the Food Banks are the only source to save them from starving.

SKS Supported in Setting-up a 100-bed Isolation Centre in Gaibandha

The Isolation Centre at Ansar & VDP Training Centre of Gaibandha district is ready to serve coronavirus infected people.

Today,4 April, the District Coronavirus Prevention Committee (DCPC) visited the Isolation Centre, and the Center was handed over to the Civil Surgeon, Gaibandha.  

It is a joint venture of government and non-government organization amid of coronavirus outbreak in the district while it has taken only 3 days to set the Isolation Centre.

The District Coronavirus Prevention Committee (DCPC) which includes the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abdul Matin as Chairperson, Civil Surgeon Dr. ABM Abu Hanif, as Secretary, Superintendent of Police Muhammad Towhidul Islam, and SKS representatives- Director- Finance & Accounts, Coordinator - Public Relations & Communication, Coordinator- Social Enterprises, and prominent local journalists were present during the handing over of the Centre.

DC Abdul Matin said SKS Foundation, upholding its charity spirit as a development organization, extended its helping hand to set-up the Isolation Centre with capacity of 100 patients under its social corporate responsibility. The Isolation Centre is set to serve the coronavirus patients separately and to tackle to exceed number of coronavirus patients in the district in near future.

Earlier, the District Ansar & VDP Department had given the permission to use the Training Centre. SKS Foundation has provided all logistic supports while the district Civil Surgeon Office will provide medicine facilities and district administration will play the management and monitoring role of the Centre. 

Gaibandha Press Club journalists get masks, sanitizers from SKS Foundation

Journalists of Gaibandha Press Club located at Asaduzzaman Market of the district town got masks and hand sanitizers today from a local organization to prevent the spread of coronavirus that took an epidemic turn worldwide.

SKS Foundation, a reputed non-government organization, donated the 150 pieces of masks and two tubes of hand sanitizer to the club authority at noon so that the media men could discharge their professional duties in the risks of Covid-19 infection.

Abu Sayeed Sumon, social enterprise coordinaton of SKS Foundation and its public relations officer Ashraf Alam formally handed over the masks and the hand sanitizers to general secretary (GS) of the club Sarker Mohammad Shahiduzzaman.

Receiving the masks and hand sanitizers GS Sarker Mohammad Shahiduzzaman thanked the SKS Foundation for giving them the items and lauded the SKS Foundation for providing the support to set up an isolation centre at Ansar and Barrack at Dhanghara here for the corona infected patients.

Vice president of the club Quazi Ziaul Hafiz, treasure Goutamashis Guhasarker, and other journalists including Kaiser Ahmed Plabon, SM Biplob Islam, Farhan Sheakh, Foysal Jony, Rana Sarker, Sanjoy Saha, and Aminur Rahman were present on the occasion.

SKS Measures to Prevent Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Spread

Covid-19 virus has hit across the world as pandemic. Bangladesh also has been affected by it. To fight this, the government has already taken a series of actions. The government has restricted all kind of gathering, closed all government institutions, the operation of public transport, announced public holiday asking people to stay at home.

In Gaibandha where SKS Foundation is rooted, no. of people have been identified as Covid-19 patients and isolated and are in home quarantine. Some of the patients have already been released from quarantine, and they are in home. All recent-back immigrants have reportedly been ensured home quarantine.

To stop spreading coronavirus, development organizations have taken various measures all over the country alongside the government initiatives. As a development partner of the government, SKS Foundation has also taken various initiatives to stop spreading the fatal virus in Gaibandha and other districts under its intervention.

In coordination with the district administration and health department, and being a member of the District Coronavirus Prevention & Control Committee, SKS Foundation has been conducting various types of activities across its working areas- all districts of Rangpur and Rajshahi division, and Satkhira, Jashore and Meherpur of Khulna division.

Since Gaibandha iscomparativelyat high risk of Coronavirus spreading, SKS Foundation is intensively working with the district and upazila administrations.In Gaibandha, a 100-bed Isolation Centre at Ansar VDP Training Centre is under progress to be ready by the District Coronavirus Prevention & Control Committee with full support from SKS Foundation.

