Annual Report of NSS 2016

People Participation for Social Change

Annual Report 2016 Nazrul Smriti Sangsad-NSS

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Table of Contents 2.

PREFACE .......................................................................................................................................... 5

3.

About the Organization................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Vision of the Organization ................................................................................................................ 6 2.2 Mission of the Organization .............................................................................................................. 6 3.3 Core Values of the Organization ....................................................................................................... 6 2.4 Governance of the Organization ....................................................................................................... 6 2.5 Transparency and Accountability...................................................................................................... 6 4.

Major Projects Overview ................................................................................................................ 7

5.

PROGRAM HIGLIGHTS ..................................................................................................................... 7

5.1 Capacity Development on DRR Climate and Change Adaptation ..................................................... 7 5.1.1 Community Participation to thrive Climate Change through Adapting Sustainable Mechanism in Life and Livelihoods Project ............................................................................................................ 7 5.1.2 Resilience through Economic Empowerment, Climate Adaptation, Leadership and Learning10 5.1.3 Towards nutritional security through building disaster resilient communities in Taltali Upazila in Bangladesh .................................................................................................................................... 17 5.1.3.1 Increased institutional and community capacity for better preparedness and response 18 5.1.3.2 Targeted households and micro entrepreneurs with MSM (Small and Medium sized enterprises) with effective organization and linkage with markets increase their revenue ........ 18 5.1.3.3 Capacities of health workers on management of SAM cases and care practices is reinforced in District Hospital and Upazila Health Complex......................................................... 19 5.2 Rights and Governance ................................................................................................................... 20 5.2.1 Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability (SEBA) ........................................................ 20 5.2.2

Sensitizing Pro-poor Service Promotion Securing Rights and Governance (SPSRG)......... 23

5.3 Reduce Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Women Empowerment .............................................. 33 5.3.1 Protecting Human Rights (PHR) Program ................................................................................ 33 5.4 Advocacy and Networking .............................................................................................................. 39 5.4.1 Girls Advocacy Alliance Project ................................................................................................ 39 5.5 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) .......................................................................................... 40 5.1.1 Enhancing Governance and Capacity of Service Providers and Civil Society in Water Supply and Sanitation Sectors ...................................................................................................................... 40 5.6 Economic Empowerment ................................................................................................................ 42 5.6. 1 Micro Finance.......................................................................................................................... 42 Annual Audit Report 2016 .................................................................................................................... 44

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1. LIST OF ABBREVIATION ACF ANC ARROW ATSEC BDS BNWLA CAP CBO CBRH CC CCA CCCP CCMC CLTS CM CPB CRA CSDI CSG CSO CSR CT DHTW DLAC DPHE DRR DVAW EC EPI GAA GPM GPSA GBV GO FGD FSL FWC ICT IPHN LGI LGSP MHM NACG NGF NGO NNS NPA NRM PC PCVA PF PKSF PNC PHR 3|Page

Action Contre la Faim Antenatal Care Asia-Pacific Resource and Research Center for Women Action against Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children Bangladesh Development Society Bangladesh Women Lawyers Association Community Action Plan Community Based Organization Community Based Rain Water Harvesting Community Clinic Climate Change Adaptation Community Climate Change Project Community Clinic Management Committee Community Led Total Sanitation Child Marriage Cyclone Preparedness Bureau Community Risk Assessment Civil Service Development Institutes Community Support Group Civil Society Organization Corporate Social Responsibility Child Trafficking Deep Hand Tube Well District Legal Aid Committee Directorate of Public Health Engineering Disaster Risk Reduction Domestic Violence Against Women Executive Committee Expanded Program for Immunization Girls Advocacy Alliance Global Precipitation Measurement Global Partnership for Social Accountability Gender Base Violence Government’s Organization Focus Group Discussion Food Security Livelihood Family Welfare Center Information Communication Technology Institute of Public Health and Nutrition Local Government Institutions Local Governance Support Project Menstrual Health Management National Action Coordination Group National Girls Forum Non-Government Organization Non-Nutritive Suck National Plan of Action National Resource Management Project Coordinator Participatory Community Vulnerability Assessment Project Facilitator Palli Karma Shahayak Foundation Post Antenatal Care Protecting Human Rights

PO PTA REE-CALL RMG RTI SAM SEBA SMC SPG SPSRG TO TOC UCF UNICEF UNO UP USAID USTF UVAWC UWC VAW VDC VGD VGF VSLA WaSH WB WHO WHRAP WSTF WWC WWP

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Project Officer Parents Teachers Association Resilience through Economic Empowerment, Climate Adaptation, Leadership and Learning Ready Made Garment Right to Information Severely Acute Malnutrition Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability School Management Committee Social Protection Group Sensitizing Pro-poor Service Promotion Securing Rights and Governance Technical Officer Theory of Change Union Civil Society Forum United Nations International Children Emergency Fund Upazila Nirbahi Officer Union Parishad United States Assistance for International Development Union Sanitation Task Force Union Violence Against Women and Children Committee Union Women Committee Violence Against Women Village Development Committee Vulnerable Group Development Vulnerable Group Feeding Village Savings and Loans Association Water Sanitation and Hygiene World Bank World Health Organization Women Health Rights Advocacy Partnership Ward Sanitation Task Force Women Wash Committee Women Wash Platform

2. PREFACE We have passed another year of our development intervention. Last year was as important as challenging. The year was significant because, the organization got privilege to work with a new donor ACF (Action Contre la Faim) International and on the other hand, it was challenging because, climate change and disaster is a big threat to development of coastal areas. Every year natural disaster like cyclone, flash flood, high tide and river erosion bring a great havoc in the coastal areas. After disaster, the organization extends its helpful hand to the helpless people by trying to mitigate their destruction with its limited resource. Moreover NSS conducting DRR and climate change related projects as a part of development interventions. But mitigating the destruction and rehabilitating of people’s livelihood was challenging.

Oxfam-GB supported project Resilience through Economic Empowerment Climate Adaptation and Leadership Learning (REE-CALL) has going to be completed by next April 2017 and possibly the next phase will continue. On the other hand Plan Bangladesh supported USAID funded project Protecting Human Right-PHR has considerably created a good arena for presenting NSS to community, donors and stakeholders level. We would like to show our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the organizations, networks, and people who gave their helpful hands to successful completion of the missions of these projects. Although the PHR has been phased out on 31st December 2016 another project titled Girls Advocacy Alliance-GAA, funded by Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and supported by Plan International Bangladesh has been started at Barguna Sadar Upazila from September 2016.

During this period we have also completed European Union funded, NGO Forum for Public Health supported “Enhancing Governance and Capacity of Service Providers and Civil Society in Water Supply and Sanitation Sectors” project at Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district and World Bank funded and Pallikarma Shahayak Foundation (PKSF) supported subproject “Community Participation to thrive Climate Change through Adapting Sustainable Mechanism in Life and Livelihoods” under Community Climate Change Project (CCCP).

