City Desk :
Good Neighbors Bangladesh [GNB], an international non-profitable organization, celebrated its 25th founding anniversary, aka, Silver Jubilee at 18th August, 2021. It started interventions with only childcare and agriculture-focused supports in 3 districts in 1996 whereas after successful 25 years GNB has proudly expanded activities in 11 districts with more focused multi-sectoral development approach. As of now, GNB has its presence in 18 project areas and support more than 20,000 sponsored children, their families and community with a variety of interventions- education, health, sponsorship program, economic development, disaster risk management and any emergency response.
In 1996 GNB obtained govt. registration, after that in 2006 GNB started multifunctional interventions- education, health, cooperatives in 4 CDPs, then it expands into 14 Community Development Project (CDPs) in 2016 and finally in 2021 GNB enriched with 16 CDPs, 5Program with Specific Project (PSPs)and21,000 children. GNB targets women, children and youth of community. 2011 is considered as a milestone foreconomic development activities- 14 cooperatives (16,483 women members) registered with relevant local government office.
For ensuring universal education GNB has 8 schools, 158 dream school centers and interventions on reducing child labour, drop out from education and child marriage also. GNB mobilizes and motivates the community for child protection issuesand believes without community engagement development is impossible.Volunteers and youth are another strong work force of GNB and GNB express gratitude for their contribution.
For creating equitable access to primary and public health services, GNB is serving continuously for the community by 14 GNB health care unit and strong health workforce. GNB has skilled 241 community health worker [CHW] for improving maternal and child health in community.Highlighting the public health approach is the main moto of GNB health professionals. From 2018, GNB has started initiatives for addressing the struggles of victims of disaster and climate change and open 2 CDPs in Patuakhali(Kalapara) and Kurigram.
GNB contributes at the level best in COVID-19 pandemic situation.Provide livelihood support, relief goodshygiene kit support among 46,396 families, creation of mass awareness, audio mass campaign, disinfection of local vehicle, telecast GNB COVID-19 awareness message in local and national TV channel, campaign of mobile handwashing booth and mask wearing, support government. in vaccination, facilitation of COVID-19 infected patient treatment has been a crucial part of GNB’s emergency response effort for supporting community people. In response to shortage of diagnostic system and low hospital facilities, GNB installed 8 COVID-19 sample collection booths and strengthened 3 COVID-19 dedicated hospital facilities with partnership.GNB has started distance education by online, telemedicine service with government. registration for supporting the ill people in pandemic.
Regardless regular activities, GNB conducted a variety of special projects. GNB has special project office in Cox’s Bazar for child protection and gender-based violence (GBV) issues, in Kalapara of the Patuakhali district for relief and rehabilitation of the victims of the cyclone Amphan, in Kurigram with WFP for building resilience to achieve zero hunger.GNB conducted a special 3 years ODA project with KOICA in Dinajpur (Bochaganj) with CHWs.
On this 25th anniversary, GNB is grateful to our support countries, particularly South Korea, Japan, Canada and to our partners UNICEF, WFP, KOICA, Australian High Commission, SAMSUNG C&T, JAPAN PLATFORM and Seoul Metropolitan Government for their support and cooperation. Supports from NGO Affairs Bureau and local governments have always been our strength. Also, I am personally grateful to our 300 colleagues and 2,100 volunteers who have exerted special efforts even risking their lives.
GNB believe that with wide vaccination coverage, awareness and maintaining COVID-19 protocol, the pandemic will eradicate and we can go back to our normal life once again. Until then, stay safe, cautious and ensure vaccination for saving our country.