As part of awareness building and providing the mass people with hygiene support relating to COVID-19 prevention, SKS Foundation has already distributed 20,000 Surgical Masks,hand sanitizers, soaps, hand gloves and PPE among and through the doctors, cleaners, journalists, law enforcing members, and NGO staffs. SKS has installed 25 Hand Wash Devices at different public places. Featuring measures to prevent Coronavirus, SKS has displayed 550 Festoons, 20 Roman Banners and 3 Billboards, Leaflets, etc in relation to make the mass people aware on the preventives from Coronavirus.    

The Community Radio Sarabela FM 98.8, a sister concern of SKS Foundation, has started airing precautionary messages while the Dainik Madhukar has been publishing hygiene awareness messages and other relevant issues on COVID-19.

Number of development partners i.e. ActionAid Bangladesh, Andheri Hilfe-Bonn, Germany, Care-Bangladesh, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Oxfam in Bangladesh, Save the Children, Start Fund Bangladesh have been supporting SKS Foundation, alongside its own initiatives, standing beside the mass people in prevention of corona crisis. A total of BDT 68,201,744 has been spent so far in performing the following activities:

SKS Foundation Won the RTV NRBC Bank Krishi Padok 2022

SKS Foundation won the RTV NRBC Bank Krishi Padok 2022 in the Best Agricultural Organization category for its special contribution to the agricultural sector of Bangladesh. Rasel Ahmed Liton, Chief Executive of SKS Foundation, received the Award. Alongside SKS Foundation, the Award was given to 8 persons and other 1 organization at the Function on 1 February 2022 at an event organized at Pan Pacific Hotel Sonargaon, Dhaka.

Inaugurated by Dr. Mohammad Abdur Razzaque, MP, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture as chief guest, SM Rezaul Karim, MP, Minister, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, was present at the Function as the special guest. Among other dignitaries, Syed Ashik Rahman, CEO, Bengal Media Corporation Limited (RTV), SM Parvez Tamal, Chairman of NRBC Bank, Dr. Md. Nizamul Hoque Bhuiyan, General Secretary, Dhaka University Teachers’ Association, attended the Function and upheld the role and contribution of the respective awardee persons and organizations.

Recognizing SKS Foundation as a development organization rooted in northern Bangladesh, the organizers upheld that SKS Foundation has been striving for sustainable development particularly of the disadvantaged people in the disaster-prone northern Bangladesh where flood and river erosion is the most frequent and major natural disasters. And as agriculture remains the main source of lives & livelihood of the marginalized amidst flood & river erosion, SKS Foundation has been undertaking sustainable and agriculture-friendly initiatives through various projects/programs targeting the betterment of the farmers, especially in the char areas. SKS Foundation’s major investment goes to farming i.e. paddy cultivation & rice processing, maize, chilly, pumpkin production, cow rearing, beef fattening, heifer rearing, fruit production, dairy farming, crop diversification, vegetable production, etc. Enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change and producing nutritious food, SKS Foundation has been promoting inbred vegetable and fruits seed preservation. Furthermore, SKS has been encouraging farmers to focus on afforestation, using vermicompost and pheromone traps as a pesticide for sustainable and eco–friendly agriculture. SKS Foundation has also been designing context-specific agricultural programs/projects incorporating various farming assistances i.e. monetary and advisory support to reach the char farmers including women. It has worked in a systematic approach to organizing, mobilizing, and enabling farmers collectively as well as individually.

Receiving the Award, Rasel Ahmed Liton said, “About 3,50,000 farmers across the country are engaged with SKS Foundation’s programs. We are supporting the farmers in their fund generating, technical training, and market linkage between Dhaka and the respective farmers living in the villages. This acknowledgment of our efforts to the farmers & farming in Bangladesh will encourage us to work with more interest and dedication.”