Our sincere gratitude to all the members of NSS, concerned Government Officials, Upazila Chairmen, Union Parishad Chairmen and Members, Upazila Nirbahi Officers, Police Super, Deputy Commissioners, Divisional Commissioner, MP, development partners, and other stakeholder for their support and cooperation to accomplish the results and the staff members who have been working relentlessly to bring a change in the development sector.

The annual report 2016 has focused not only on what NSS had done during the year but also on crucial issues like constraints and lessons learnt with a view to provide better understanding of NSS's operation and challenges.

NSS is committed to establish a poverty free society and from this commitment, we would like to go ahead and to overcome all obstacles and challenges. We firmly believe that, although the night is as long as dark, the morning sun will rise and it will remove all the darkness and misery of the night.

Shahabuddin Panna Executive Director-NSS

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3. About the Organization Nazrul Smriti Sangsad-NSS, a social development organization established in 1977 after the name of Nazrul Islam, a progressive student leader of Barisal B.M College and a journalist of the Daily Ittefaq who was fighting against poverty and for a society where equal rights will be practiced. To make his dream happen a young, sincere and committed group with full of dedication has started interventions in 2000 to serve the drawback and vulnerable rural people with special attention to women and children.

2.1 Vision of the Organization A dynamic society influencing policies and actions at all levels where people can practice their equal rights and opportunities.

2.2 Mission of the Organization The mission of NSS is to strengthen civil society partnership by enhancing, contributing to policy and stimulating action. Empowerment and capacity building of poor marginalized, ethnic minority and underprivileged people for ensuring participation in policy making process as well as in power structure by improving their socio-economic state. It also emphasizes the gender equity, access and ownership over public resources, transparency and accountability in LGI and CSDI with special attention to basic human rights and rule of law. It promotes indigenous knowledge, best practices, innovative technology for livelihood, democratic values and mobilization of local resources. Organizing social mobilization and policy advocacy at different level to ensure peoples interest in national and global issues and enactment of pro-poor laws and policies.

3.3 Core Values of the Organization NSS believes and upholds the principles of justice, gender equality and equity tolerance, respect and authority in all aspect of people’s life. We put emphasis on rightbased approach to fulfill practical needs towards the people we are working for. We do believe and practice transparency, accountability in the governing process and democratic practices at all level. We welcome and respect people opinions through equal participation for the betterment of the society, which we dream in a holistic development approach.

2.4 Governance of the Organization The organization has a General Committee comprising of 31 members and an Executive Committee comprising of 9 members. General Committee sits twice in a year and Executive Committee sits bi monthly. The Executive Director is responsible to ensure organizational accomplishment of the provisions of committee policies on “Results and Priorities� within the boundaries of prudence and ethics.

2.5 Transparency and Accountability NSS is always transparent in financial transactions as well as any breach related to management and program. The members of General and Executive Committee, Central and Program Management Team discuss and take decisions through regular meetings, which circulated to the concerned members to execute the decisions accordingly. There is a structured system exists to ensure accountability of every individuals in the organization following the organ gram.

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4. Major Projects Overview During the period the organization implemented the following major projects: 

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 

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

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Community Participation to thrive Climate Change through Adapting Sustainable Mechanism in Life and Livelihoods: World Bank funded and PKSF supported.

Enhancing Governance and Capacity of Service Providers and Civil Society in Water Supply and Sanitation Sectors: European Union funded and NGO Forum for Public Health.

Protecting Human Rights: USAID Funded and Plan International Bangladesh supported.

Resilience through Economic Empowerment Climate Adaptation Leadership and Learning (REE-CALL): Oxfam funded.

Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability: World Bank funded and Manusher Jonno Foundation supported.

Sensitizing the Pro-poor Service Securing Rights and Governance (SPSRG): Manusher Jonno Foundation funded and NGO Forum for Public Health supported.

Towards nutritional security through building disaster resilient communities in Taltoli Upazila in Bangladesh: ACF International funded project.

5. PROGRAM HIGLIGHTS During the year 2016 NSS implemented the projects were focused on the following fields of actions-

5.1

Capacity development on DRR and Climate Change Adaptation

5.2

Rights and Governance

5.3

Reduce Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Women Empowerment

5.4

Advocacy and Networking

5.5

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) and Infrastructure Repairing

5.6

Economic Development

5.1 Capacity Development on DRR Climate and Change Adaptation 5.1.1 Community Participation to thrive Climate Change through Adapting Sustainable Mechanism in Life and Livelihoods Project The project is funded by World Bank. The goal of the project is ‘Men and women are capable to thrive with the adverse impact of climate change and they are enjoying sustainable livelihoods with their efforts’. The main objectives of the project are i) Community people are capable to cope in the adverse effects of climate change. ii) Community people are familiarized with sustainable adaptation to address salinity, cyclone and tidal surge.

Starting from 1st July 2013 the project ended on 31st December 2016. Total Budget of this project is Tk. 1,97,93,890 out of this Palli Karma Shayak Foundation (PKSF) under CCCP 7|Page

paid Tk. 1,78,00,000, Community contributed Tk. 15,12,400 and NSS contributed Tk. 4,481,490. The project working area is 4 unions of Taltoli Upazila of Barguna district. The unions are – Karaibaria, Sharikkhali, Pachakoralia and Chotabagi. The total direct beneficiaries of the project are 1500 HHs people of 36 climate change vulnerable villages of 4 unions of Taltali Upazila. The project has addressed 110,000 people indirectly in these four unions.

Focusing on salinity under the project the concentration was given to and major changes found: 1. Capacity Building a. Initiatives taken: Community capacity building on climate change adaptation and on modern cultivation of salinity tolerant crops b. Changes: Community people are enabled to take action against climate induced changes 2. Adaptation in Agriculture a. Initiatives taken:  Introduce cultivation of salinity tolerant crops  Introduce Vermee Compost  Promote short growing aquaculture  Promoting crab fattening firms  Introduce salinity tolerant vegetable cultivation at homestead b. Changes:  People are cultivating saline tolerant mungbean (Bari-6). Seasonal migration has been reduced and economic solvency increased.  People are cultivating saline tolerant sunflower (Hisun-33). Cropping pattern change and economic solvency increased.  People are fattening crabs at their households. Economic solvency increased.  Women are doing homestead garden, meeting household nutrition and selling vegetables to earn money.

3. Adaptation in Aquaculture a. Initiatives taken:  Introduce short growing spices through providing mono sex tilapia in dry season.  Introduce crab fattening at homestead pond. b. Changes:  People have been sensitized to grow short growing species in their homestead ponds.  Household protein support along with economic solvency increased  Household economy increased.

