In Action

 

Annual Reports, Plans and Documents

 

ICA Bangladesh Program Report 2009

Introduction and Overview
ICA Bangladesh (ICAB) reached another milestone in 2009 in its work for human development. We continued to carry out our ongoing commitment to
1.     supporting integrated village development in Chandpur District focusing on Ghoramara Community
2.     training our staff and others in relevant methods for group, community and personal development
3.     carrying out relevant projects of research and people empowerment through projects with street children in Dhaka City, Orphans in Bagerhat District and activities related HIV/AIDS in three districts of Dhaka, Chandpur and Tangail and
4.     building the team of staff, volunteers and supporters and the financial and organizational base of the organization.
Our greatest achievement was to finally gain official NGO status with the government. This permits us to officially receive overseas funding, whereas before we only had a more limited recognition as a charitable society (since 2004).
Our greatest struggle has been and still is our very restricted and uncertain financial support which severely limits our activities and impact and the long-term engagement of staff, volunteers and possible partners.  

Previous Milestones included:

Foundation in 2002, mentoring and training by international colleagues from Nepal, India and Australia – later also from Taiwan, Canada and Japan- and initiation of village work in the shelter project of Ghoramara, Chandpur district, including children’s education, drinking water, income generation and village cooperation, planning and leadership development
Creating a three year strategic plan in 2005 that has been expanded and updated several times since then
Achieving full statutory membership in ICA International in 2006
Offering training and some facilitation of planning for other organisations in Bangladesh, translating materials into and from Bengal and initiating a ToP training network
Creating newsletters (first one in 2004), brochures and a website (since 2007)
Hosting international meetings in Dhaka and supporting members to attend training and conferences overseas, including 12 people attending the International Conference for Human Development in Japan in November 2008
Developing four taskforces in Training and facilitation, Projects and funding, Relations and Management since 2007
Implementing a few major and longer term educational projects for orphans in cyclone (Sidr) affected areas in South west Bangladesh (Sharonkhola Sub-district under Bagerhat District) since 2008 and for street children in Dhaka District in 2009
Carrying out and initiating several activities of research, advocacy and education in the areas of HIV AIDS, deforestation, crime prevention and community safety also since 2008.
 

2009 Activities, Achievements and Challenges

1.     Supporting Integrated Village Development in Ghoramara
45 primary school children supported in Ghoramara project. The number of enrolled students for 2010 got much higher than 2009.
School building plot and plans initiated and sponsored (by Tokyo Union Church).
4 women got supported in Ghoramara through sewing and 3 men got rickshaw support.
5 tube-wells repaired and residents taught by 2 local experienced mechanic people
Community leadership training helped 11 community supported trust leadership to serve as ICA Human Development committee in Ghoramara
Working gifts enable Open Space meeting follow up: supporting Sewing machine, rickshaw, radio, school supplies
ICA stimulated local administration and local government to invest and support ICA work in Ghoramara, especially for IGAs (income generation activities), life skills training and children. Land use permission for the school will be a big milestone)
One community declaration on HIV/AIDS was posted in the entrance of the community followed by awareness raising community responses to HIV/AIDS meeting with more than 50 en and women in the community centre.
Community driven repair of broken floor of one community centre was supported by ICA.
Two special needs support (one for medical treatment of a man and another for wedding of a girl was contributed by ICA
2 self-help community groups (one for rickshaw and one for dressmaking) were formed to sustain the ICA project initiatives.
 8 community meetings were held by the ICA Ghoramara Human Development Committee
 
 
2.     Training our staff and others in relevant methods for group, community and personal development
Held two one day ToP training course (ORID and Workshop) and 2 non ToP course (3 day social artistry leadership training attended by 15 participants and 2 day Community responses to HIV/AIDS training attended by 20 persons).
13 micro-action HIV/AIDS projects were created during the HIV/AIDS training and committed to implement
8 micro-action HIV/AIDS projects were implemented by 8 participants of the HIV/AIDS training course.
10 ICA members and associates were the participants of AIDS and Social Artistry training.
Social artistry participants translated the manual in Bangla and joined the Nepal team to expand the approach in community development along with the ToP
6 new ICA member and associates got social artistry leadership training added to the team of former 9 participants in Nepal
10 ICA members got HIV/AIDS training and learned how to create a project and work in community in response to HIV/AIDS
6 new volunteers got training in ToP, HIV/AIDS and Social Artistry and committed to work with ICA
 
