Open Mind, Open Arms, OPEN BUILD

More than 50 enthusiastic volunteers joined Gazipur homeowners to build and renovate houses on Saturday the 5th of December, as part of Habitat for Humanity Bangladesh’s first ever OPEN BUILD event.

The one day build marked the United Nations International Day of the Volunteer, and hosted participants from Australia, The United States, The United Kingdom, India, Japan and Bangladesh. OPEN BUILD, held in the Kaliganj district which is northeast of Dhaka, focused on recognizing the basic right every person has to adequate shelter and sanitation.

The event is part of the International Volunteer Week Celebrations, coordinated by the United Nations Volunteers association under the theme of Volunteering for Our Planet. Other events focus on Climate Change action and AIDS awareness and prevention.

Each building site held an infusion of humanity, with volunteers, homeowners and Habitat staff learning from local masons, being assisted by a throng of curious children and people from the neighbourhood. One volunteer, Jeanie Manibusan, said she “really loved how the community came together and the children of the village tried to find a way to become a part of the project. It really made me happy to meet the family that would benefit from the build”.

A light-hearted day of heavy-lifting ensued, and while the weather was perfect for a relaxing Saturday, the dedicated volunteers quickly broke a sweat as they relentlessly worked through to the afternoon. Four teams renovated two houses and turned what began as unassuming mounds of dirt into the foundations for three new homes.

Shakil, the son of homeowner Ruby Akhter, proved to be an inspiration to volunteers at one building site. HFHI-B staff member Forkhan Uddin made a particular connection with Shakil. “I was so motivated seeing his smiling face. I can’t forget the words “Aktu Jiran” (regional Bangla phrase meaning “please take rest for a while”) which he mentioned several times to me. That was great assistance for me in my work,” Mr. Uddin said.

Volunteer Sarah Goulding reflected; “a woman and her child are being assisted to build a house, which will be a life-changing event for them. I think the community also benefited from seeing foreigners taking the time to help out.”

Volunteerism transforms the pace and nature of development and benefits both society at large and the individual. Events such as Open Build provide an invaluable opportunity to be reminded of the hopes and challenges that unite us all, despite cultural, language and socio-economic differences.

International Day of Prayer 2009 observed in piety at Habitat Bangladesh

266 people across seven communities shared thoughts for the homeless and destitute this September, as Habitat for Humanity International in Bangladesh gathered for the International Day of Prayer.

The intent of the day is to place in the hearts, minds and souls of people everywhere; the idea that squalid, unsafe, often expensive housing is unacceptable.

Special prayers have been offered for the millions of people who become homeless due to the effect of war and natural disasters such as floods, cyclones and earthquakes.

International Day of Prayer was observed on the 15^th of September in the Chapel of Mymensingh Baptist Church in Kachijuli. The Habitat team at the Mymensingh Satellite also issued letters to churches requesting offers of prayers on Sunday for those in need of decent shelter.

Celebrations organized by the Durgapur Satellite occurred on the 18^th of September at the YWCA conference room in Netrakona. Habitat staff, Advisory Board Members, Church and NGO leaders shared prayers, songs and tea on the day.

Habitat’s Madhupur Satellite held the largest International Day of Prayer meeting on the 20^th of September, which took place at the Church of Bangladesh Social Development Program in Edilpur (see picture above). The 85 guests included Tribal leaders, School teachers, and children of Usha children village, and speeches highlighted Habitat’s works in providing safe accommodation for all human beings.

Local organizations and churches joined the Savar Satellite of September 29^th to observe the day at the Glory Baptist Church in Anandapur. The participants “contributed their time in interesting and blissful prayer”, Savar Satellite coordinator Lydia Barikdar reported.

On the same day, 34 people met to pray at the Satkhira Satellite, Sultanpur. The program included prayers led by; Social Worker Mr. Mizanur Rahman; Father Joha of the Sultanpur Catholic Mission; Pastor-Rabindronath Sarker; Divisional Program Manager Masudul Hasan of the Khulna Habitat Resource Centre and Mr. Ankur Robert Chowdhury, Satkira Satellite Coordinator.

On September 30^th, Khulna Habitat Resource Centre held a prayer meeting led by Community Development Officer Mr. Roton Patrick Marandy, and was attended by community groups, church members and NGO Directors.

“It was a nice time to reconcile and rebuild our relationship among all the people of our community without discrimination,” Mr. Marandy said.

