On September 15th, BRAC's Chairperson Sir Fazle Hasan Abed and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Amartya Sen had a discussion on "Breakthrough Development: Linking theory and practice."
The conversation was moderated by BRAC USA Chair Dr. Lincoln Chen and joined by a small audience comprised of leading academics, philanthropists, and human development practitioners. Many of our newsletter subscribers joined in on the conversation via webinar.
If you didn't get the chance to join in, you can watch the video of the event here:
Watch A Discussion with BRAC Founder and Chairperson Sir F. H. Abed and Amartya Sen in Activism & Non-Profit | View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
BRAC Chairperson speaks to Bangladeshi Diaspora Community in New York
On Saturday September 25, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, spoke to members of the Bangladeshi diaspora community at the Dhaka Club in Queens, New York. Organized by Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed who is an Associate Professor at the Drexel University College of Medicine, the event was a tremendous display of support for BRAC by Bangladeshi expatriates. Sir Fazle took the opportunity to discuss with the community exciting new projects run by BRAC in Bangladesh. In partnership with UK based NGO Sightsavers, BRAC aims to help the 600,000 adults and 40,000 children who suffer from this type of blindness. The Bangladeshi community showed their support through generous contributions to Vision Bangladesh. Lady Sarwat Abed took the opportunity to speak to the Bangladeshi diaspora community about the Medha Bikash program which provides education to the brightest and poorest of children who would otherwise not have the opportunity.
The Bangladeshi community asked Sir Fazle how BRAC is addressing many of the issues near and dear to their hearts ranging from child mortality to the building of trauma centers. Sir Fazle highlighted the Kangaroo Mother Care Program as one example of a BRAC program aimed at reducing child mortality. In response to one audience member's concern about the lack of a trauma center in Dhaka, Sir Fazle stressed the need for educating the population about road safety, emphasizing that BRAC's attitude towards this particular issue is proactive and preventative rather than reactive. Many members of the audience expressed interest in working in partnership with BRAC. Sir Fazle affirmed BRAC's commitment to providing both strategic and moral support for these projects.
In her address, Susan Davis, President and CEO of BRAC USA, spoke of her formative experiences in Bangladesh and explained how Bangladesh has been the "Silicon Valley of innovation" for economic development and social enterprise. She closed the discussion by urging all members of the Bangladeshi diaspora community to share BRAC's work and to continue their involvement with BRAC.
The Bangladeshi community asked Sir Fazle how BRAC is addressing many of the issues near and dear to their hearts ranging from child mortality to the building of trauma centers. Sir Fazle highlighted the Kangaroo Mother Care Program as one example of a BRAC program aimed at reducing child mortality. In response to one audience member's concern about the lack of a trauma center in Dhaka, Sir Fazle stressed the need for educating the population about road safety, emphasizing that BRAC's attitude towards this particular issue is proactive and preventative rather than reactive. Many members of the audience expressed interest in working in partnership with BRAC. Sir Fazle affirmed BRAC's commitment to providing both strategic and moral support for these projects.
In her address, Susan Davis, President and CEO of BRAC USA, spoke of her formative experiences in Bangladesh and explained how Bangladesh has been the "Silicon Valley of innovation" for economic development and social enterprise. She closed the discussion by urging all members of the Bangladeshi diaspora community to share BRAC's work and to continue their involvement with BRAC.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
BRAC announces $700 million commitment to help end maternal and child mortality
Commitment to help countries achieve the 4th and 5th Millennium Development Goals
Today at the United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Summit Special Event on the Global Strategy for Women’s and Children’s Health, BRAC founder and chairperson Sir Fazle Hasan Abed pledged to mobilize $700 million over the next five years to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals of reducing child and maternal mortality and saving the lives of millions of the worlds most vulnerable in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Southern Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Haiti.
“Over the last few years, BRAC’s health program in Bangladesh has generated significant reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality,” said Sir Fazle. BRAC has been providing support to pregnant women in rural Bangladesh and more recently in urban Bangladesh with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “We want to improve women’s and children’s health not only to reach the MDGs by 2015 but to exceed them,” said Sir Fazle.
