Society for Sylhet Resources Advancement Community (SRAC),

we adopt a holistic, inclusive approach to community development that prioritizes the most vulnerable segments of society—particularly the ultra-poor, women, children, and marginalized groups. Our approach is underpinned by a deep commitment to creating self-reliant, empowered communities through a variety of targeted programs. SRAC’s interventions are designed to alleviate poverty, enhance livelihoods, promote gender equity, and ensure long-term sustainability for those we serve.

1. Community-Centric Development

• Empowering Local Communities: Our approach emphasizes community ownership, ensuring that local populations are at the heart of our programs. We believe that community participation is essential for the sustainability and success of development initiatives. By actively involving community members in decision-making processes, we ensure that interventions align with their actual needs.
• Inclusive Engagement: SRAC’s projects target vulnerable and marginalized communities, including the ultra-poor, women, children, and people with disabilities. We work to ensure that these groups are not left behind in the development process.

2. Focus on Women and Children’s Empowerment

• Promoting Gender Equity: SRAC places a strong emphasis on gender equality and the empowerment of women in all aspects of its work. We provide specialized support for women’s leadership development, economic independence, and socio-political participation.
• Children’s Welfare: We believe in providing quality education and child protection services to ensure that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, has an opportunity to thrive. Programs related to child rights awareness and access to education are key priorities for SRAC.

3. Livelihood Development and Economic Empowerment

• Skills Training and Capacity Building: A major focus of SRAC is on developing the skills of youth, especially women, and marginalized groups. Through a variety of vocational training programs, we equip individuals with the tools they need to secure stable livelihoods. These skills range from entrepreneurship development, agriculture, and craft production to information technology and health care.
• Sustainable Income Generation: In addition to skills training, SRAC facilitates microfinance and small business development programs to help individuals, particularly women, launch and sustain their own businesses. By improving access to credit and financial literacy, SRAC helps empower families to move beyond subsistence-level survival and into economic independence.
• Agricultural Support: Given the importance of agriculture in rural Bangladesh, SRAC actively promotes sustainable agricultural practices to improve food security and income levels in rural communities. We provide training on modern farming techniques, organic farming, and climate-smart agriculture, which also contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.

4. Health and Well-Being

• Access to Healthcare: Health is a critical component of SRAC’s development model. We focus on increasing access to basic health services and preventative healthcare. Our programs address maternal health, child nutrition, and sanitation, and we advocate for improved healthcare policies at local and national levels.
• Community Health Education: In addition to providing medical services, SRAC conducts awareness campaigns to promote healthy living and preventive care. These initiatives focus on combating prevalent issues such as malnutrition, communicable diseases, and hygiene practices in underserved communities.
• Health Screening and Treatment: SRAC organizes health camps and provides regular medical check-ups and treatment for various diseases, focusing on marginalized populations who lack access to healthcare facilities. We also emphasize mental health support through community-based approaches.

5. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)

• Improving Water Accessibility: SRAC works to improve access to safe, clean water in rural and peri-urban areas where water scarcity and contamination are major challenges. Our water supply systems, including hand pumps, tube wells, and rainwater harvesting systems, are designed to provide communities with a consistent source of safe drinking water.
• Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion: SRAC focuses on the construction of latrines and toilets, especially for women and children, in areas where sanitation facilities are lacking. We also provide hygiene education to promote handwashing and safe practices around water use, reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases.
• Community Health Infrastructure: As part of our WASH initiatives, we build community-level health infrastructures such as health posts and community health centers to ensure better health outcomes.

6. Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resilience

• Climate Change Awareness: SRAC recognizes the impact of climate change on rural communities in Bangladesh, particularly in flood-prone and coastal regions. Our climate change adaptation programs help communities understand climate risks and prepare for changing weather patterns.
• Promoting Sustainable Agriculture: In line with our environmental focus, SRAC promotes climate-resilient agricultural practices that reduce environmental degradation and enhance food security. We work with local farmers to implement soil conservation techniques and organic farming practices.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: In addition to addressing climate change, SRAC focuses on disaster preparedness and risk mitigation. This includes training local communities to respond to natural disasters such as floods and cyclones, minimizing loss of life and property.

7. Social Protection and Rights Advocacy

• Advocacy for Human Rights: SRAC advocates for the protection and promotion of human rights, focusing on issues such as land rights, disability rights, and the rights of marginalized groups. We work with local and national governments to ensure that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard.
• Social Safety Nets: SRAC supports the development of social safety nets to help reduce vulnerability among low-income groups. This includes cash transfer programs, food aid, and child protection services, ensuring that basic needs are met in times of crisis.

8. Collaboration with Stakeholders

• Partnership with Local and International Organizations: SRAC believes in the power of partnerships to amplify the impact of our work. We collaborate with various local NGOs, international development agencies, and government bodies to implement our programs efficiently and at scale.
• Engagement with Donors and Government: SRAC works closely with government agencies and donor organizations to ensure that our projects align with national priorities and that funding is used effectively. We adhere to stringent financial and reporting standards, ensuring transparency and accountability.

9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

• Continuous Monitoring and Assessment: SRAC places high value on the monitoring and evaluation of our programs. We employ data-driven approaches to track progress, identify challenges, and make improvements. Our MEL systems ensure that our interventions are relevant, effective, and responsive to community needs.
• Learning and Adaptation: We actively seek feedback from communities, partners, and stakeholders to adapt our approaches and improve the outcomes of our projects. This process of continuous learning helps us refine our strategies and maximize our impact.