More than 35 people attended at the service at the YWCA Conference Hall in Dhaka, thoughtfully led by Reverend Sourov Folia, Principal at the St. Andrews Theological College. A choir from the College welcomed guests to the afternoon by gently singing a number of hymns.

Particular Prayers for the day included a Prayer for Human Dignity, a Prayer for those in Slums, a Prayer for Peace & Prosperity, a Prayer for those in Authority and a Prayer for those Helping the Poor.

Dr. Peter Halder, President of the HFHI-B National Advisory Board and long-term Habitat supporter, addressed the group with the message that while not everyone is in a position to donate financially or support Habitat, prayer is always possible.

HFHI-B National Director Ms. Kelly Koch recognized the importance of partnerships – with individuals, organizations, communities and with God - to fulfill Habitat’s mission of providing shelter for the millions of homeless around the world.

“We call upon you to join us in prayers so that we can come up with specific projects and programs, advocacy and networking plan and necessary funding and resources to address to the housing need of Bangladesh,” Ms Koch said.

“Let’s spend these moments in prayer for our less fortunate brothers and sisters who live without a place to call ‘home’. Let us take a conscience action to end homelessness; lets us be united in belief that rights to decent housing are a matter of conscience not a choice,” she concluded.

Gorgeous in Green and Beautiful in Blue

Bangladesh was brightened on October 5th as supporters of Habitat for Humanity International wore green and blue in celebration of World Habitat Day.

Workers and students from across the country participated in World Habitat Day, which provides an opportunity to focus on the dire need for adequate shelter for all, and the active search for solutions.

The symbolic campaign of NIL SHOBUJER BHALOBASHA (for love of blue and green) represented Habitat for Humanity colors – green for the home environment (habitat) and blue for family and community (humanity).

Nearly all the students from the International School Dhaka dressed in blue and green for the day. Other teams going to particular effort included the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the Participatory Development Action Program, the American Alumni Association as well as Habitat Staff from Mymensingh and Dhaka. See below for photographs of participating groups.

In rural Bangladesh, 84% of homes are inadequate or temporary. 54% of urban-dwellers live in temporary structures. Millions of Bangladeshi families live with insufficient electricity supplies, unhygienic water and sewerage connections, which lead to serious health concerns and a lack of human security.

“We understand perhaps more clearly than ever before that no-one can be excluded, especially the poor. On World Habitat Day, let us pledge to do our part to follow through on our plans for a better, greener, more sustainable future for our increasingly urban planet.” (United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon)

Though the current programs of Habitat for Humanity International - Bangladesh are rural and semi-urban focused, it recognizes the need to comprehensively address issues arising from exponential urban growth.

For the poor who live in overcrowded, unsafe, unsanitary, unacceptable conditions, planning must also be more equitable. To break the cycle of poverty means creating sustainable communities where people have access to affordable land and enjoy secure tenure rights.

HFHI-B is working tirelessly in achieving these goals and aims to serve 1,500 families before World Habitat Day 2010 comes around.

Wear Green and Blue to Celebrate World Habitat Day Tomorrow!

World Habitat Day emphasizes the dire need for adequate shelter for all.
This year’s focus for World Habitat Day is smarter planning to cope with the demands of rapid urbanization, as cities and towns feel the effects of climate change, resource depletion, population growth and economic instability.
Please join Habitat for Humanity International – Bangladesh and participate in a symbolic campaign of NIL SHOBUJER BHALOBASHA, by wearing green and blue on October 5th. Email a photograph of yourself, your friends or colleagues dressed up in green and blue and it will be displayed on the Habitat Bangladesh website.
We need to take conscious action! Join Habitat Bangladesh in the campaign to eliminate substandard housing throughout Bangladesh.
Send your photos not more than 1 MB in size to: habitatbdrd@yahoo.com

United in Spirit, Strategy and Service

~ Habitat Bangladesh Staff Retreat 2009

Habitat For Humanity International – Bangladesh (HFHI-B) is set to serve 10,000 families within the next three years.

In August over 60 HFHI-B staff members from around the country attended the annual retreat in Savar to share emerging developments and challenges, and to discuss a new direction for the organization.

“United in Spirit, Strategy and Service” was the theme of the retreat, providing an opportunity for staff to become familiar with the new strategic direction; unpacking the detail (ki?), why we are changing (Keno?) and how we hope to achieve the vision over the next three years (kibhabe?).