4. Adaptation in Poultry and Livestock rearing a. Initiatives taken:  Introduce Slatted housing system for goat rearing and capacity building  Introduce duck rearing in semi-scavenging method b. Changes:  Mortality rate of goat has reduced and other people are inspired to build slatted house for goat rearing. Household income increased.  Mortality rate of duck decreased and people are inspired to build semi-scavenging method of duck rearing. Household income has increased from selling eggs.

5. Adaptation Water Hygiene and Sanitation a. Initiatives taken:  Install sustainable offset sanitary latrines  Install deep hand tube well for community water supply  Introduce water filter for using surface water 8|Page

b. Changes:  Sanitation practice has improved and diseases decreased. People have been inspired to install such types of latrines.  Supply of safe potable drinking water has been ensured. Water borne diseases reduced. Household income increased.  People are using surface water safely and the dependency on fossil water is reducing.

6. Adaptation in Irrigation a. Initiatives taken: Total two canals re-excavation for strengthening irrigation system for in dry season b. Changes:  People are using non saline water throughout the year  More than 400 acres of land are being cultivated throughout the year  More than 200 farmers are cultivating sunflower in dry season using this canal water  Aquaculture has been developed in these canals and the rural people are growing fish  The livelihoods of 100 vulnerable people has been changed At a glance input supports under the project Duck Goat Sanitary Deep Case House Larine Tube well 210 200 150 72

Community Water Filter 1

HH Water filter 3

Sun flower demo 200

Mungbean Crab demo fattening support 200 25

Challenges     

Community involvement Relief mentality amongst the coastal people Traditional knowledge and culture Lack of knowledge and behavioral change Influence of local government institutes representatives (chairman and members)

Lesson learn  Salinity tolerant variety and fresh water reservoirs is very much effective adaptation in agriculture  Community contribution can create great ownership over any development initiative  Introducing new variety of salinity tolerant crops can reduce climate change migration  Semi scavenging method of duck rearing is very much effective in coastal area  Slatted house for goat rearing can reduce mortality of goat  Rural people’s joint effort can bring a great change like canal re-excavation Way forward      

Develop specialized institutions at grass root level to address climate change Climate change club/knowledge centers for information dissemination Financial credit support to famers or small entrepreneurs in soft terms and condition Develop accumulated market system with a view to create market value chain Tree plantation Strengthen sluice gate water management system with a view to reduced the impact of salinity  Introduce salinity tolerant crops  Steps should be taken to introduce adequate irrigation facilities in dry season

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Photographs

5.1.2 Resilience through Economic Empowerment, Climate Adaptation, Leadership and Learning This project is funded by Oxfam. NSS is implementing this project at two unions of Amtali Upazila under Barguna since 2011 with a view to achieve the following objectives the project: i) develop replicable model of resilient community in three agro-ecological zones and linking with urban settings; ii) enhance and strengthen the livelihoods of targeted communities in changing climate and iii) develop community leadership especially of women ensuring access to and control over resources, services and opportunities.

The project has been designed to accomplish the following four results like: i) Community Based Organisations (CBOs) and local government institutions are able to anticipate possible impact of climate change, disaster and taking appropriate measures accordingly, ii) Sustainable Income and employment options for women and men are created through access to services, natural resources and market link, iii) Effective and pro poor implementation of policy and legal framework (national to local) related to Agriculture, DRR, CCA and NRM, and iv) Strengthened collective and individual actions toward fulfilment of rights and entitlements for vulnerable households and promoted transformational leadership of women and marginalized.

The project is covering 2 unions and 10 villages under Amtali Upazila. The working unions are Arpangashia and Gulishakhali. The approach the project is CBO approach. Already 27 CBOs and 15 adda groups have been formed. The CBOs have 405 EC members which constitute 270 female and 135 male. The Working area and population coverage is as follows: 10 | P a g e

Working area District Barguna Population and Household Unions Male Arpangashia 7846 Gulishakhali 13262 Total 21108

Upazila Amtali

Female 8149 13033 21182

Unions 1. Arpangashia 2. Gulishakhali Total 16095 25294 41389

Household 3525 5095 8620

Major Accomplishments 1. Progress Against Objectives Result 1: Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and local government institutions are able to anticipate possible impact of climate change, disaster and taking appropriate measures accordingly.

Community contingency stock maintained at local level by Partners /CBO In order to conduct search and rescue operation during and after disaster NSS arranged to purchase 19 types of contingency stock items for two CBOs. The items were selected with the consultation of CBO members as well as CPB. These items have kept in custody of CBO. A checklist of these items is also incorporated along with the contingency stock.

Orientation was given to CBO members and volunteers about the use of these items during and after disaster. At least 200 households will be benefitted from this contingency stock.

Homestead and Public place rising Community semi-structural During the reporting period two (2) roads were repaired for small scale mitigation in disaster at Arpangashia and Gulishakhali unions. Considering the vulnerability of the area, these schemes were selected with the consultation of the CBO people of both unions. The people are being benefitted for easy communication. In addition Ghopkhali Govt. Primary School ground was raised. The children of this school are very much happy to have a good playground in their school premises. Two homesteads were raised under Shapla and Payrar Par CBOs respectively for reducing disaster vulnerability of poor people. Also a canal side road was constructed at Arpangashia to protect more than 100 hundred households from tidal surge and flash flood. The spot and scheme was selected with consultation of CBO and UP representative. The scheme is approved through respective UPs. CBO members are very happy and they can use their homestead for growing kitchen vegetables.

Training of students on skill of Wash promotion During the period 5 days long training for 38 students (14 boys and 24 girls) was provided to promote WASH practices among the students and children at home. The trainings were held at Kekuani High School, Gulishakhali Union. The students of class Seven Eight and Nine who are also the members of adolescents groups were included in the trainings session.

Hygiene promotion (hand washing device distribution) This year the project has distributed 215 Hand washing device both Arpangashia and Gulishakhali Union. More than 1000 people have been benefited from these devices. Men, women and children are using these devices and they are washing hands regularly. A good sign is seen that the behavior of cleanliness has been changed.

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Training on caregiver for Disability of WASH Training for caregivers of persons with disability was arranged and total 27 participants attended the training among them all were women. The objective of the training was to increase knowledge and capacity of caregivers on care and protection support to persons with disability. The training was two (2) days longs and conducted by hiring an external expert and our Technical Officer. The trainees were selected from 27 CBOs who will contribute to the care and protection support of 27 persons with disability. As a result, the persons with disable people have access to health and hygiene care and protection from diseases.

Training on Disaster Management & Climate Change Adaptation A two day’s long training on disaster management and climate change adaptation was done.

