Income-generating & Job creation Program:

CDS has undertaken an income-generating program of manufacturing handicraft products from date leaves for the neglected, widows, divorced women, and the very poor, low-income people of the areas. They can directly participate and earn a livelihood from this program. In this way, they will be able to bring family betterment through their income. On behalf of CDS training program is also organized for them so that they might spend their leisure time in manufacturing, and those are non-skilled, half-skilled labour may become competent labourers.  In order to implement the training on handicraft, CDS freely provides necessary raw materials to the trainees. With the rise in income have been able to win personal, family, and social dignity. CDS finds the job order from different handicrafts businessmen, organizations and provide job facilities to the women based on item-wise products. The payment is given at the end of the month regularly, depending on their products.

🔶Running Programs:

1. Microcredit & Savings

CDS inspires its group members to save so they can access credit support for their economic development activities. Adequate capital supply is essential to help target communities become economically self-reliant. Whenever ordinary people attempt to initiate income-generating programs, they often resort to private moneylenders. Although they constitute a major part of society, landless individuals remain outside the formal banking system. Due to various systemic complications, they are either excluded from or hesitant to use banking services.

Consequently, most borrow from moneylenders at excessively high interest rates. In return, they are forced to mortgage or sell their land, jewelry, household belongings, labor, agricultural yield, and livestock. Many lose everything they own due to exploitation by these moneylenders. Furthermore, a lack of proper financial management knowledge prevents them from utilizing their loans effectively.

Addressing these issues, CDS operates a microcredit program in its service areas, empowering target communities to drive their own socio-economic development and actively participate in all aspects of growth.

Additionally, to promote environmental awareness, CDS distributes free tree saplings to its group members.

2. Medical Support for Underprivileged Patients

CDS provides medical support to underprivileged patients by purchasing essential medicines using its own funds. To receive assistance, patients submit a valid doctor’s prescription for the required medication, and CDS arranges the purchase accordingly. Due to limited financial capacity, this assistance is currently provided on a modest scale. The program supports patients suffering from various conditions, including tuberculosis (T.B.), appendicitis, diabetes, paralysis, skin diseases, bone fractures, and those requiring minor surgical procedures.

3. Women Economic Independence Project (WEI) [Project by WWDP Germany]

The Women Economic Independence Project (WEI) is designed to empower women in Jhikargacha Upazila, Jashore, Bangladesh, a vulnerable border region where poverty, early marriage, dowry practices, and limited access to education and healthcare severely restrict women’s independence. The project focuses on enabling women to generate and control their own income, thereby reducing domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and social vulnerability.

Over a two-year period, the project will directly support 6,750 participants across 23,450 households, with indirect benefits reaching nearly 283,670 people. Its strategy combines vocational training (such as tailoring, handicrafts, freelancing, mobile repair, and beauty services), awareness programs on gender equality and sexual and reproductive health rights, and collaboration with government departments, community clinics, and local leaders. Men and boys are also included to share household responsibilities, support women entrepreneurs, and participate in awareness sessions.

By the end of the project, 350 women and girls will be trained as entrepreneurs earning sustainable incomes, 4,000 community members will be sensitized on gender issues, and 2,400 women and girls will gain access to healthcare and SRHR education. The expected long-term impact includes reduced violence, improved education, better healthcare access, stronger household finances, and greater gender equality in both family and community life.

🔶Past Programs:

See Track Record for Timeline

1. House Building

Habitat for Humanity International, Bangladesh is an organization that provides simple, decent, hygienic, and durable housing through its partners. Habitat homes are not free; they are built through group savings mechanisms, enabling members to access interest-free loans. CDS utilizes this opportunity to provide housing to its group members.

In line with this mission, CDS welcomed and hosted a Global Village (GV) team of 23 volunteers from the USA, UK, Australia, and Japan. They worked alongside homeowners and local volunteers to build houses. This initiative presents a unique opportunity for low-income individuals to improve their living standards. To formalize this effort, CDS signed a partnership agreement with Habitat for Humanity International, Dhaka.

2. Gender Relations & Women’s Human Rights

CDS is implementing the project titled “A Collective Drive to Engender the Process of Women’s Empowerment” (CDEPWE) under the supervision and guidance of USHA, Bangladesh, whose staff conducts the program activities.

Additionally, CDS is executing another project named “Gender Responsive Approach to Women’s Human Rights and Economic Empowerment” (GRAWHREE). This initiative aims to foster women entrepreneurs by instilling a gender-sensitive perspective. It works to empower community groups and institutions to protect women’s human rights, build public support against gender-based violence, and assist victims of violence in accessing justice. Supported by USHA, this three-year project is funded by Manusher Jonno Foundation.