The Strategic Plan until Fiscal Year 2012 will improve building technologies, adapt repayment schedules to ensure affordability, establish strong partnerships, secure further funding and alternate support and strengthen internal work practices.

More specifically, HFHI-B is aiming to attract a dedicated Advisory Board of nine diverse and influential members who will actively advocate for HFHI-B. It is essential to receive guidance from experienced community leaders in order to further engage with government, business and academia.

HFHI-B will engage in participatory market research in order to increase expertise in building and construction. Research will focus on product design development, such as load-bearing blocks and prototype houses to ensure appropriate, affordable, sustainable products and services for our target population.

A major new activity for Habitat Bangladesh is the emergence of mutually benefiting partnerships. In essence, partnerships aim to enable HFHI-B to serve more families - whereby partner organizations take a direct (Implementing Partnerships) or supporting role (Non-Implementing Partnerships) in Habitat projects.

At the Savar retreat, staff provided valuable feedback on the expected effectiveness of Habitat Bangladesh’s evolving direction. The consensus was that the delivery of every HFHI-B mission focus will be significantly improved after the implementation of the FY12 Plan.

National Director Kelly Koch believe the retreat was “a great opportunity to be all together but it’s only the beginning. However it is just one forum for unity – let’s continue the communication, discussion and action throughout the year.”

The more immediate focus – the 2010 Fiscal Year plan - includes serving 1,500 families - 30% through implementing partnerships, reducing the impact of disasters in vulnerable communities, offering engaging CSR opportunities and developing research and appropriate technologies.

Habitat Bangladesh conducted an initial assessment in Cyclone Aila affected areas

More than 3 million people have been affected by Cyclone Aila, which struck 14 coastal districts of southern Bangladesh on the 25th of May 2009. A total of 167 people were killed and 7,108 people injured. The cyclone caused the destruction of estimated 225,000 houses and the partial destruction of 337,000 houses.

As an immediate step, Habitat for Humanity International – Bangladesh (HFHI-B) completed an initial assessment of the situation. The assessment team visited the most affected four districts - Bagerhat, Jessore, Khulna and Satkhira and collected information through direct observation, discussion with affected community members, held meetings with local government, other stakeholders and NGOs, and took photographs of the affected areas.

During the assessment, a need for short and long term shelter assistance has been identified for the affected communities. It is suggested that shelter materials/kit, including CI sheet, bamboo poles, CI wire, ropes, nails, tools and so on, could be provided for building temporary shelters.

Recommendations have been made that these materials will then be reused during the rehabilitation phase involving construction of disaster resilient transitional shelters.
HFHI-B is willing to concentrate its disaster recovery efforts in Shaymnagar and Ashashuni Upazila of Satkhira District. In these areas, a total of 105,767 houses were fully damaged and 50,631 houses were partially damaged. These two upazilas alone make up 46% of the national damage figure. The population is extremely vulnerable as many depend on fishing as a livelihood.

HFHI-B has an active satellite or field office in Satkhira and is working closely with partners on the ground to develop a coordinated response among the cyclone Aila affected communities. It is envisaged that HFHI-B will commence a rehabilitation project in Satkhira, once emergency relief efforts have ceased.

HFHI-B has successfully completed its Cyclone Sidr Rehabilitation Project (CSRP) in Patuakhali and Barisal districts this year. Under the project it constructed 480 transitional shelters and 480 sturdy sanitary latrines for the families. HFHI-B has been Building Homes and Changing Lives in Bangladesh since 1999. Over 2200 homes have been built for families in Bangladesh who now have a safe, decent and secure place to live.

To donate or to know more on HFHI-B’s Cyclone Aila response please write
Visit the following link to learn more on Sidr response http://www.habitat.org/ap/special_report_2009.aspx

Habitat Homeowner Story

Murshida Khatun is a tailor trainer from Dholadia Village, Mymensingh. Training 5-6 students per day, Murshida is generating much needed income for her small family. Beaming with joy, she exclaims “Receiving a Habitat house has been the most significant change in my life.” Why? Because now, Murshida and her family live in a 2-bedroom brick home where she has the space to train other young women in tailoring, so, they too can contribute to their families’ income.

Prior to receiving a Habitat house, Murshida, her husband Abdur Rob, and her eight-year-old son, lived in an unsafe, dilapidated house. The mud floor was in very poor condition, and the CI sheet walls and floors did not provide adequate protection for the family. After hearing about Habitat from neighbours, Murshida decided to join a Save and Build group and began saving for a new house.