Every year, 8 million children die preventable deaths – 3.2 million die less than a month after they are born – and 500,000 women die in childbirth in the world’s poorest countries. The UN’s latest figures demonstrate progress is being made: the number of child deaths per day has declined to 22,000 - 12,000 fewer per day than in 1990. Nonetheless, only 9 of 64 countries with the highest mortality of children under 5 are on track to meet their goals for reducing child deaths by 2015.
Sir Fazle said, “Guided by the conviction that all lives have equal value, we must do all we can to stop the unnecessary deaths of mothers and babies. We can harness the advances in science and technology to save lives – not just in rich countries – but everywhere.”
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Haiti Adolescent Girls Network receives recognition at Clinton Global Initiative
The Haiti Adolescent Girls Network, a coalition of humanitarian organizations cofounded by AmeriCares and the Population Council and including BRAC affiliate BRAC USA, today received high level recognition for its efforts to reduce girls’ risks of poverty, violence and rape. The Network’s exemplary collaboration and commitment to empower and protect Haitian girls was featured during the opening plenary session of the 2010 Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting held in New York City.
The innovative program was launched with leadership support from Nike Foundation, Abundance Foundation, NoVo Foundation, United Nations Foundation and Partridge Trust.
The earthquake that shattered Haiti in last January left more than 3.7 million Haitians in need of humanitarian assistance. The quake not only leveled buildings, but damaged already weak institutions and exacerbated the acute challenges facing women and children stemming from decades of political insecurity and recurrent natural disasters in that country. The earthquake orphaned thousands of children and separated thousands more from their parents.
Prior to the earthquake, 42% of girls in urban areas aged 10-14 years old lived without parents. The numbers have increased since January leaving girls as young as 10 to provide for their younger siblings.
With so much responsibility thrust upon them at such a young age, the girls are at risk of not finishing school and being caught in the cycle of poverty. Even worse, living in displacement camps and slums, girls are now especially vulnerable to violence.
A recent survey conducted by INURED, a local Haitian research organization, reported that 14% of the residents of Port-au-Prince’s largest shantytown, Cite Soleil, witnessed or experienced violence, including beatings and rape. The study also reported that it is common for girls living in relief camps to resort to trading sex for food and shelter.
The Haiti Adolescent Girls Network is spearheading a movement to bring groups of at-risk girls together at least weekly in dedicated girls-only, safe spaces. “We are empowering adolescent girls to secure their rights and health, receive psychological support, continue their education and find safe and productive livelihoods. As their future is reconfigured so are the families they support and the communities in which they live,” said Judith Bruce, Senior Associate and Policy Analyst at the Population Council.
The Haiti Adolescent Girls Network was founded on the possibility that even in times of violence and tragedy, the most extraordinary results can be achieved through collaboration and a common vision. The organizations in the Network are committed to increasing awareness among humanitarian responders and service providers about the distinctive and critical needs of adolescent girls in the post-earthquake Haiti.
“Having a diverse group of local and international organizations come together with a shared vision is incredibly powerful. We invite others to join this collaborative effort. Together we can reduce risk and create opportunity for girls, and put them at the forefront of building back a better Haiti,” Curt Welling, President and CEO of AmeriCares, said.
Haiti Adolescent Girls Network
* Abundance Foundation
* AmeriCares
* APROSIFA
* BRAC USA
* EarthSpark International
* International Medical Corps
* International Rescue Committee
* International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere
* Making Cents International
* Nike Foundation
* NoVo Foundation
* Partridge Trust
* Population Council
* Profamil
* Save the Children
* St. Boniface Haiti Foundation
* United Nations Foundation
The innovative program was launched with leadership support from Nike Foundation, Abundance Foundation, NoVo Foundation, United Nations Foundation and Partridge Trust.
