2 June 2006

SIM helps families in Kushtia to improve their businesses and increase their harvests. The three arms of the Community Development Project in Bangladesh enable men and women to be self-sufficient by providing education on agriculture, literacy and savings groups, and health. The training integrates spiritual lessons in each session. Particular focus is placed on helping women.

Information Improves Farm Operations

Islam and his wife have four children. A field worker provided their family with some helpful information. The worker encouraged the family to plant a variety of vegetables and reduce the amount of pesticide applied. The worker explained the seed production and storage, so Islam is now saving seeds rather than purchasing them. Islam is pleased that harvests have improved. His 12-year-old son has resumed his education; he had been pulled from school to work as an agricultural day laborer.

Loans Generate Income

Shana has a home-based business. She used to work for a middleman who provided her with thread and sold her woven items. After completing a literacy course to enter the cooperative, Shana used a loan from the group to buy her own thread.

She began weaving ganchas to sell as hand towels. Her husband sells them at a weekly bazaar. The result? Shana's family has a little more money than before because they don't have to give a middleman a cut of their profits.

Tahura accessed help through another cooperative group in Kushtia. She learned to read and write by way of the cooperative and has used three loans from the group to improve her goat and cattle rearing operation. She has planted a vegetable garden to improve her family's nutrition. She helps an adult son who is a factory worker and lives in her home. Her achievements bring her joy.

Thank you for your partnership with SIM. Your giving made a difference for Islam, Shana, and Tahura. Your continued generosity can help others like them.