Members from 13 CBOs attended the training. Total participants of the training were 28 which consisted with 14 female and 14 male. This training was held at Upazila level. The training was facilitated by Technical Officer, FF and supported by PC. There was a learning on this training participants was participate spontaneous participation.

WASH Facilitates development in School One gender sensitive resilient hygienic latrines has been constructed at Khekuani High School of Gulishakhali union, under Amtali upazila. WASH facilities have been improved at the institutional level. Boys and girls are using these latrines separately. These toilets are furnished with all-time water availability, inside the chamber and urinal, basin for washing, adequate light and ventilation, MHM (Menstrual Hygiene Management) system, ramps and other supporting features for disable students and staff. The school has been selected by CBOs and WWP. School Committees were made aware regarding resilient hygienic latrines, made a resolution and they submitted an application and it was approved through SMC and Education Department. Total 350 persons are receiving facilities from the establishment gender sensitize school latrine.

Direct beneficiaries of disaster resilience latrine Male 13

Total Population Female Boys Girls 2

200

150

Total 350

Male

Person with disabilities Female Boys Girls 3

2

Total 5

Latrine distribution and support to installation to extreme poor HHs To improve sanitation situation in the project areas, CBOs and WWP did the analysis of sanitation situation through PCVA and CLTS process in their localities. CBO also identified extreme poor HHs based on wealth ranking conducted during PCVA. Total of 185 disaster resilient hygienic latrines were installed considering the CBOs demand. Considering 19 of total latrines allocated in the period for persons with disability, 166 numbers latrine were finalized according to the priority and sharing its natures of latrine in CBOs’ meetings. The beneficiaries list also are shared the Union Perished and DPHE. Before installation, necessary earth works to raise the latrine sites was done by beneficiaries themselves.

Latrine installation place are selected though women participants to develop the sanitation system. As a result the community people have taken a result of hygiene promotion.

Deep hand Tube well installation During this period 4 DHTW Deep Hand Tube Wells have been installed which were 1 at Dalachara and another 1 at Gozkhali village under Gulishakhali union and another 2 at Ghopkhali village under Arpangashia union. The depth of each tube well is within 900-950 12 | P a g e

feet. CBO identified the sites of the tube wells considering the PCVA findings and shared the final list with the local DPHE and UP. More than 100 households are using safe drinking water. Water borne diseases have been reduced.

Result 2: Sustainable Income and employment options for women and men are created through access to services, natural resources and market link.

Lobbying /workshop with financial service providers /microfinance institute at Upazila level Lobbying workshop was arranged with financial service providers at Upazila level to ensure and contact the service of financial service provider’s actors with CBOs participants.

Manager of Sonali Bank Ltd., Janata Bank Ltd., Agroni Bank Ltd., Rupali Bank and representative of Bangladesh Krishi Bank attended the workshop. The bank representatives committed to provide financial support to CBO members with soft terms and conditions.

Technical training on Specific value chain (Crops) Trainings were provided to CBO members on modern cultivation and value chain. The selected value chain was karolla (bitter gourd) and pumpkin for women economic empowerment. Total 13 demo supports were provided with the assistance of Upazila Livestock and Agriculture officers.

Cattle support to beneficiaries for asset building In order to build assets for most vulnerable people NSS provided 35 cattle from REE-CALL project. The beneficiaries were selected by CBO members. All the members were extreme poor women.

Capital support for women entrepreneurship Total 74 women received economic support for small business and other financial support for business. They have developed a business plan and also submitted as proposals. Then those were verified and finalized. Each beneficiary received Tk. 12,500/- which were transferred through bank. The small entrepreneurships are - small grocery, sewing machine operating, clothes business at community and puffed rice making, etc. Approximately 95% women have changed their economic situations with this small support. Most of the vulnerable women have conquered over the poverty and have developed their lifestyle.

Result 3: Effective and pro poor implementation of policy and legal framework (national to local) related to Agriculture, DRR, CCA and NRM. Support to CBOs for holding meeting with Ward Sanitation Task Force 18 WWC has reactive of the two unions of Arpangashia and Gulishakhali under Amtali upazila. Total 182 members have in 18 WWC among them 108 are male and 54 are female.

This year completed the meeting 62 and Total 1444 participants were attend the meeting among them 533 were male and 911 were female. WSTF meetings are held four times in year. This type of meeting is very much important to aware community people about developing hygiene and sanitation system.

Support to Union Sanitation Task Force Quarterly Basis 2 Union Sanitation Task Force committees have been reactivated in two unions under Amtali upazila. USTF have 44 members among them 36 are male and 8 are male. During these periods 12 meetings were held at respective union Parishad WWP members with USTF committee. Total 234 participants attended the meeting among them 166 were male and 68 were female. The major discussions of the meetings were safe water, personal hygienic and 13 | P a g e

environment hygienic facilities at household and community level. Respective UP members discussed how they are working with WWP. Union chairman/USTF Chairperson are committed to provide support for poor people to increase the sanitation activities at CBO level. Already 185 household latrines have been provided by persuasion.

Organize Media visit During this period we arranged one media visit with journalists for visibility of the project activities in project area. Upazila level & District level press & electronic media journalists attended the program. After visiting the project area they made news coverage in news letters to highlight the project activities. A documentary has been done.

Coastal Alliance which already exists will be supported for strengthening Regular Costal Alliance meetings and workshops were held at NSS training center to ensure the government facilities for community. That times Alliance Members discussed about the strategy of strengthening the committee and to develop their roles and responsibility in the committee. The Alliance decided to aware community people violence against women and to support poor and under privileged people.

Lobby, advocacy meeting at local level (Union to Upazila level) During the reporting period REE-CALL team are organized three workshops in project area to ensure safe water facility in community level. Two workshops are held at union level and another one are held on district level. Firstly CBO & WWP members are finalize their water problem, what type’s problem their faced regularly and these problems discussed with union level workshop. Union level workshop recommendation discussed district level. Total 46 participants are attending the workshop. Male: 22 Female: 24 participated.

Result 4: Strengthened collective and individual actions toward fulfillment of rights and entitlements vulnerable households and promoted transformational leadership of women and marginalized.

Adolescent/ C to C group meeting We have 27 C to C groups at 27 CBOs. During this period 162 meetings were held with C to C groups and other sub-groups of CBOs. Total members of these groups are 405 people.

Total 1186 persons were participated in these meetings among them 566 were boys and 624 were girls. Every month is held with adolescent group meeting at CBO level. Different topics and issues are discussed in the meeting. That time they are discussed how to increase personal hand washing, safe water and sanitation system, how to reduce early marriage and how to reduce the domestic violence from the community. Some time they are conducting the session at CBO level. CBO leaders and Field facilitator of REE-CALL project also attended in the meetings.