3.Carrying out relevant projects of research and people empowerment through projects with street children in Dhaka City, orphans in Bagerhat District and activities related HIV/AIFDS in three districts of Dhaka, Chandpur and Tangail.
30 orphan high school children and 1 orphan college student received educational and life skills training, one year school tuition fees, educational materials, food and cloth support, and life skill training like dressmaking, computer so that in future they will do something.
Implement one street children project in Dhaka (30 street children got support) emerged as a new concept ‘Phulki’ (Sparking) combining literacy and life skills in which guardians, local voluntary clubs and city councilor were partners for the project (No of classes per week were 6. Weekend was only Friday. The duration of the class was 2 hours per day and the class time was 4 pm to 6 pm. Basic education was provided 5 days a week and 1 day was for life skills training and awareness raising among the children. Basic education focused on teaching how to read, write and understand. It’s including general aptitude, language both Bangla and English and quantitative aptitude.  Life skills training and awareness raising program includes youth leadership development such as process of group discussion, basic facilitation, conflict management, sewing machine and dress making training, computer fundamental, health and environmental awareness such as sanitation, pure water, pollution, sustainability, HIV/AIDS, juvenile delinquency, differential association, citizenship, love, respect ethics and morality. They also got some opportunity to learn and practice their extracurricular activities such as drama, recitation, song, dance and other cultural events, and some Indore game and sports). During the closing session, street children got disappointed to know the end of the project; despite they want ICA to continue. They also express ICA in the future can provide income generating life skills for them.
8 trim tab, key stone species and tipping point project in addressing HIV/AIDS in doing small or micro initiatives were implemented by 8 ICA members and associates in 8 locations under three Districts-Dhaka, Tangail and Chandpur. The projects were: HIV-AIDS Awareness in barber shops and saloons; HIV/AIDS Awareness Among the Garo Ethnic Students and Community, Raise Awareness on HIV/AIDS among Female Student of Bodrunnessa Govt. Women’s College; AIDS consciousness-raising among the brokers and clients of sex workers; Training of brothel sex workers about HIV/AIDS; HIV/AIDS workshop in a village; HIV/AIDS training for the Garment Workers; and Community declaration about HIV/AIDS
Gabua village women and children support team is organized with the aim to initiate village development project. Three women were motivated and provided entrepreneurship capacity for dressmaking and income generation scheme based on their needs. One village women is coordinating the women initiative. Chandpur ICA team is committed to work with this initiative.
 
4. Building the team of staff, volunteers and supporters and the financial and organizational base of the organization
Held 18 meetings in total, out of which 10 monthly/taskforce meetings, 3 general including the AGM in April and 5 board meetings
Gathered a large supportive guardian group for ICA with seven in the formal advisory board
A guardian group meeting held in April (25 attended)
Established clear book keeping and accounting procedures, including use of appropriate software, monthly financial statements and audit report and taught staff to manage correctly leading to our achievement of NGO clearance in October
Maintained an office and partially paid skilled staff, two in Dhaka and two in Chandpur capable of teaching, community facilitation and life skills training. Five part-time staffs were hired for different projects
Continued to receive sponsorship from Bangladeshi members and international colleagues in Australia, Taiwan, Japan, Canada, also from ICA Australia (for office support and international ICA contribution), Tokyo Union Church, Taipei American School Foundation and ICA International Working Gifts Program
Winning proposal written for the Ghoramora school building
Office decorum and regular meetings for training and planning activities, accounting system and communication system, and NGO status are in place
 

