Programs That Serve the Rural Poor
From education to disaster resilience, HDO runs seven core programs for the marginalized people of the Lalmai hilly area.
Education
HDO has been a partner of the BRAC Education Support Programme (ESP) since 2002, running non-formal primary education (NFPE) schools for underprivileged children. Seven schools are currently running, 30 schools have completed their cycles, 900 students have completed their courses and 899 students have enrolled in formal schools. The programme is supported by BRAC (since 2000) and by local funds (since 2011).
Microfinance
Through income-generating activities, HDO helps poor families build sustainable livelihoods. The IGA programme has run with NGO Forum since 2008, and the Dai Somity (trained midwives' groups) with Narigrantha Prabartana since 2009.
Health
Health promotion runs through all of HDO's work — from safe motherhood through the Dai Somity groups to arsenic-free drinking water in rural households.
Disaster Risk Reduction & Climate Change Adaptation
Since 2010, HDO has implemented a capacity strengthening project on Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CMDRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) with Concern Universal-Bangladesh, helping remote villages prepare for disasters and adapt to a changing climate.
Gender
Gender equity is a core value of HDO. Women are at the center of every programme, and 10 of the organization's 12 staff members are women.
Low-cost Housing
Since 2003, with support from Bangladesh Bank, HDO has provided low-cost housing to poor families in Comilla Sadar South, Laksham, Borura, Monuhorgonj and Chowddugram upazilas of Comilla district.
Arsenic Mitigation
Since 2006, HDO has run an Integrated Community Based Arsenic Mitigation Project with NGO Forum, working for safe drinking water in rural households.
Want to know more about our work?
Reach out to our office in Lalmai, Comilla — we would be glad to hear from you.
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