Adolescent/ C to A group meeting We have 27 C to C groups at 27 CBOs. During this period 162 meeting was held with adolescent groups/c to c groups and other sub-groups of CBOs. Total 1611 persons were participated in these meetings among them 730 were boys and 881 were girls. Every month is held with adolescent group meeting at CBO level. Different topics and issues are discussed in the meeting. That time they are discussed how to increase personal hand washing, safe water and sanitation system, how to reduce early marriage and how to reduce the domestic violence from the community. Some time they are conducting the session at CBO level. CBO leaders and Field facilitator of REE-CALL project also attended in the meetings. This type of meeting bears a result in community awareness.

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Women Adda group meeting CBOs are arranged the women groups & the sub-groups meeting to reduce the violence against women. Women Adda leader facilitated regular monthly meeting with women adda groups. Different topics and issues are discussed in the meeting. CBO leaders and Field facilitator of REE-CALL project also attended in the meetings. During these periods 324 meetings were held at 27 CBOs. Total 6480 female were participated in these meetings.

Main topics of these meeting are Govt. Act on Domestic violence, demerits of early marriage, dowry and women rights was the main agenda of these meetings.

Mobilization community people for change makers During this period we are added community people School/college students to create change makers. Total 313 participants are attended the meeting among them 203 male and 110 female. To positive changed in the society against women domestic violence CBO members and communities. To build a bigger platform for ending violence against women as well as to end domestic violence and early marriage from the society.

Training on WWP [3 days residential training] During this reporting we are arranged four batch training on women wash platform and WASH. CBO members and WWP members are attended training. These training are held in NSS training center, Amtali. Total 81 participants are attended the training. All of them were female. After receiving the training WWP members have started to share knowledge with others WWP members in CBO meeting. WWP are working to reduce the open defecation, improve sanitation system and personal hygiene in family and community level.

Observation of 16 days activism In order to celebrate 16 days activism NSS arranged organized different programs which were - Dark Breaking Candle Rally and Oath (andhar bhangar sawpath) on 24th November evening, Rokeya Day on 9th December and Human Rights Day on 10 December. Union based meetings and rallies were done. Crests were distributed amongst the rural women for their contribution in preventing domestic violence, gender base violence and sexual harassment. The award giving ceremony was held at Upazila Parishad Hall Room, Amtali.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer was the chief guest.

8 March International Women Day Celebration With a view to observe International Women Day (8 March) NSS choked out different programs under REE-CALL project at Upazila and CBO level. The events were – Rally, Discussion Meetings and Quiz Contest amongst Adolescent Groups. Amongst the guests were UP Chairman, Members and local elite persons and other participants were – students, teachers, community people and CBO/Adda leaders. We jointly celebrated the day with Upazila administration.

World Water Day Observation International Water Day was observed with colorful rally, power point presentation and discussion meeting addressing the success in sanitation at Amtali Upazila. The basic theme of the day was “Improved sanitation, healthy life”. Representatives from GO, NGO, teachers and students took part in all the events. The Upazila Nirbahi Officer was the chief guest and amongst other special guests were Upazila Engineer-DPHE, Upazila Health Officer, teachers of Govt. College etc.

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Training for school teacher on skill of wash promotion-3 days training Under the project a 3 days residential training on WASH facilities was done with 28 teachers from 13 schools of Amtali upazila under Gulishakhali and Arpangashia unions. The training sessions’ contents were discussion on safe water, sanitation system, importance of hand washing, personal hygienic etc. Also discussions were held on how will to improve WASH facilities at school campus. The main process of the training was group work, open discussion, lecture method, group presentation, reporting, learning game, experience sharing, cultural method, question and answer etc. Opening and closing ceremony of the training session were done by Upazila Secondary & Higher Secondary Education Officer Mr. Golam Mostafa.

Results       

    

CBO leader’s capacity increased through capacity building training.

Community capacity developed through Disaster Management Training.

Capacity and Understanding level of Disaster Volunteer team members improved through training.

Members of duck producer group have developed Market extension plan and they are motivated to do work according to this plan.

Producer group members Capacity increased through duck rearing training.

Community people are now more attentive about demerits of women domestic violence through CBO meeting against domestic violence.

Mass organizations (CBO) at village level are now going well under women leadership, especially leadership from marginalized group, though rich people are also CBO members. Community people received them positively. UP also recognized those CBOs as development group.

Awareness about access to services increased CBO members are trying to get opportunities from UP and others govt. offices.

CBO members are engaged with IGA and WASH activities started savings considering DRR. Women leadership is visible in different level committee like SMC, WWC, UP standing committee.

School teachers and students are habituated on WASH activities through establishment of gender sensitize school latrine.

Community are awarded on WASH facilities through activation of WWC and formation of WWP

Significant Changes  Increased knowledge level on DRR, WASH, organizational management of CBO, rights and entitlement of government services.  Savings mentality created at community.  Increased IGA for women Economic Empowerment development.  Reduced early marriage and DVAW at community level.  Community people are now trying to give the equal opportunity to their girls and boys children  Community people are more aware about getting fare price of products.  Awareness, mobilization and capacity of vulnerable community are seen moving in a right direction.  Bargaining capacity of community to avail local and govt. resources increased.  Reduce the open defecation through formation of WWP at CBOs.  Increase vegetable production and family consumption at CBO level.

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5.1.3 Towards nutritional security through building disaster resilient communities in Taltali Upazila in Bangladesh Taltali upazila is one of the most vulnerable areas in Barguna District, not least because it is a new administrative setup. It does not have its capacity to manage response and risks associated with disasters. There are several factors contributing towards food insecurity and poverty in this area, which results in increased vulnerability to disaster and increasing already high risks of under nutrition.

More than half of the population at Taltali Upazila relies on daily wage earning. They do not have alternative livelihood options. Because of recurrent natural disaster several times a year, they lose employment opportunities, and negative coping strategies lead to chronic food insecurity. Therefore, this proposal focuses on creation of alternative livelihoods strategies for the targeted households to ensure more sustainable income generation.

Taltali Upazila has a total of around 9,164 children less than 5 years and has a total of 7,000 undernourished children at any single point in time, which includes 1,328 acutely malnourished, 2,950 stunted children and 2,721 underweight children. Only one in every 3 children aged less than 2 years has had minimum acceptable diet, measured by minimum dietary diversity (â&#x2030;Ľ4 food groups) in the Upazila. The SMART survey that was conducted in September 2014 in Taltali upazila to explore nutrition, food security, WaSH and care practices status of people living in this area shows the rate of acute malnutrition (WHZ <-2 SD) identified as being serious [14.5% (10.4 - 19.9 95% C.I.)] according to WHO classifications. There was another survey in Bangladesh which also reflects the condition of Taltali Upazila, Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) conducted in 2014, from which nutrition related information has also been drawn.