1. ABU Prizes 2017

Radio Sarabela is a part of SKS Foundation. "Radio Sarabela" got ABU award. Community Radio - Radio Sarabella 98.8 FM, gaibandha got the Asian Broadcasting Union, ABU Award 2013. Radio Sarahbella was awarded this award On Friday- the fourth day of the 54th ABU General Assembly and Associated Meeting, which was started from October 30 in Chengdu city of China. ABU President Ko Dai Young handed over the award, certificates and prize money to Shanta Sutradhar- Station Manager of Radio Sarabella and Mr. Rajab Ali, head of the program of the Entrepreneurial agency SKS. At this time, SKS foundation’s coordinator Abu Sayeed Suman was present on the occasion as a member of Radio Sarabela. Radio Sarahbella received this award for broadcasting the investigation report on child rape by Santa Rani after receiving the award in a speech Santa said, “ Through this achievement, Radio Sarabella went a step further. I think this achievement will greatly encourage us. This achievement is achieved by Radio Sarabella and all the Community Radio of Bangladesh.” Senior Station Manager of Sarabella Mahfuz Faruqe said, "Radio Sarabela is building and broadcasting national and international standard programs with the help of community people. This recognition is bearing evidence of it. Through this achievement, our responsibility also increased a lot.” Rasel Ahmed Liton, Chief Executive of the entrepreneur organization SKS Foundation & Radio Sarabella said, "Through this achievement, teenagers Gaibandha have been able to show their qualifications and expertise in the international arena. The achievement of Radio Sarabella is undoubtedly a delight and a pride. For getting ABU Award, he congratulated all Sarabela activists-volunteers, listeners, well-wishers and people of Gaibandha. Earlier, on Oct. 27, three member’s team of Sarabella; left Gaibandha for China. The Asian Broadcasting Union organized the first General Assembly and Associated Meeting in 1964. Since that year, decisions have been taken for an International competition among the radio and television with selected categories. The 54th General Assembly and Associated Meetings and ABU Awards were awarded in Chengdu city of China; Where Radio Sarahbella received this award in the category of the investigation report. Before that, in the year 2015 and 2016, Sarahbella also receive Radio Pallikanta and Radio Chilmari award.

2. SKS Foundation received Green Award for Leadership in Sustainable Community Development and Poverty Reduction

SKS Foundation received prestigious “Green Award” in recognition of the organization’s outstanding contribution toward “Leadership in Sustainable Community Development and Poverty Reduction”. This year Southeast Bank-The Financial Express- Policy Research Institute Green Award Trust selected SKS Foundation out of many NGOs and private sectors for the organization promotion of green and clean energy, community resilience to disasters and public awareness on climatic change issues. On behalf of SKS family, Palash Kundu, Sr. Coordinator, SKS Foundation is receiving the award (crest, certificate and Tk-3 lakh) from honorable Governor, Bangladesh Bank, Mr. Fazle Kabir (2nd from right). Dr. Mohammed Farashuddin, Chairperson, Board of Green Award Trustees and Former Governor, Bangladesh Bank (1st from left) and Mr. Yussuf Abdullah Harun, FCA, former president of the FBCCI (1st from right) was present on stage along with other distinguish trustees, high officials of Southeast Bank, organizers, NGO executives and privet sectors entrepreneurs, academician and media persons. The award giving event was organized at Sky Ballroom of hotel Le Meridian, Dhaka in the evening of 15 April 2017. SKS Foundation family and the organization’s Chief Executive, Rasel Ahmed Liton is expressing heartfelt gratitude to community members, beneficiaries, staff, all partners and organizers for this reorganization. 

3. BEACON Award got SKS Foundation

On March 2, SKS Foundation got BECON award for successful implementation of Strengthening Community Legal Services in Northern Bangladesh project in “Local level campaign and advocacy” level co-operated by Community Legal Services funded by UK government, Maxwell Stam(PLC), British Council and CEDR.

4. SKS Foundation has won CITI Micro-Entrepreneurship Award 2009 as best Micro-Finance Institution (MFI)

SKS Foundation, a non-government development organization, working in poverty stricken northern part of Bangladesh, has won CITI Micro Entrepreneurship Awards (CMA) 2009 in best Micro-Finance Institution (MFI) category.The award ceremony was held on 4 August 2010 at Sheraton Hotel. Abul Mal Abdul Muhit, Hon'ble Finance Minister, the Peoples' Republic of Bangladesh, chaired the award ceremony. Among others Economist Prof. Wahiduddin Mahmud, Citi Bank Country Officer Mr. Mamun Rashid and Chairperson of the CMA 2009 Screening Committee and Founder Executive Director of Shakti Foundation Dr. Humaira Islam also presence and spoke on the occasion.