The new house has not only contributed to increasing the family’s income, the overall health of the family has improved. Murshida’s son in particular has been free of colds and fevers since moving into their new Habitat home. In addition, Murshida’s son has been granted a scholarship for his education due to the increase in his grades and attendance.

Habitat Bangladesh has helped change the life of this Bangladeshi family. Health, education and increases in income, are just a few of the lifelong changes that have been made since receiving not just a house, but a home from Habitat.

You too can help change the life of a Bangladeshi family, by assisting Habitat in building adequate homes in low income communities, to bring hope and new beginnings for families in Bangladesh.

Please contact our Resource Development Manager for more information about making a donation to Habitat Bangladesh.

After the Cyclone: New Hope in Bangladesh

Habitat for Humanity Asia Pacific has published a Special Report on the Cyclone Sidr Rehabilitation Project.

Cyclone Sidr brought misery to struggling families in Bangladesh, one of the poorest countries of the world, when it stuck in November 2007.

To find out how Habitat for Humanity transformed lives through its transitional shelter strategy, please click here to read 'After the Cyclone: New Hope in Bangladesh'

More Photos from Women Build!

Laura Davis and Freyr Patterson breaking bricks to make brick chips for construction


Habitat homeowner, Rashida Begum working alongside volunteers in Savar


National Director, Kelly Koch 'watering' the outside wall of the house


45 participants volunteered for the Women Build held on Friday 3 April

US Embassy builds at Kaliganj

On the 9th of April, a team of 7 from the US Embassy in Dhaka departed for worksites in Kaliganj, approximately 40 km northeast of Dhaka city. The group was cordially welcomed by the homeowner and the local community, and began work at the sites under the close supervision of construction Coordinator, Md. Enamul Haque.

At the conclusion of the build the homeowner, Mr. Bijoy Rozario said, “I’m very happy to get a loan from Habitat; I am building a one room house now, but in the future I’ll need a bigger house. I’m really happy that the volunteers are building my house and they are all from the US embassy; it’s nice to work with them and I am honoured to have them here.”

The team that came from US Embassy worked on the house of Mr. Bijoy Rozario in Boali village, Kaliganj, Gazipur district. After lunch, the team managed to work for another hour, however, due to heavy rain, the team had to finish work early.

The US Embassy has long been a supporter of Habitat Bangladesh, providing both volunteers and raising funds for people in need of decent, safe and secure housing. If you or your organisation would like to volunteer or donate to Habitat Bangladesh, please contact our "Resource Development Manager

Habitat Bangladesh hosts its first Women Build!

Habitat for Humanity International – Bangladesh (HFHI-B) held its first ever Women Build on Friday 3 April. A total of 45 foreign and Bengali women turned out for the event in Savar, located one hour northwest of the capital, Dhaka.

The theme of the day was ‘Celebrating Women’s Engagement in Development’, and that we did! The day commenced with National Director, Kelly Koch welcoming the volunteers and providing some insights into the role of women and challenges they face in Bangladesh. Speaking of Habitat’s work, Ms. Koch discussed how the organization “seeks to empower women through home ownership, family decision making, and education and training.”

The female volunteers worked on four different houses that were at various stages of construction. Building activities included digging, pounding and levelling the floor, carrying sand and water, sifting sand, and making brick chips.

After a very productive morning, the four teams came together for a lunch break in a shady area of South Rajashon village. The volunteers were excited to spend a day out of the hustle and bustle of Dhaka and work at Habitat build sites, while meeting homeowners and the community. “Volunteering with Habitat means so much more than just giving money to an organisation”, said Stephanie Ryan, an Australian woman currently residing in Dhaka.

After lunch, it was time for some more building, and despite the heat, the women worked hard to complete their building activities for the day. One male member of the community was in disbelief that the women had actually volunteered to spend the day in his village building. Local women in the community were motivated and inspired by the female volunteers. “Seeing so many foreign women in my village, helping my family and I to build our house, inspires me to also help others,” said Habitat homeowner, Amina Begum.

Habitat Bangladesh would like to thank all 45 women who volunteered and helped make the day successful. Much needed funds were raised for HFHI-B, but more importantly, we celebrated women’s engagement in development, and have given hope to the many women who continue to be disadvantaged as gender inequality is widespread in Bangladesh. We hope to host another Women Build event later in the year.



- Monica Gray

Habitat Bangladesh Women Build!

Habitat Bangladesh is holding a Women Build on Friday 3 April. 