Since Barguna is a coastal district which is highly prone to disaster, it is essential that the relevant authorities are oriented on the effective and correct interventions needed during emergency response. Disaster Management Committees are the key frontline workers at every level to respond to emergencies. In order to better define the nutritional needs during emergency, these Disaster management committeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s members will be trained on Nutrition in Emergency and contingency planning in the proposed area of intervention with an integrated approach (including WaSH and Mental Health & care practices in emergency).

Capacity of District and Upazila health facilities are non-existent to treat children with severe acute malnutrition in the District and the Upazila. There are 2 major hospitals (1 Upazila Health Complex and 1 District Hospitals) from which the severe cases amongst targeted beneficiaries are currently seeking treatment. There are no trained doctors and nurses on management of severe cases of acute malnutrition. As part of life saving interventions in coordination with government and UNICEF, ACF proposed to address this need through establishing a functional SAM Unit with a Breast feeding corner. Through several discussions with authorities at District and National level, it has been identified that strong coordination is needed, especially with IPHN/NNS and UNICEF together with district authorities, for it to be functional. This project will focus on the coordination mechanism between these actors. During focus group discussions at various levels, it was identified that due to the new Upazila administrative set up and the remoteness of the target areas, the community health facilities and services available are inadequate to cover broader community health needs (including growth monitoring, primary health care, ANC & PNC services). This project will strengthen these activities through an integrated approach to 17 | P a g e

address the needs of the communities by involving 15 community volunteers in the 15 targeted villages.

Considering the context ACF International Bangladesh stated a project titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Towards nutritional security through building disaster resilient communities in Taltali Upazila in Bangladeshâ&#x20AC;? on 1st September 2015 at three unions of Taltali Upazila of Barguna district.

The principal objective of the project is to enhancing resilience of vulnerable population through integrated approach targeting in Taltali upazila, Barguna.

The objective of the project is strengthening capacity of most vulnerable communities to be resilient in responding disasters through integrated approach (including FSL/DRR, WaSH, Mental health and Care Practices and Nutrition). The project has been designed to achieve four results which are â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i)

Increased institutional and community capacity for better preparedness and response, ii) Targeted households and micro entrepreneurs with MSM (Small and Medium sized enterprises) with effective organization and linkage with markets increase their revenue, iii) Capacities of health workers on management of SAM cases and care practices is reinforced in District Hospital and Upazila Health Complex and iv) Nutritional risks of women and children in emergency are reduced through improving their knowledge in WaSH, Nutrition and on maternal and child care practices (gender concerned risk is reduced for women and girls)

5.1.3.1 Increased institutional and community capacity for better preparedness and response a. Training on Disaster Management b. Capacity building local level 15 Ward Disaster Management Training on Disaster Management Committee and15 Women Committee at 3 unions c. Education Sessions on Early Warning System on Disaster d. Conduct Mock drill on disaster e. Conduct Cash for Work f. Strengthen relationship with Disaster Management Committee on Gender, Maternity and Child nutrition and Care g. Capacity development of (district, upazila, union, and ward) disaster management committee for nutritional activities in Emergency h. Distribution of equipment

5.1.3.2 Targeted households and micro entrepreneurs with MSM (Small and Medium sized enterprises) with effective organization and linkage with markets increase their revenue a. Main livelihood option identification for new villages b. Household assets analysis c. Identify three (03) small entrepreneurs and provide support to them capacity building, investment of fund etc. d. Establish linkage between local ministries and micro-entrepreneurs through organizing meeting field visits and knowledge sharing e. Support VSLA (capacity development, group fund creation etc.) through seed capital 18 | P a g e

f. g. h. i. j.

Orientation to beneficiaries on developing business plans Livelihood wise business plan development Livelihood cash grant distribution Training, technical assistance, follow-up and monitoring of the IGA implementation Arrange cross visit between small entrepreneurs and VSLA

5.1.3.3 Capacities of health workers on management of SAM cases and care practices is reinforced in District Hospital and Upazila Health Complex a. Provide training to 10 doctors and 20 nurses from 2 Hospitals (1 Upazila Health Complex and 1 District Hospital) on Management of severe acute malnutrition including basic package of care practices in District and Upazila Hospitals b. 2 hospitals (1 Upazila Health Complex and 1 District) are functional in detection and treatment of severely acute malnourished children as part of their regular health service delivery c. 2 Breastfeeding corner established (1 Upazila Health Complex and 1 District Hospital) in order to identify and support mothers with breastfeeding difficulties d. Monthly supervision and monitoring of the Hospital nutrition service provision

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Case Study

Edema Affected Nisha Cured Under SAM Treatment Nisha (7months) was suffering with severe acute malnutrition and edema. She was admitted at Barguna SAM corner on 13 Feb’16 and discharged on 23 Feb’16 when she cured after inpatient management of SAM. Nisha’s father is a small businessman who lives in Monoshatoli village under Gourochanna union of Barguna Sadar upazila. Shilpi is her mother who is a house wife. Nisha’s elder brother is 5 years old and his name is Jwel.

Shilpi said that she had not sufficient breast milk to feed her baby. So she couldn’t properly feed to her baby. She fed suji, rice and other home-made food before 6th month age of her daughter. Nurse of SAM corner Mithun said, this is the main reason for edema that complementary feeding before 6th months.

When Nisha admitted at SAM corner she had 6.4kg weight, height 67cm and MUAC 13cm and she had ++edema also. Nisha took 10 days inpatient management from NSS Nurse Mithun Shikari and responsible Doctor Md. Alomgir Hossain. Nurse feed to Nisha the therapeutic milk F-75 and F-100 regular and she took every feed frequently. Nurse also provides antibiotic Ceftazidime injection for edema as per suggestion of doctor. After providing antibiotic edema become reduces and lastly Nisha was cured. Nisha discharge on the date of 23 Feb’16 and then her weight was 6.7kg and MUAC was 12cm.

Shilpi was very happy and pleased to everybody for providing treatment her baby. She also gives thanks to NSS and ACF when she leave SAM corner. She hopes to continuing SAM corner in future.

Chan Chan, TO-Nutrition, MHC

5.2 Rights and Governance 5.2.1 Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability (SEBA) Background Due to constitutional limitation, weak institutional capacity, weak accountability and transparency, low level community participation in budgetary planning, less participation of women in policy making stage, misuse of power and public wealth, absence of proper cooperation and coordination, lack of visionary leadership, insufficient ICT facilities and lack of information flow on UP Act 2009 and RTI Act 2009 these organizations are not fulfilling the commitment for the community. In some of the cases the schemes which are

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implemented by Union Parishads are not selected in participatory process. People’s participation is not ensured in planning due to free flow of information.