5. Outstanding Organizations for Compliance and Financial Management

Sitting from left, Ms. Shaheen Anam, Mr. Nurun Nabi Talukder, Prof. Gowher Rizvi; Syed Manzur Elahi, Sarah Cooke, and Priya Powell at the launching ceremony of the “Creating Opportunities for Poor and Excluded in Bangladesh (COPE)” programme at the capital’s Bangla Academy on 28 September 2013. On the occasion, four partner organizations were awarded. The representatives of the recipients are, standing from left, Shale Ahmed of Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS), Dhaka; Salima Rahman of RDRS Bangladesh, Rangpur; Raseal Ahamad Liton of SKS Foundation, Gaibandha (middle); and Shyamal Chandra Sarker of Mohidev Jobu Samaj Kalyan Samity (MJSKS). Photo credit: The daily Star.

Mr. Rasel Ahmed Liton, Chief Executive, SKS Foundation is receiving certificate of award on behalf of SKS Foundation from Ms. Sarah Cooke, Honorable Country Representative of DFID Bangladesh on the occasion.  

Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), a leading development organization promoting human rights and good governance, has undertaken a three-year programme for improving the living conditions of more than 10 lakh poor and marginalized households of the country.

Under the programme, “Creating Opportunities for Poor and Excluded in Bangladesh (COPE)”, MJF along with 120 partner organizations will work between 2013 and 2016 to reduce violence against women, ensure safe working condition for workers and working children with living wages, people’s access to basic services and social safety nets, and defend their land and property rights.

The project funded by British and Australian governments will directly support Bangladesh’s sixth Five-Year Plan (2011-2015), “Accelerating Growth and Reducing Poverty”, and enable the marginalized people, including religious and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities, to challenge the institutions, which excluded them from developments.

In her welcome speech, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said MJF would always put focus on the poor and marginalized people. “Our vision is to see a Bangladesh where the dignity and well-being of all people, especially the poor and marginalized, is ensured.”

She said, “MJF will maintain the highest standards of financial accountability. It will use donor funds judiciously and make sure partner organizations do the same.”

Sarah Cooke, country representative of DFID Bangladesh, said Bangladesh had made significant progress in many sectors but too many people were left behind, and COPE was for those people.

“By December 2016, it will have helped many of them gain access to assets and economic opportunities and have a greater say in decisions affecting their lives.”

Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser Prof Gowher Rizvi praised the non-government organizations for their pivotal role in the country’s development especially in achieving Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Terming NGOs as development partners of the government, Gowher emphasized their joint role in poverty eradication.

Nurun Nabi Talukder, director general of NGO Affairs Bureau, and Priya Powell, counsellor, Head of Development Corporation, AusAid, Bangladesh, among others, also spoke.

After the first session, Rina Roy and Shamim Imam, directors of MJF; and Moinul Haque and Abdullah Al Mamun, MJF managers; demonstrated different aspects of the programme.

In the session, Executive Director of Transparency International, Bangladesh Dr Iftekharuzzaman, also a member of MJF Board, asked the partner organizations to ensure transparency and accountability of their activities.

Later, Shaheen Anam and Parvin Mahmood, another member of MJF Board, answered the queries of the partner organization representatives.

On the occasion, four partner organizations were given awards as “Outstanding Organizations for Compliance and Financial Management.” These are SKS Foundation, Gaibandha; Mohidev Jobu Samaj Kalyan Samity (MJSKS), Kurigram; RDRS Bangladesh, Rangpur; and Bandhu Social Welfare Society (BSWS), Dhaka.

At present, SKS Foundation is implementing “Strengthening Capacity of Women to Protest Domestic Violence (PDV) Project” with the assistance of MJF.