Plan for 2010

1.     Establishing demonstrated street children and integrated village development project empowering the disadvantaged community
Primary school for the children initiated with ICA- built permanent building and furniture along with current support of teaching staffs and educational materials for 2010 with the guardians and the ICA Ghoramara Human Development Committee in the school management team. They will be facilitated to run the school partly supported by the students and partly through cooperative income generation schemes proposed by the community and get governmental primary school status. Ghoramara community action plan for 2010-2011 will be developed and holding of regular community meetings will be supported by ICA. One village development project proposal will be submitted for Ghoramara for women empowerment and environmental cooking stove project for embassy support in 2010.
One proposal for initiating a demonstrated village project (Gabua village development project) integrating gender, agriculture, environment and leadership development will be developed and submitted.
Street children project in Dhaka City will be continued for 2010 and a proposal for street children will be submitted to TUC Japan and other ICAs (Australia) for fundraising. ICA Australian colleagues already expressed interest in supporting the project.
Youth development proposal to UN Habitat is submitted (April 2010).
 
2.     Modeling ICA as a research based human development advocacy organization influencing contemporary national issues
Receive terrorism fund from the Social Science Research Council and implement using ICA approach to the level best within the funder’s guidelines. The agreement is already signed in April and the team started research design work.
Implement HIV/AIDS micro projects by ICA members developed in 2009 following the HIV/AIDS training. Out of 13 projects developed in 2009, 8 were implemented. Remaining 5 projects will be facilitated to implement by the proposers.
Explore the implications of forest degradation workshop held in 2008 by ICA and develop a proposal to undertake an advocacy project approaching GFC or new potential funder.
 
3.     Expanding training and facilitation events to popularizing ICA approaches and promote ICA human development work
Organize regular faculty and staff training at ICA office to build a core ToP faculty team and core project implementers team in Bangla and English will be continued. A training of at least 6 one day ToP courses in Dhaka with overseas volunteer facilitators to improve the applications of ICA methods and improve the training skills (ORID-1 day, Workshop method-1 day, Action planning 1day,Visioning 1 day, contradictions 1 day, Directions 1 day). One day community planning with the core team for experience based on MAP book will be included. ICA members and staff will be trained up on ToP and implementation and management of projects using. Members and staffs will be encouraged to do participative and responsible engagement role in CA work.
ToP methods facilitation of at least one organizational ToP event
One Social artistry team will be formed and practice the training. The team will develop Bangla manual and explore ways to work with the UN.
The young university fresh graduate ICA members and staff will form a YFL taskforce and implement one YFL
Three proposals will be submitted for ToP facilitation and community development projects (ToP facilitation projects with local government, police and education department)
A facilitators’ network will be hosted by ICA. Saifullah and Tapan from ICA agreed to facilitate the process.
 
4.     Establishing partnerships and sustainable funding base for expanding but continuous human development initiatives
 
Maintain an office with regular professional staff (including chief operating officer) to accomplish book keeping and audits, reporting and documentation, keeping track of plans and actions as per the revised strategic plan, organize board, taskforce and general meetings, fundraising, implementing and monitoring different ICA activities. Partly enacted activities include-new office rented at low cost, 2 regular staffs (one CEO in charge) for Dhaka office. Website redesign, brochure, annual report and newsletter in Bangla and English are underway and documented is being done. Positive stories from organizations which have taken our courses in the past. Brochures and signs can inform more people about ICA and will overcome the issue of poor marketing of ICA brands. Maria and Richard have expressed their kid consent to support capacity building of ICA in November 2010.
Approach Local government institute, National education management and Police headquarter for ToP facilitation training for local government reps, teachers and police officers respectively. Letter of introduction mentioning NGO status and the methods will be first sent and follow up visit will be made. Fazle,Sheikh Shipon and Aziz committed to help in this regard.
A formal advisory board will be reformed with few committed persons who will be able to help in introducing ICA in the government sector, NGO sector, involve business and elites in local fundraising
Two active persons from each of four functional taskforces will make a core management team who will keep organize, working and expanding ICA on Aziz’s absence. Already Selina, Zaki, Fazle, Tapan, Habib, Manik, Mizan, Fuad, Kabir, Amena and Jahangir committed to play that role and has been continuing their efforts since September 2009 in consultation with the whole ICA Bangladesh team. Ongoing taskforce meetings, online meetings, project meetings and trainings at the office are indicative of the professional development of ICAB.
A fundraising strategy is underway focusing on local sources to support its activities. ICAI dues is already supported by ICA Australia. In addition ICA Australia’s committed Aus$ 1000 and Network’s members’ support will be partly used for admin and partly for street children. ICA members’ subscription will support partly Ghoramara school expenses. Considering the NGO status, ICAB is very optimistic to win proposal being submitted. ICAB decided not to continue projects in districts far from Dhaka that incur huge admin costs. ICAB also decides to rise overhead from each project to support ICA admin expenses partly. Some members are being approached to donate to cover the debt and loans from the previous year. Local elites are being channeled for governmental and private sector support. Considering 2010 as a critical year, ICAB only focuses on street children and village project without committed funding. TUC Japan and Taipei American School Foundation are being approached to give some offerings for these two projects.
 
