Bangladesh Integrated Social Advancement Programme (BISAP) has been implementing a project on “Inclusive Access to Health & Economic Empowerment of Refugees and Displaced in Urban Settlements.” This initiative aimed to strengthen community capacity and enhance long-term health and social resilience against ongoing and future outbreaks.
The project not only addressed the immediate vulnerabilities of Refugees and displaced populations but also tackled emerging Health challenges and socio-economic barriers affecting their well-being. Through targeted interventions, it empowered beneficiaries by improving their access to healthcare and economic opportunities. As under:
Arrange listening & learning provisions for families and communities structures of environmental sanitation, hygiene, health and nutrition awareness which will enable them to better withstand spikes in COVID transmission and future pandemic.
Has been organizing dynamic Listening & Learning sessions, empowering families and community structures with essential knowledge on environmental sanitation, hygiene, health, and nutrition. These initiatives is designed to strengthen their resilience against future health crisis, including potential COVID-19 surges, while inspiring them to become change agents in their communities. The orientation sessions focused on equipping participants with cooperative strategies to minimize virus transmission while fostering long-term well-being and sustainable health practices. BISAP firmly upholds the principle that cleanliness is next to godliness, recognizing that access to proper hygiene and healthcare is a fundamental right, especially for vulnerable communities. Through interactive training, participants not only enhanced their understanding of personal health and hygiene but also overcame existing misconceptions and resistance towards adopting better nutrition and healthcare practices. This initiative has sparked a shift in mindset encouraging families and community members to embrace a healthier, more informed future.
Impart livelihood and employment generation skill development training to the Community for securing more stable work during the present and future pandemic.
Has been imparting Impart livelihood and employment generation skill development training to the Community for securing more stable work during the present and future pandemic with essential technical skills in sewing machine operation, fabric cutting, and accurate cloth measurement. This hands-on training enhances their knowledge and craftsmanship, empowering them with practical expertise to improve their employability and create sustainable income opportunities. The initiative aims to support their survival and livelihood, especially in the face of current and future challenges, including economic uncertainties and pandemics. The training placed a strong emphasis on mastering machine operations, cutting techniques, and advanced sewing methods. Additionally, participants were encouraged to develop entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to start their own businesses and become self-reliant.
Create awareness of Primary Health and future pandemic through digital literacy, face-book, SMS, announcement and group network.
Has been disseminating through digital literacy and social media platforms like Facebook, SMS, and community networks to create widespread awareness about primary healthcare and future pandemic preparedness. These digital tools serve as powerful channels for disseminating crucial health messages, enabling mass communication and rapid information sharing to protect public health.
To enhance the community’s ability to access accurate health information, identify potential symptoms early, and take preventive measures, BISAP partnered with BDSMSNET, a renowned network agency in Bangladesh. Additionally, volunteers, local leaders, and staff members actively contributed to spreading awareness messages, ensuring maximum outreach.
A view of specimen sending massage by BDSMS.NTE
Sensitize Service Providers towards Job/business opportunities for the most vulnerable youths as well as link them with employers and also to credit providing institutions.
Has been Sensitizingthe project aims to bridge the gap between vulnerable groups and job/business opportunities, a vital component of its success. The organized a transformative session designed to connect these groups with employers and credit-providing institutions. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from Garment Authorities, business communities, and other service providers.
During the session, participants from vulnerable groups shared their struggles with accessing job opportunities, particularly within factories, while employers and service providers discussed the ways to enhance job creation and opportunities for skill development. The trainers and program staff facilitated a dialogue, highlighting the challenges faced by these groups and drawing attention to their unmet needs.
The session concluded with a powerful commitment from Garment Authorities and other service providers to foster stronger relationships and collaboration. Both parties agreed to work together to strengthen connections between skilled trainees and employers, ensuring that vulnerable groups have better access to job opportunities. As a result, many participants left the session with concrete job offers from various institutions, marking a significant step forward in empowering these communities.
