The Guild PROJECT UPDATE  Christian Aid Action for the Advasi February 2009 The Guild Project has enabled the Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB) to extend its work among some of the poorest people within that country – the Adivasi or tribal people. It works to address the lack of representation of the poor and marginalised, especially the unequal development of men and women, where women and girls are more likely to lose out on healthcare and education. Many people are training by CCDB in new skills, and some have, in turn, gone onto train others. One was encouraged to set up a social movement to campaign against child marriage and dowries. There has been an increasing number of women participating in forums and taking on leadership roles in their communities November 2008 CA’s latest update tells the story of Lalmumsum Lusai, who has become a prosperous gardener. His father died a few years ago and he became a member of the People Institution forum as a result. He has to support the large family and support his siblings thorugh school. He has succeeded in successful growing crops on land he bought in 1994 and now grows pineapples – a major source of his income. With that he can support his wider family, as well as care for and educate his own children. September 2008 This update reports on the discrimination affecting the adivasi people – often, they cannot even sell their produce at bazaars because of discrimination. The CCDB have tried to help end this by setting up meetings between different community groups to encourage greater understanding. This part of the year in Bangladesh in called ‘monga’ – the time of year when last year’s harvest is running out and there is still a while to go before the next one. CCDB gives help where it can by handing out rice – last year 4000 families were supported in this way. CCDB also helps with lee well known activities – such as musical groups which helps keep the culture alive. CCDB have built 55 schools near the adivasi to encourage parents to send children there instead of to work. Teachers there are also adivasi – education is raising people’s expectations. January 2008 In November, tropical cyclone Sidr hit 30 districts in southern Bangladesh. Winds of over 155 mph affected more than 8 million people, killing over 3000 and destroying 1.2 million homes. The CCDB had built cyclone shelters following the 1991 cyclone and local communities had been trained to use early warning systems. CA partners moved over 100,000 people to safety before the cyclone struck. CCDB were able to help in the aftermath with the provision of food and medicine, cash and water purification tablets to 3,500 families. David Baroi feels that many in Bangladesh are reaping the results of climate change – cyclones seem to be increasing in severity. Adiviasi people are particularly vulnerable as their communities are often by the coast. The Christian Aid report, ‘The Human Face of Climate Change’ is available on their website. This update also contains a case study about a farming family, who were affected by the flooding in August, then again by the November cyclone. The farmer borrowed money for seed, but interest has grown and as well as losing everything, he also cant pay back the moneylender. November 2007 The Adivasi people of Bangladesh live with racism and discrimination from the Bengali community which makes it hard to participate in day to day aspects of the life of the wider community. The Adivasi grow good quality crops which are snapped up at market, but if they make them into food to sell. it will not be bought, because they have ‘touched’ it. CCDB realised that previous development work hadn’t respected the life and culture of the people, and so the CCDB have tried to be more positive. Their programme is designed to address the problems while respecting their heritage. CCDB help the Adviasi promote the skills they have, such as in agriculture. There has been considerable de-forestation so CCDB and the Adivasi have planted over 25,000 trees. They have also trained 528 people in composting and over 600 in eco farming. Training has also been given in electronics and forestry. Through the para-sangatham savings groups people have been given loans to set up their own businesses – ie bicycle repair business. September 2007 This update included a ‘thank you’ from David Baroi, who had visited Scotland, from Bangladesh, to talk about the work of the project. He reported how the Guild funding had enabled a number of self-help groups to operate: running a community bank which is funding income generating projects like cow, goat and pig rearing; and training for driving, electronics, nursing etc. Education in the area for the children has also improved. David also reported on the effects global warming has on regions such as Bangladesh. He noted how 20-30 million people could be affected. Farmers, who worked to six seasons now have to work to four, which affects the crops and when they can harvest. Some areas have too much water and some have too little. Christian Aid are running a campaign to combat climate change. Contact them for more information. February 2007 This update reports that Bangladesh is currently in a state of emergency – there have been curfews and running battles with police. Transport blockades have cut off most of the main towns and cities. This unrest is due to uncertainty surrounding the forth coming elections. This is causing problems for those on low incomes – subsistence farmers depend on being able to take their wares to town for sale. Winters are normally short in Bangladesh and fairly mild – however, this year the cold weather has claimed 118 lives – CA’s partner agency (CCDB) has been active distributing blankets and warm clothing. CCDB is now embarking on the second phase of a 12 year programme – this is to about a sustainable change in the lives of over 3 million people. It seeks to empower communities to run and claim their own rights and are encouraged to unite to tackle various issues. An example of this is the village water councils – the agency, rather than just give wells, encourages the setting up of a council to lobby local government for a water supply, having discussed what is most useful for their community. November 2006 The latest update includes the story of two villages in north east Bangladesh. Their land, on which they grow rice, vegetables, wheat and mustard is under threat as coal has been discovered there. The villagers face eviction from their land. The company, Asia Energy, who have working in an area which covers 100 villages, promise compensation but villagers remain sceptical. There are also serious environmental concerns about this development. The update also reports on how a woman’s life was changed by a small loan from Christian Aid’s partner organisation, CCDB. She was able to put a proper tin roof on her home. She can pay it back in small manageable amounts. This keeps the Adivasi people, who have no tradition of saving, keep away from money lenders where the debt would spiral out of control. September 2006 The first update from Christian Aid focussed on the small groups that communities are encouraged to form – Para Sangthams. These people’s organisations are a source of strength and empowerment and they meet regularly to talk through problems. Some become small credit unions. For example, a small loan helped one family buy a goat which he later sold for a profit. They were able to buy food and books for their son. The Adivasi people are among the poorest in the world – often loving on less that $1 a day. 72% of children are malnourished. Health workers are trained to spot malnutrition in young children and help them with supplements and education for their parents.