About the project Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability (SEBA) is a pilot project for a unique model that may provide donors and development agencies more specific and real-time information on the impact of their projects. Nazrul Smriti Sangsad-NSS is implementing the Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability (SEBA) project through engaging citizens in capacity building and project monitoring which supported by Manusher Jonno FoundationMJF under the Global Partnership for Social Accountability-GPSA is an initiative of the World Bank (WB) that supports civil society and governments to work together to solve critical governance challenges in developing countries. MJF provides support to NSS to implement the 'Social Engagement for Budgetary Accountability (SEBA)' project that aims at promoting social accountability in Union Parishad (UP) budgets with special focus on LGSP II. Goal: Schemes implemented by Union Parishads using Union Parishads budget are more effective and responsive to community needs leading to increased satisfaction and benefits of the community people Objective-1: To increase budgetary transparency of Union Parishads by ensuring free flow of information in line with Union Parishad Act 2009, Union Parishad Operations Manual and Right to Information Act 2009.

Objective-2: To make the Union Parishad representatives more accountable to the people for planning, budgeting and using Union Parishad fund.

Objective-3: To ensure more inclusive planning and budgeting by Union Parishad through greater participation of cross section of people especially women, poor and marginalized groups.

The working area of the project District

Upazila

Unions

HHs

Populations Male Female Total Patuakhali Kalapara 09 39,281 83,449 81,571 16,5020 Name of Union: Tiakhali, Dhankhali, Champapur, Nilgonj, Baliatali, Lalua, Dalbuganj, Mohipur and Latachapli.

Major Initiatives  Formation and provide capacity building training Community Support Group (CSG) on how to ensure wardshava, Union Parishad planning meeting, open budget meeting and scheme implementation under LGSP-ll.  Provide training to UP representatives to develop their capacity on UP Operational Manual, Rights to Information-RTI Act 2009, LGSP-II, Social Accountability Tools (community score cards and social audit).  Practice of Social Accountability Tools i.e. Community Score Card, Social Audit, Public Hearing, and Interface Meeting between Union Parishad and community people.  Facilitate organizing Wardshava, Union Parishad Planning Meeting, Open Budget meeting, Tax submission and collection.  Coordination meeting with Union Parishad on Wardshava, Union Parishad planning meeting, open budget meeting, tax submit and collection, ward committee, scheme supervision committee capacity building.  Advocacy and lobby with District and Upazila level administration and service provider for better service promotion.

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 Ensuring social accountability through installing suggestion box at Union Parishads’ complex for people’s opinion, suggestions regarding community problem and any complain from citizens.

Initiatives for Rakhaine  Advocacy Meeting between Rakhaine Community and Upazila level administration and service provider on land problem, educational support, their mother tongue, culture, livelihoods support and their protection.  Lobby, communication and coordination with GO-NGOs for linkage for access to services to ensure their rights.  Include Rakhaine community people in UP standing committee, ward committee, scheme supervision committee, SMC, PTA and Union Parishad activities for developing power of local governance and social accountability through their participation.

Major Achievements  Total 133 (24 new) UP representatives and 102 Ward Committee and Scheme Supervision Committee representatives’ have been capacitated on RTI Act 2009, Social Accountability Tools, UP Operational Manual (focusing Wardshava, Planning Meeting and Open Budget).  Total 225 people including 141 male and 84 female from community as Community Support Group-CSG have developed their capacity on RTI Act 2009, Social Accountability Tools, UP Operational Manual.  Total 225 people including 141 male and 84 female from community as Community Support Group-CSG have developed their capacity on RTI Act 2009, Social Accountability Tools, UP  100% (9)UPs proactively disclosed information to the citizens in different ways like courtyard meeting, budget booklet, notice board, display board, Wardshava and open budget meeting.  9 suggestion boxes have been installed at 9 Union Parishads for receiving feedback and suggestions regarding the development of Union Parishad. Union Parishads are more positive about the suggestions, feedback and recommendations of citizens.  Total 15,946 marginalized people have been aware about UP activities through courtyard meeting where 66% female.  Total 3 Community Support Group members have been elected in UP election held in 2016.

Major Achievements for Rakhaines  A group of Rakhaine students numbering 22 each are getting Tk. 4,000 as stipend from Upazila Parishad due to advocacy of the SEBA project.  Total 8 Rakhaine families have been linked with markets for their traditional handloom products.  Total 30 Rakhaine families have been linked with different GOs and NGOs for plinth raising, cow and goat, fingerling, sapling etc.  Rakhaines are representing in different committees – 10 are in CSG and 11 are in UP standing committee.  Opportunity has been created for 30 Rakhaines children to study their mother tongue.

Results of the Project Transparency of Union Parishad has been increased: Total 1324 community people participated in 2016-2017 FY Open Budget Meeting at 9 Union Parishads. Printed budgets are displayed at Union Parishads for information.

Accountability of union Parishad has been increased: Total 7364 community people participated in the participatory Wardshava and gave their opinions in selecting schemes

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through expressing their comments in the fiscal year 2016-2017 at 9 UPs and convinced the UPs to prepare Five Years Plan.

More inclusive planning and budgeting: It could be ensured that 7% of total voters participated in Wardshava, 1.25% of total voters participated in Open Budget Meeting and 9.5% of total voters of Rakhaine community participated in Wardshava of fiscal year 2016-2017 at 9 UPs. UPs are willing to disclose more information: Standing Committee, Ward Committee and Scheme Supervision Committee lists are disclosed in notice boards at 9 UPs. Union Parishad budget are displayed in front of UP for mass peoples at 9 UPs. People are practicing the right way of asking the information maintain the RTI act 2009 at 9 Union Parishads.

Community people are more capacitated to hold UPs accountable: Community peoples are conducting Community Score Card and Social Audit at 9 Union Parishads and they have initiated to develop action plans for improvement of the gaps in 9 UPs. Community Support Groups (CSG) are active as community pressure groups: Community Support Group has Union Parishads to ensure transparency and social accountability. They are involved with various committees – 11 CSG members are representing in UP Standing Committees, 22 CSG members in Ward Committees and 32 CSG members in Scheme Supervision Committees. Moreover, 3 CSG Members have been elected members of the Union Parishads. They are working to ensure local governance and citizen’s engagement at root level.

Challenges  Non-cooperation from UP representatives  People were not interested to stand before UP representatives about their problems  Rakhaine community people were not interested to mix with the local culture  They thought they have less importance to the society as they are minority

5.2.2 Sensitizing Pro-poor Service Promotion Securing Rights and Governance (SPSRG) Background The experience of NSS working in the rural areas, most of the rural people of the total population place at rural, Upazila and union level where the agriculture extension services, 23 | P a g e

primary education, health care services are not getting the poor and disadvantage people.