ICA Bangladesh hopes its slow but effective human development work will attract more individuals and organizations to extend their hand for future collaboration and partnerships. We acknowledge the contributions of all donors, volunteers, facilitators and supporters, and we do highly appreciate their assistance toward human development in Bangladesh.
 
 

ICA Purpose and Strategies

As in previous years the main focus of ICAB’s work (purpose) is:
to support human development through projects in research, training and demonstration, especially in rural and urban areas around Dhaka and Chandpur that
address underlying issues in society (such as poverty, education, health etc.)
grow participation, cooperation and empowerment towards individual and group sustainability, self-reliance and self-confidence
enhance current Bangla and ICA culture and possibilities, locally and internationally and
build on and extend the current strengths, relationships and positive impact of ICA and its partner communities and organizations.
 

In 2010 we will do this through four major strategies:

1. Strengthening integrated community development work in Ghoramara (“Shelter Project”), especially related to the primary school and income generating projects, and exploring project initiation in the village of Gabua
2. Supporting life skills education for under- privileged street children who do not attend school
3. Intensifying training, facilitation and research for staff and clients to demonstrate effectiveness of ICA approaches and ensure financial viability
4. Growing partnerships for project implementation, impact and funding
COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN 2009
Ghoramara Human Deveopment Proect
(Translated from Bangla)
 
 
Topic:  Establishing cottage industry in 2009
(Ghoramara Shelter Project Cottage Industry Association)
 
 

Participants:

 Jahanara Begum (Coordinator) Barrack no-4/4, and the others are
 Bulu Begum, Kalpana Rani, Morium Begum, Shahida Begum, & Saleha Akter
 
Agendas:
Entrepreneurs needed
Embroidery
Marketing
Tat, Jute and Chumki handicraft
Sewing embroidery quilt (Nakshikatha sewing)
Painting and fabrics working
Bamboo and Cane handicraft, Mat, & Paposh making
Training.
v     Who are enterpriteners?
v     Who are the customers of those goods?
v     Who are the finance managers?
v     What kind of product can be made in factory or in home?
v     Regular training as per necessity
v     Many women might be self reliant like thus 
v     Provision of requisite instrument and management
Next initiative:
Venue selection→ Labor assortment→ Committee build up→ Factory set up→
Training→ Micro and mediocre credit provision to the entrepreneur where they can be
Fertilized→ commencement of action→ Marketing & access creation→ Gradual
Compensation of credit.
Topic: Establishing a water tank in 2009
Participants:
1. Khaza Ahmed
2. Bacchue Sikder
3. Md. Mostafa
 
Agendas:
Pure drinking water supply
A water tank
Pipe line from the tank
Water reserve and supply from the tank by electric motor
Emancipation from arsenic contamination
Northern side of 1 no community center                                                                 
One water tank is needed for 200 families
An electric light is needed for the tank
Setting up four pillar then water tank should be kept
A stair should be set up by the east side of the tank
 
Next initiative:
Construct a community center procuring 230 families
Create a committee from 230 families by election
Fund rising
Site selection
Time determination for starting the work/action-2009
Project launching- January 2009
 