The earthquake that shattered Haiti in last January left more than 3.7 million Haitians in need of humanitarian assistance. The quake not only leveled buildings, but damaged already weak institutions and exacerbated the acute challenges facing women and children stemming from decades of political insecurity and recurrent natural disasters in that country. The earthquake orphaned thousands of children and separated thousands more from their parents.
Prior to the earthquake, 42% of girls in urban areas aged 10-14 years old lived without parents. The numbers have increased since January leaving girls as young as 10 to provide for their younger siblings.
With so much responsibility thrust upon them at such a young age, the girls are at risk of not finishing school and being caught in the cycle of poverty. Even worse, living in displacement camps and slums, girls are now especially vulnerable to violence.
A recent survey conducted by INURED, a local Haitian research organization, reported that 14% of the residents of Port-au-Prince’s largest shantytown, Cite Soleil, witnessed or experienced violence, including beatings and rape. The study also reported that it is common for girls living in relief camps to resort to trading sex for food and shelter.
The Haiti Adolescent Girls Network is spearheading a movement to bring groups of at-risk girls together at least weekly in dedicated girls-only, safe spaces. “We are empowering adolescent girls to secure their rights and health, receive psychological support, continue their education and find safe and productive livelihoods. As their future is reconfigured so are the families they support and the communities in which they live,” said Judith Bruce, Senior Associate and Policy Analyst at the Population Council.
The Haiti Adolescent Girls Network was founded on the possibility that even in times of violence and tragedy, the most extraordinary results can be achieved through collaboration and a common vision. The organizations in the Network are committed to increasing awareness among humanitarian responders and service providers about the distinctive and critical needs of adolescent girls in the post-earthquake Haiti.
“Having a diverse group of local and international organizations come together with a shared vision is incredibly powerful. We invite others to join this collaborative effort. Together we can reduce risk and create opportunity for girls, and put them at the forefront of building back a better Haiti,” Curt Welling, President and CEO of AmeriCares, said.
Haiti Adolescent Girls Network
* Abundance Foundation
* AmeriCares
* APROSIFA
* BRAC USA
* EarthSpark International
* International Medical Corps
* International Rescue Committee
* International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere
* Making Cents International
* Nike Foundation
* NoVo Foundation
* Partridge Trust
* Population Council
* Profamil
* Save the Children
* St. Boniface Haiti Foundation
* United Nations Foundation
Monday, September 20, 2010
BRAC and American Pakistan Foundation (APF) Join Hands in Post-Flood Rehabilitation Efforts in Pakistan
Almost 21 million people are now reported as having been directly affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. With 23 out of 94 BRAC Pakistan’s microfinance branches affected by the flooding, BRAC is close to the people and communities that have been suffering as the disaster began to unfold in July.
“The rains started on July 28th and within the weekend 9 out of 12 of our microfinance branches were flooded,” said Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC. He noted that “As a NGO that originated in Bangladesh, we are very familiar with floods and cyclones. We have worked on emergencies for many years. In Pakistan BRAC started relief work immediately. People had lost everything and they needed us to help them.”
BRAC Pakistan launched relief efforts using its institutional knowledge of emergency relief, and its network of community volunteers to identify and provide support to communities in greatest need benefiting over 200,000 people.
As the flood waters recede, rebuilding the lives of those who have most suffered will be the primary focus of the BRAC partnership with the American Pakistan Foundation.
Mr. Awais Khan, CEO of the American Pakistan Foundation, said “We want to ensure that people recover their assets and their ability to earn an income so they can regain their dignity. We are confident that our partnership with BRAC is a great step towards this recovery effort.”
The American Pakistan Foundation will be supporting BRAC, through its U.S. affiliate BRAC USA, to start livelihood recovery efforts across three districts in the Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan. The program will enable 200 households, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized, who have been completely devastated by the disaster, to recover their assets and livelihoods.