3. Capacity Building for Small NGOs (HEED Bangladesh)

To strengthen the capacity of small non-governmental organizations, HEED Bangladesh established a three-year partnership network funded by TEAR Australia. To enhance leadership skills, foster organizational growth, and improve project management quality alongside the efficient use of human and financial resources, HEED conducted several training courses. These included:

• Leadership & Management
• Financial & Accounts Management
• Microfinance Management
• Disaster & Risk Reduction Management
• Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
• Primary Healthcare & HIV/AIDS

The field-level healthcare training focused primarily on maternal nutrition during pregnancy, breastfeeding, child health, reproductive health, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS, diarrhea prevention, and sanitation.

Under this initiative, CDS conducted two field-level training sessions on primary healthcare, disaster management, and environmental awareness for its group members, with financial support from HEED.

4. Youth Group

CDS has organized a youth group to encourage and involve young people in various social activities. Every year, CDS provides footballs, volleyballs, and other sports equipment to the group. The youth football team actively participates in local sports competitions. Furthermore, the members consistently strive to engage in community service and social work.

5. Education & Skill Development Program for Adolescents & Children

CDS aims to provide adolescents (both boys and girls) with low-risk vocational training, enabling them to earn a sustainable livelihood. CDS will train organized youth groups in sewing and carpentry, equipping them for economic opportunities in tailoring shops, garment factories, carpentry workshops, and furniture outlets.

Additionally, CDS has established 10 child education centers across 10 villages, providing pre-school education opportunities to 600 children. Each year, 200 children are prepared for admission into formal government primary schools.

6. Socio-Cultural & Economic Empowerment of Women

The goal of this project is to contribute to establishing women’s rights in the rural villages of Jhikargacha Upazila. Its broad objective is to build the capacity of vulnerable families living across four unions within the upazila.

To create a supportive environment for women’s rights, the project will implement a mass awareness program engaging key secondary stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders, school teachers, and religious leaders.

Additionally, CDS will organize and train vulnerable women to enhance their technical knowledge and entrepreneurship skills, enabling them to engage in various income-generating activities (such as tailoring and date-palm leaf handicrafts). To further strengthen their legal and social standing, CDS will increase their awareness of women’s rights, human rights, and gender equality through targeted training sessions, awareness day observances, and courtyard meetings.

7. Sustainable Youth Development & Capacity Building through Career & Skill Development Clubs

Under the project Youth Without Borders & GW Trust of Life Skill Coaching New Zealand, in partnership with Step Up Foundation Bangladesh, CDS works with students across five colleges in its operational area.

The Career & Skill Development Club (CSD Club) is a unique initiative by Step Up Foundation Bangladesh designed for National University college students, supported by international partner organizations. Formed and driven by students, the club aims to bridge the gap between academia and the professional industry by offering tailored activities, training sessions, and networking events. These opportunities allow members to engage directly with highly regarded professionals while enhancing their practical skills, helping transform them into responsible, career-ready citizens who excel in their education, professional life, and personal growth.

CSD Club members are motivated, ambitious, and honest students seeking practical knowledge. They recognize the value of a strong professional network and are dedicated to preparing for the modern workforce while actively taking responsibility for their surrounding communities, environment, and climate.

8. Vulnerable Group Development (VGD)

CDS has been implementing this government project since 2015 across various districts, including Shariatpur, Narail, and Madaripur. Recently, CDS signed a new agreement with the Department of Women Affairs (Jatiya Mohila Bishoyak Adhidaptar) for the 2021–2022 term, which will be executed in the Rajoir and Shibchar Upazilas.

9. UPGRADE: Livelihood of Poor Women and Girls

The goal of the project is to contribute to establishing women’s rights in the rural villages of Jhikargacha Upazila. Its broad objective is to build the capacity of vulnerable families living across four unions within the upazila.

To create a supportive environment for women’s rights, the project will conduct mass awareness programs engaging key secondary stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders, school teachers, and religious leaders.

Additionally, CDS will provide training to engage vulnerable women in various income-generating activities (such as tailoring and date-palm leaf handicrafts) by enhancing their technical knowledge and entrepreneurship skills. CDS will also organize these women to increase their awareness of women’s rights, human rights, and gender equality through targeted training sessions, awareness day observances, and courtyard meetings.