Provide motivational and educational know-how for professional skill & Primary Health Care
Has been organizing motivational and educational sessions focusing on professional skills and primary healthcare. These sessions were designed to inspire and equip participants with essential knowledge to enhance their skills and improve their overall well-being. The training emphasized the critical importance of acquiring both professional expertise and an understanding of primary healthcare in fostering long-term personal and community development. Facilitators and resource persons actively engaged participants, encouraging them to gain comprehensive knowledge and apply practical skills for better livelihoods. As a result, participants demonstrated increased enthusiasm and a proactive approach towards the training, underscoring the positive impact on their lives.
Organize community campaign on impact of practices that improve hygiene and environmental health.
1.61 – Capacity Building on Community Preventive Health Care
Has been organizing sessions on strengthen community preventive healthcare and build resilient capacities, targeting the most vulnerable communities. These campaigns has been playing a pivotal role in fostering sustained community engagement through group discussions, health check-ups, and motivational health awareness sessions. Renowned physicians were being invited to share their expertise, emphasizing the critical importance of preventive healthcare. This holistic approach has not only raised lasting awareness but also empowered individuals to take proactive control of their health and well-being.
Community awareness creation at the area level and with health awareness on breast feeding, complementary feeding and healthy nutrition practices among
The community awareness component of this project is critical for improving public health, particularly focusing on issues that impact mothers and children. BISAP is dedicated to delivering effective awareness training to promote healthier lifestyles. This initiative aimed to address key concerns such as breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and nutrition. By involving healthcare providers and project staff, the session emphasized the importance of these practices and encouraged the community to adopt sustainable, healthier solutions for mother and child health. This approach is designed to bring about long-term improvements in community health outcomes.
Campaign on Community Health (Children & Old age.)
In line with our commitment to improving community health, BISAP has been organizing impactful campaigns focused on Community Health, particularly addressing the needs of children and the elderly. The goal of these campaigns, was to reduce the disease burden and promote healthier living by increasing awareness about key health issues.
The campaigns were dynamic and engaging, with healthcare providers, program staff, and volunteers coming together to share their expertise. The events also saw the active participation of community leaders, social elites, and other key stakeholders who played a pivotal role in amplifying the message. Their involvement fostered a sense of collective responsibility for improving community health and well-being.
Increasing capacity and knowledge on social Business about specific vulnerabilities based on gender, and special needs.
Continueously organizing impactful orientation sessions aimed at enhancing the community’s capacity and knowledge on social business, with a special focus on addressing specific vulnerabilities related to gender and special needs. These sessions were designed to strengthen the community’s ability to mobilize resources by fostering effective coordination and collaboration among service providers, entrepreneurs, and other key agencies.
The orientation sessions covered critical topics such as group networking, lobbying, communication strategies, and advocacy to secure vital support from various stakeholders, including government and non-governmental departments, entrepreneurs, and service providers.
The outcomes of the sessions were highly encouraging. Participants demonstrated a significant increase in their dynamism and active engagement in addressing the vulnerabilities related to gender and special needs. They have gained valuable insights into the social business landscape, enabling them to better advocate for personal development opportunities and contribute to sustainable community growth. This initiative is a step forward in empowering individuals, particularly those with specific vulnerabilities, to access the resources and support they need for a brighter future.
Distribution of Winter Blankets among 1230 most distressed and vulnerable people.
Every year BISAP has been distributing Winter Blanket among most vulnerable people. On January 08, 2025 The Blanket distribution event was graced by the presence of the esteemed Chief Guest, Mr. M. A. Malek, a recipient of the Ekushey Padak, former District Governor of Lions Clubs International, renowned Social Worker, and Editor of the Prestigious Newspaper The Daily Azadi Chattogram.
The overall supervision was carried out by S.M. Tareque Jabed, Chief Executive of BISAP. The program was conducted by Mr. Mahbub Alam. BISAP Program staffs, Volunteer actively participated among Blanket Distribution Ceremony. Additionally, Community Leaders, Educationists, Local Elite, Health Care Providers, Religious Leader, from the various sector were present on the occasion.
A view of AMI Foundation implementing project activities circulated in Local Print Media is given below –