Susan Davis, President & CEO of BRAC USA, stated that “BRAC is committed to working with the flood affected communities and for Pakistan’s development.” She said, “We are very pleased to partner with the American Pakistan Foundation, because of its deep and long term commitment to the country.” Ms. Davis added that “BRAC USA encourages people to join this partnership and text BRAC to 20222 to give $10 through their cell phone. We hope to work together to mobilize wider support and empathy for the plight of those suffering from conflict and disaster, and generate greater action.”
About BRAC
BRAC, the largest non-profit in the developing world, was launched in Bangladesh in 1972 and currently touches the lives of more than 138 million people through its programs addressing poverty including micro-loans, education, health services, self-employment opportunities and human rights education. BRAC has provided $6.7 billion in micro-loans to nearly eight million borrowers, mostly women, and created 9 million self-employment opportunities. BRAC’s 84,000 community health promoters have provided basic health services to nearly 100 million people. Currently, BRAC has programs in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Haiti, Liberia, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Southern Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Uganda.
BRAC began operations in Pakistan in 2007 through a microfinance program. It serves over 106,000 members in 94 branches. It has cumulatively disbursed $18 million in loans averaging $161 and has loans outstanding of $7.7 million. In addition to microfinance, BRAC now operates programs in health and education. Through its almost 1,000 staff, BRAC is currently serving about 437,465 people in 14 districts across four provinces.
BRAC USA is a 501(c)3 affiliate in New York. To learn more about BRAC, please visit www.bracusa.org.
About American Pakistan Foundation
Founded and led by Pakistani-Americans and friends of Pakistan at a critical moment in Pakistan's history, the American Foundation (APF) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the social and economic condition of the people of Pakistan APF's mission is to expand development initiatives in education, public health, social entrepreneurship and poverty-alleviation with a vision to advance mutual understanding between the peoples of the US and Pakistan. APF is a focused effort on developing a secure and transparent channel for effectively mobilizing greater public and private resources from the Pakistani Diaspora and friends of Pakistan to expand the most credible and effective programs dedicated to Pakistan's social and economic development.
For more information, please visit www.americanpakistan.org.
“The rains started on July 28th and within the weekend 9 out of 12 of our microfinance branches were flooded,” said Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Founder and Chairperson of BRAC. He noted that “As a NGO that originated in Bangladesh, we are very familiar with floods and cyclones. We have worked on emergencies for many years. In Pakistan BRAC started relief work immediately. People had lost everything and they needed us to help them.”
BRAC Pakistan launched relief efforts using its institutional knowledge of emergency relief, and its network of community volunteers to identify and provide support to communities in greatest need benefiting over 200,000 people.
As the flood waters recede, rebuilding the lives of those who have most suffered will be the primary focus of the BRAC partnership with the American Pakistan Foundation.
Mr. Awais Khan, CEO of the American Pakistan Foundation, said “We want to ensure that people recover their assets and their ability to earn an income so they can regain their dignity. We are confident that our partnership with BRAC is a great step towards this recovery effort.”
The American Pakistan Foundation will be supporting BRAC, through its U.S. affiliate BRAC USA, to start livelihood recovery efforts across three districts in the Khyber Pakhtunwa province of Pakistan. The program will enable 200 households, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalized, who have been completely devastated by the disaster, to recover their assets and livelihoods.
Susan Davis, President & CEO of BRAC USA, stated that “BRAC is committed to working with the flood affected communities and for Pakistan’s development.” She said, “We are very pleased to partner with the American Pakistan Foundation, because of its deep and long term commitment to the country.” Ms. Davis added that “BRAC USA encourages people to join this partnership and text BRAC to 20222 to give $10 through their cell phone. We hope to work together to mobilize wider support and empathy for the plight of those suffering from conflict and disaster, and generate greater action.”
About BRAC
BRAC, the largest non-profit in the developing world, was launched in Bangladesh in 1972 and currently touches the lives of more than 138 million people through its programs addressing poverty including micro-loans, education, health services, self-employment opportunities and human rights education. BRAC has provided $6.7 billion in micro-loans to nearly eight million borrowers, mostly women, and created 9 million self-employment opportunities. BRAC’s 84,000 community health promoters have provided basic health services to nearly 100 million people. Currently, BRAC has programs in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Haiti, Liberia, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Southern Sudan, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Uganda.