All women over the age of 16 are most welcome!

No construction experience necessary!

Please contact Monica for registration and more details

Global Village Team, 'Shanti-Shanti' builds in Mymensingh

The 12 member team ‘Shanti-Shanti’ from Aoyamagakuin University, Japan volunteered in Mymensingh from 2 - 13 March 2009. 

While in Mymensingh, the team built two houses for Khaleda Akter and Shajahan Mia both from Dholadia village in Mymensingh District. Building activities included preparing bricks for construction; carrying sand, bricks and cement; mixing mortar for cementing; laying bricks and cementing the foundation and walls; and, digging and levelling the earth at the worksite.

During their trip, the team also had the opportunity to visit two schools, Shahabuddin Pre-Cadet and Shahabuddin Primary School, and the Bangladesh University of Agriculture. 

The farewell ceremony was a unique cultural exchange with both Bengali songs and dances, and Japanese songs and dances. The community were very impressed with the university students and can't wait for another team to come to Mymensingh!

To learn more about Global Village or volunteer opportunities, please contact Sanjay.

Students from Tokai University, Japan build in Durgapur!

From the 22 February - 7 March, 13 students and 1 teacher from Tokai University built with Habitat in Durgapur satellite in Bangladesh.

The Satellite Coordinator and Construction Supervisor were impressed with the team's enthusiasm and dedication during the build. 

The team helped in preparing bricks for construction; carrying sand, bricks and cement; mixing 

mortar for cementing; laying bricks and cementing the foundation and walls; and, digging and leveling the earth 

at the worksite. They completed their work eagerly while the HFHI-B team ensured that all safety measures were 

being followed correctly.

On Friday the 27th of February, the team had a rest day and went site seeing around the local area. They enjoyed 

the beautiful sites of the ceramic hills, the lakes at Bijoypur and visited the Meghalaya border at Ranikhong.

The team also had the opportunity to visit a local school where they donated school stationary and interacted with

the local community.

When it was time for farewells, the community in Durgapur were sad to see the team leave, but hope that more

teams will join them in the near future! Thanks must go to the Volunteer programs team and the Satellite staff in

helping to make the team's experience in Bangladesh a memorable one!

For more info on volunteer opportunities, please email Sanjay

Global Village Team from Doshisha University, Japan builds in Jessore

The Japanese GV team from Doshisha University built in Jessore, Bangladesh from 25 February - 10 March 2009. The team, made up of 14 students, had a very enjoyable time in Bangladesh and made a huge impact on the local community. Not used to seeing foreigners, the community were both surprised and excited to see the team building houses!

The team also had the opportunity to visit a local orphanage and Habitat's partner NGO in the area, the Community Development Society (CDS).   

Rest and relaxation time was taken care of with a trip to the Sundrabans - the world's largest mangrove forest, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. 

The farewells were tearful when the team departed. Strong bonds and relationships had been made between the team and the community, and a memorable time was had by all.

Please contact Sanjay">a">y to learn more about unique volunteer experiences with Habitat.

157 Volunteers from ISD in 2009 and counting!

During January and February, 157 students and teachers from the International School Dhaka (ISD) volunteered with Habitat Bangladesh at build sites in Savar and Kaliganj.

Students joined Habitat Bangladesh for one and two day builds as part of the school's community service program. 

ISD has been a long-term supporter of Habitat and we are very thankful for their dedication and enthusiasm!  

For more information on how your school or community youth group can help build homes and change lives in Bangladesh, click here

Korean team from Ewha Women's University visits Bangladesh!

In January 2009, 15 students and 2 teachers from Ewha Women’s University in Korea visited Bangladesh to build with Habitat. The team was here for 10 days in total and worked on build sites in Savar. The volunteers worked tirelessly and with enthusiasm for the whole duration of the build.

The team developed strong relationships with the homeowner 

family, HFHI-B staff, and the local community. They helped in preparing 

bricks for construction; carrying sand, bricks and cement; mixing mortar for 

cementing;laying bricks and cementing the foundation and walls; and, 

digging and leveling the earth at the worksite. They completed their work eagerly while the HFHI-B team ensured 

that all safety measures were being followed correctly.

The team also had an opportunity to visit an orphanage in Savar where they 

donated toys and stationary to the children.

Habitat Bangladesh wishes to thank Ewha Women's University for their 

hard work and enthusiasm while in building Bangladesh!

 

To learn more about Volunteer opportunities or Global Village, 

please contact Sanjay