Topic: Employment provision
 
Participant:
      1. Asia Begum, Barrack no (5/5)
      2. Wahida Begum, Barrack no (2/7)
      3. Parul Begum, Barrack no (8/4)
      4. Parul Begum, Barrack no (6/1)
Agendas:
v     Run credit program for Trade and commerce
v     Providing sewing machine, training and other instrument.
v     Giving rickshaw or van for the carriage labor
v     Masrum cultivation training
 
 
 
 
Association formation-Training
Receive micro credit- Monthly
Installment-Daily income-Business accounts
Next initiative:
Meeting convening (women)
Every association will be formed by five members from the interested group.
Training management.
Taking loan.
Work with Masrum, Rickshaw pulling, Trading, Shop and Sewing.
 
Topic:   Establishing Garments in 2009
 
Participants:
1. Abdul Haque Khalifa
2. Abdul Mannan
3. Nasima Begum
4. Kulsum Begum
5. Rehana Begum
6. Rupali Begum
7. Morzina Begum
Agendas:
1. We have to give financial assistance
2. Factory required
3. Machineries required
4. Training
5. Marketing
6. Supply of raw materials
7. Machineries
8. Supervisor needed
9. Entrepreneurs 11/SME
Next initiative:
 
1. Labor assortment / collection.
2. They should provide proper training.
3. Governmental donation
4. Obvious implementation in 2009.
Topic: Rehabilitation of widow and destitute women.
 
Participants:
1. Momotaj Begum, Barrack no (19/1)
2. Mafia Begum, Barrack no (9/4)
3. Moni Begum, Barrack no (9/7)
4. Nargis Begum, Barrack no (2/7)
5. Fatima Begum, Barrack no (920/4)
6. Sokina Begum, Barrack no (19/1)
7. Jorina Begum, Barrack no (7/7)
Agendas:
1. Widow stipend/allowance
2. Duck/Hen farming.
3. Poultry farming.
4. Cattle farming.
5. Vegetable cultivation.
6. Cloth trading.
Micro credit/ Committee making
 
Refunding loan by weekly/ fortnightly/monthly installment.
 
Next initiative:
Capitals have to provide
Poultry have to provide
Poultry farm have to be made
Cattle have to give
Capital will be needed for cloth trading
 
Topic: School set up, employment of scholar teachers and a committee forming for governing the school.
Participants:
Md. Yusuf  Ali Kholifa
Kobbat Ali Dorji
 Abdus Sattar Kazi
Abu Taher Kazi
Hazrot Ali Kazi
Md Harunar Rasid Bapari.
Shajhan Gazi
Kahlil Sarkar
Abdul Barek Kazi
Abdus Satter Gazi
 
Agendas:
Class 1 to 5
Class 6 to 10
Three teachers for class 1 to 5
Three teachers for class 6 to 10
Employment of a peon
Four storied school building construction in the east side of the community
Build up school governing committee by election
Committee is to made for 30 years duration. (School governing committee)
Pay free education up to class five. (ICA)
School fee will be taken from class 6 to 10
1.5 to 200 male/female student
6.10 – 100 students
13. Required chair, table
Next initiative:
1. Committee meeting will be held including 230 families
2. Prayer for the permission of TNO & DC, January 2009
3. Soil filling up, February 2009
4. Building construction, March 2009
5. Electrification and water supply
6. Teacher recruitment, November 2010
7. Beginning educational activities 2011
8. Committee election, January 2009
9. Purchasing chair-table, October/November 2010
ICA Bangladesh Action Areas for 2007-08 (March 2007- December 2008)
 
 
1. Initiate Forums and Consultancies
2. Establish Regular Training Courses, both Public and Private
3. Solid Generous Funding Sources
4. Clearly defined Roles and Relationships: Everyone has a place in ICAB
5. Shining Chandpur Project Opens Further Rural Programs
6. Growing ICA International Support and Cooperation in and Beyond Asia
7. Create Rapport and Support with Government and Business
8. ICA Bangladesh Identity, Marketing and Promotion
9. Trustworthy Well Organised Organisation
& 23 Jan 2013 10:48:06 AM