BRAC began operations in Pakistan in 2007 through a microfinance program. It serves over 106,000 members in 94 branches. It has cumulatively disbursed $18 million in loans averaging $161 and has loans outstanding of $7.7 million. In addition to microfinance, BRAC now operates programs in health and education. Through its almost 1,000 staff, BRAC is currently serving about 437,465 people in 14 districts across four provinces.
BRAC USA is a 501(c)3 affiliate in New York. To learn more about BRAC, please visit www.bracusa.org.
About American Pakistan Foundation
Founded and led by Pakistani-Americans and friends of Pakistan at a critical moment in Pakistan's history, the American Foundation (APF) is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the social and economic condition of the people of Pakistan APF's mission is to expand development initiatives in education, public health, social entrepreneurship and poverty-alleviation with a vision to advance mutual understanding between the peoples of the US and Pakistan. APF is a focused effort on developing a secure and transparent channel for effectively mobilizing greater public and private resources from the Pakistani Diaspora and friends of Pakistan to expand the most credible and effective programs dedicated to Pakistan's social and economic development.
For more information, please visit www.americanpakistan.org.
Eyes on Africa helps Haiti with wine
The Eyes on Africa Foundation, in a unique show of the Ubuntu spirit, mobilized its support base and love of wine to raise money to support BRAC's work in Haiti.
Thanks to select Advantage suppliers, people from across the country were able to support the cause by purchasing specific brands of wine for which the proceeds were donated to Eyes on Africa Foundation. With the help of both the suppliers and those who directed their purchases to support Haiti, the Foundation was able to raise $4,000.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Foundation and everyone who supported their fundraising effort. We hope you enjoy the wine!
About the Eyes on Africa Foundation
The Eyes on Africa Foundation was founded in 2007. After Jeff Lakusta (founder and CEO) returned from South Africa on a medical trip, he felt deeply humbled and inspired to do what he could to delivery change to the region, no matter how little. This little spark led to the creation of the Eyes on Africa Foundation. It is based on the simple idea of connecting students around the world to leverage the resources on their campuses to support a common mission. Students who come forward to help Eyes on Africa are assigned as ‘campus coordinators’ for their university and are asked to raise awareness, host events, and put on fundraisers at their respective university.
Click here to read more about the Eyes on Africa Foundation.
Thanks to select Advantage suppliers, people from across the country were able to support the cause by purchasing specific brands of wine for which the proceeds were donated to Eyes on Africa Foundation. With the help of both the suppliers and those who directed their purchases to support Haiti, the Foundation was able to raise $4,000.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Foundation and everyone who supported their fundraising effort. We hope you enjoy the wine!
About the Eyes on Africa Foundation
The Eyes on Africa Foundation was founded in 2007. After Jeff Lakusta (founder and CEO) returned from South Africa on a medical trip, he felt deeply humbled and inspired to do what he could to delivery change to the region, no matter how little. This little spark led to the creation of the Eyes on Africa Foundation. It is based on the simple idea of connecting students around the world to leverage the resources on their campuses to support a common mission. Students who come forward to help Eyes on Africa are assigned as ‘campus coordinators’ for their university and are asked to raise awareness, host events, and put on fundraisers at their respective university.
Click here to read more about the Eyes on Africa Foundation.
Friday, September 17, 2010
BRAC opens its limb and brace center in Haiti
This week, BRAC was finally able to open its limb and brace center and began serving patients in Haiti.
