COAST has initiated two new development projects to increase the socio economic empowerment of the coastal poor
as well as strengthen and ensuring the government’s safety net program for the poor. These projects are going to be implemented in the coastal district of Cox’s Bazar.
COAST Trust organized an inception meeting of the two projects namely ‘Socio Economic Empowerment with Dignity & Sustainability (SEEDS) and ‘Strengthening Government Social Protection (GSP)’ organized at the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) Auditorium of the Cox’s Bazar district on 27th August 2014. The meeting was presided by Professor Mustak Ahmed while the DC of Cox’s Bazar Md. Ruhul Amin was the chief guest. Jacob Kumar Sarker, Country Coordinator of Stromme Foundation (SF) Bangladesh was also present as the Special Guest.
The meeting was moderated by Moqbul Ahmed, Team Leader of COAST. Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of COAST Trust gave the welcome speech while Sonjit Leo Gomes, senior Coordinator-Programme of SF gave the introduction about the mission, vision and activities of SF. Md. Mujibul Haque Munir, Assistant Director of COAST Trust made presentation on both the projects while Moqbul Ahmed presented the introduction of Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), partner of the GSP project.
With the technical and financial support from SF, a Norwegian development organization, COAST will implement the ‘Socio Economic Empowerment with Dignity & Sustainability (SEEDS) in Cox’s Bazar sadar, Ramu and Pekua. The Strengthening Government Social Protection (GSP) will be implemented in the Moheskhali upazila of the Cox’s Bazar district with the support from Manusher Jonno Foundation.
Md. Rahul Amin, DC of Cox’s Bazar said, different NGOs are working along with the government to eradicate poverty from the country. COAST has been doing many good jobs in these areas. He said, collaboration among government and NGOs will have to be in future also to fight against poverty. Transparency and accountability must be ensured in the implementation of these two projects to get maximum benefits out of these two.
Jacob Kumar Sarker said, SF has been working with COAST in the Cox’s Bazar area for a long time. SEEDS project will be implemented in 12 unions under three upazilas of this district. SF believes that, only financial development is not the true development for a family if there is no improvement in terms of education, health and dignity. Along with COAST Trust we are trying to empower poor people, to ensure sustainable development with proper dignity.
Md. Mujibul Haque Munir said, SEEDS will work on the field of income generation, education, adolescent development, child protection etc. The GSP project will work to ensure transparency and accountability in the safety net programs of the government with the effective and active participation and monitoring of the community people.