10. Early Childhood Education for Children from Underprivileged Families & Vocational Training for Their Mothers

The early childhood education component is designed for children aged 4 and above, while the vocational training targets mothers or adolescent girls from the same families.

11. Establishment of Children’s Learning Centers (CLC)

A total of 10 Children’s Learning Centers (CLCs) have been established to provide basic education to underprivileged and vulnerable children aged 4 and above. Each center is managed by one teacher who conducts a daily two-hour class, six days a week, over a 12-month period. Initially set up for a two-year duration, the initiative employs 10 teachers in its first year to enroll 200 children, with each center accommodating 20 students selected based on eligibility criteria (e.g., socioeconomic need).

Upon completing the full year’s curriculum, students graduate and are transitioned into formal government primary schools. In the second year, a new cohort of children is enrolled following the same process.

CDS equips every center with essential teaching supplies—including blackboards, chalk, and dusters—and provides students with all necessary learning and writing materials. Furthermore, CDS project staff work closely with parents and local education authorities to build strong linkages, ensuring all graduating students successfully enroll in government primary schools.

12. Methodologies of Early Childhood Literacy

Curriculum and Teacher Guidelines for Classroom Management & Facilitation

In alignment with the early childhood and pre-primary operational standard framework, trained teachers and supervisors will receive orientation and skill enhancement on the yearly syllabus, lesson plans, and daily routines to ensure high-quality instruction. Age-appropriate teaching materials, toys, and games tailored for children aged 4 and above will be used to create a joyful learning environment.

The syllabus is designed to achieve core competencies in early childhood development and pre-primary education, covering key developmental domains:

• Language Skill Development
• Cognitive Skill Development
• Psycho-Social Skill Development
• Physical Skill Development

Structured into weekly and monthly lessons, the curriculum focuses on early literacy (Bangla and English), basic mathematics, and introductory science to stimulate children’s natural curiosity through interactive learning.

Core Literacy & Numeracy Competencies

• Emergent Literacy: Focuses on five essential skills, including rich vocabulary building through active conversation, letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and imaginative thinking.
• Emergent Math (Numeracy): Covers logical operations and spatial reasoning, such as counting, pattern construction, shape identification, estimation, measurement, comparison, classification, sorting, addition, subtraction, scoring, and time concepts.

Daily Routine & Motor Skill Activities

To support both gross and fine motor skill development, the structured daily routine includes:

• Reception and morning greetings
• The national anthem, daily oath, and light physical exercise
• Morning meetings covering daily news and a “Question of the Day”
• Rhymes, recitations, writing, and drawing practice
• Language games and dialogic reading
• Outdoor games, free play in activity corners, regular math activities, and weekly cultural events

Interactive Media & Community Engagement

Young children learn effectively through relatable educational programming. Episodes from popular series like Sisimpur and Meena will be integrated into the curriculum to teach alphabets, rhymes, personal hygiene, gender equity, inclusive education, socialization, and emotional intelligence. Guided by daily and weekly schedules, the program will feature 30 episodes of Sisimpur and 15 episodes of Meena across the implementation cycle.

In alignment with national initiatives led by the Directorate of Primary Education, CDS will organize and celebrate National Meena Day and the Sisimpur Festival, documenting these annual events as part of the project milestones.

➡️Major Program Activities

1. Parenting Sessions and Reading for Children: Conducting interactive guidance sessions for parents alongside child reading activities.
2. Dialogic Reading for Children: Facilitating shared reading sessions to encourage child engagement and vocabulary development.
3. Recreational Activities: Organizing play, sports, and creative exercises to support holistic child development.
4. Health & Nutrition Education for Mothers: Providing training and awareness on maternal healthcare, dietary practices, and wellness.
5. Primary & Secondary Vision Screening: Conducting eye health checkups to identify and address vision issues early.
6. Educational & Writing Material Distribution: Providing essential books, stationery, and learning supplies to students. (Completed missing item)
7. Mid-Day Meal Support & Nourishment: Offering nutritious meals and snacks to support children’s health and daily attendance.
8. Observance of Child Rights Day: Organizing awareness events and activities to promote and safeguard children’s rights.
9. Sisimpur & Meena Exhibitions: Hosting interactive media screenings and events using popular educational characters to promote learning.
10. Child Health & Nutrition Behavior Change: Driving community campaigns to encourage healthy lifestyle habits and hygiene practices.
11. Micronutrient Supplementation & Community Education: Distributing essential vitamins/minerals alongside health and nutrition guidance in the community.
12. Teachers’ Meetings: Holding regular coordination and training meetings to monitor teaching quality and track student progress.