We had 10 patients come to the Center on the first day, as well as a few other guest and supporters, including the Haitian Secretary of State for the Inclusion of Persons with disabilities, Dr. Michel Pean. Here are some pictures from opening day:
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| One of our Limb and Brace Center staff fits a young girl for a prosthetic leg. |
We had 10 patients come to the Center on the first day, as well as a few other guest and supporters, including the Haitian Secretary of State for the Inclusion of Persons with disabilities, Dr. Michel Pean. Here are some pictures from opening day:
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| Our staff from the Limb and Brace Center in Bangladesh trains the new Haitian staff to make and fit limbs and braces |
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| The Limb and Brace Center workshop, where artificial limbs and braces will be custom built for patients using cost-efficient and durable polypropylene technology |
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| Dr. Ripon, the head of BRAC's Limb and Brace Center, with Secretary of State for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities Dr. Michel Pean and his assistants. |
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Amra Shakti Shalli - We Are Powerful
BRAC Intern, Annie Escobar, recently returned from a two-month internship in Bangladesh where she, along with Intern Patricia Schneidewind, created a web-based storytelling platform based around social and legal empowerment for several departments at BRAC.
Since returning, Annie has created a profoundly moving short video which shows the courage of Bangladeshi women to find and express their own voices. The women, members of BRAC, received various forms of training and education from BRAC and now have the capacity and knowledge to resist exploitation. The video has been entered into the View Change Film Contest, an online competition in which the winning video is selected by the number of votes it receives. We at BRAC USA, are thrilled to support Annie in this endeavor. The contest continues until September 15, 2010. We strongly encourage you to view the video, vote and spread the the word.
Since returning, Annie has created a profoundly moving short video which shows the courage of Bangladeshi women to find and express their own voices. The women, members of BRAC, received various forms of training and education from BRAC and now have the capacity and knowledge to resist exploitation. The video has been entered into the View Change Film Contest, an online competition in which the winning video is selected by the number of votes it receives. We at BRAC USA, are thrilled to support Annie in this endeavor. The contest continues until September 15, 2010. We strongly encourage you to view the video, vote and spread the the word.
BRAC now providing relief to 150,000 people in Pakistan
BRAC Pakistan initiated its relief effort for the flood victims in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, specifically within the communities in which it operates across Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera. As the floods moved south, BRAC has expanded its relief work into the provinces of Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan.
Using its community organizers and microfinance credit officers, BRAC Pakistan is now is providing relief to roughly 150,000 people through the following key activities:
Using its community organizers and microfinance credit officers, BRAC Pakistan is now is providing relief to roughly 150,000 people through the following key activities:
- Distribution of relief packages in the immediate aftermath of the floods. These packets include dry food rations of flour and lentils, bottled water and oral rehydration salts. The relief focus has reached over 78,000 individuals.
- In parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, where the flood waters haves receded, BRAC is supporting families returning to flood ravaged homes by providing recovery package that include mosquito nets, plastic mats for sleeping, bottled water and PKS 1,000 in cash grants. So far 4,925 families or 26,000 individuals have been given recovery packages. BRAC is also sinking new tubewells to provide a permanent source of drinking water. So far 73 tubewells have been sunk, and each tubewell serves 50 families.
- BRAC is operating 4 medical camps in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to provide basic healthcare and promote awareness around water borne diseases. The medical team has treated over 12,252 for injuries, jaundice, malaria, acute diarrhea and respiratory infections.
- Cash grants have been given to 1,195 families (7,700 people).
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A gift from my trip to Haiti
This is an adorable 9 year old, Renalde, with her father. She had her leg amputated below the knee after the earthquake. She's one of the people who we'll help get a good fitting prosthesis as soon as the equipment for our Limb and Brace Center gets unpacked from customs. She is pure light and joy and has a way of making the most serious person burst into a radiant smile. Even with her stump, she couldn't stop dancing and singing.
- Susan Davis
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Support Pakistan from your phone!
Starting this week, you can text “BRAC” to 20222 to donate $10 to BRAC’s Pakistan flood relief and rehabilitation efforts.
A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the “BRAC” by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Messaging & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code “20222”; Reply HELP to “20222” for help. Click here to view our Privacy Policy.
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