It’s evident that representatives of LGIs, different service providers are less aware about their, responsibilities, accountability and mandate towards poor and disadvantaged, government policies and principles, etc. and there is absence of participatory planning, budgeting and monitoring, etc. These lead the mismanagement and misallocation of resources. In some cases, existing system is dominated by the vested interest of elites resulting inaccessible of services to the poor and powerless.

In order to fill up the gap, enhancing the responsiveness of public institutions focusing local governance, governance performance monitoring using social accountability tools in primary education, primary health care, social safety net and agriculture extension services as well as access to right to information (RTI) act 2009 is much awaited for the greater development context. Consequently, since October 2014 NSS and NGO Forum for Public Health with the support of Manusher Jonno have taken the collaborative initiative to implement a project titled Sensitizing the Pro-poor Service Promotion Securing Rights and Governance (SPSRG) under the Governance performance Monitoring (GPM) Programme, in selected Upazilas for creating access of poor and marginalized groups to public services (primary health, primary education, social safety-net and agriculture extension services) by promoting accountability of the duty bearers through using different social accountability tools i.e. Community Score Card, Citizens’ Charter, Public Hearing, Social Audit, Participatory Selection Process(VGD beneficiary), Suggestion box etc. It also encompasses, through improving responsiveness and governance in local level public institutions, monitoring their performance with the active participation of various groups, enhancing voice and capability in claiming citizen’s rights, capacity of service providing institutions and making service providing institutions more responsive.

Goal: The goal of the Project is to contribute to “Reduce Peoples’ poverty and vulnerability”.

Objectives The purpose of this project is to ensure that service delivery institutions are more responsive. It is expected that, through improving responsiveness and good governance in local level public institutions, monitoring their performance with the active participation of various groups, this project will enhance the facilitation of capacity of Union Parishad, duty bearers, and stakeholders and increase responsiveness in local decision-making for demand-responsive services in the areas like agriculture extension, primary education, primary health care and social safety net programmes of the Government.

Working areas District

Upazila

Barguna

Amtali

Total

1

Unions Arpangashia Amtali Atharogachia Gulishakhali Haldia Kukua 6

Number of Wards 09 09 09 09 09 09 54

Targeted Beneficiaries Direct Indirect Total

Female 1169 4676 5,845

Beneficiary Coverage

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Male 296 5084 5,380

Girls 900 0 900

Boys 1,100 0 1,100

Transgender 0 0 0

Total 3465 9760 13,225

Direct Indirect Total

Female 1,169 15,434 16,603

Male 296 17,523 17,819

Girls 900 0 900

Boys 1,100 0 1,100

Transgender 0 0 0

Total 3,465 32,957 36,422

Major Activities a. Capacity Building of Stakeholders a.1 Orientation of Service providers and local level decision makers for influencing for appropriate and Demand responsive services Local level decision makers including chairmen, Upazila agriculture extension officer, Upazila primary education officer and Upazila Health Officers were oriented through three (one day’s) orientations. All of them were oriented about the project’s goal and objectives, their support to implement the project and about their commitment towards the people. In addition they were aware about the RTI Act 2009 as well as the institutional responsiveness in these orientation sessions. The total 59 participants including 41 male and 18 female from 4 departments received the orientation and they were influenced to provide services to people according to their demand.

b. Capacity Building of service recipients b.1 Capacity building of Volunteers through training Total 8 batches of trainings were provided to youth volunteers at 6 working unions of Amtali Upazila. Participants of each batch were 20. Total 160 volunteers including 131 male and 29 female received the training. These volunteers were aware about the project’s goal and objective, RTI Act 2009, citizen charter, service providers’ duties and responsibilities of 4 departments and what will the roles and responsibilities of volunteers in the community.

Being oriented the volunteers are playing supportive role to the community people for ensuring good services from the duty bearers. They are also playing diplomatic role. In case of any service related issues they are taking with the duty bearers and also aware marginalized and excluded people about the services and how those can be achieved. b.2 Awareness raising sessions on rights issues and assist in claiming services At community level two types of awareness raising sessions were conducted during the project period in order to sensitize grass root people specially marginalized men and women to raise voices and claiming demand. The sessions were – Courtyard Sessions with female participants. During the project period total 379 court yard sessions (participants of each session were 20) were conducted at different places of community level in project areas. By these sessions 7580 female are primarily aware about the services as well as their rights and entitlements with the 4 institutions – Agriculture Extension Department, Primary Health Service, Primary Education and Union Parishad’s Social Safety net. They also know about how they can seek services.

Tea Stall Sessions with male groups 354 tea stall sessions were done at different tea stalls at remotest community areas at six unions. By these sessions total 7080 (participants of each session were 20) people are primarily aware about the services of four institutions. b.3 Activation of Citizen’s Information Desk and RTI Desk The main objectives of the program were to aware citizen about the information of RTI Act 2009 and create people’s access to information. NSS organized RTI campaign at different levels – Union and Upazila. Total 511 people participated in the campaign program which

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included 355 male and 156 female. The program included orientation on RTI Act 2009 discussion meeting and RTI support desk. Brochure on RTI and application form c. Capacity Building of pressure groups c.1 Orientation and Capacity Development of union level CSO Forum at union level In order to create pressure and to stimulate duty bearers to ensure better services we formed pressure groups at union level service providers. These groups have been named as Union Civil Society Forum (UCF). Each forum is formed with 20 members. The members of these groups are teaches, community people, religious leaders, social workers and local elite persons. Total 275 members of 6 union civil society forums (160 male and 115 female) were trained about the services of the 4 institutions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Primary Health Services, Primary Education, Agriculture Extension Services and Social Safety Net of Union Parishad. They were also oriented about citizen charter, open budget, participatory selection process, community score cards, social audit, social accountability of duty bearers and Right To Information (RTI) Act 2009 through 12 batches of training. These forums are working as pressure groups at union level. c.2 Orientation and Capacity Development of Upazila CSO Forum and Union Parishads With a view to pressurize Upazila level duty bearers and policy makers to support the UCF an Upazila Civil Society Forum has been formed at Amtali Upazila with comprising 20 members. These members are from different walks of life and those who have social acceptance and can raise voice to protest. We formed the forum with college teachers, lawyers, journalists, social workers, local elites and youth representatives. Total 2 batches of trainings were provided to the members to aware them about the services of 4 departments, about rights and governance and RTI Act 2009. In these trainings union Parishadsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; representatives were invited. Total 50 people, including 40 male and 10 female, received the training. The members of the forum have been capacitated through this training. The Upazila CSO Forum is active to create pressure at Upazila level duty bearers. c.3 Meeting of Union level CSO Forum In order to stimulate community people for seeking services from the duty bearers as well as to monitor the services of the targeted institutions regularly and to identify the problems at community level. The UCF members sit together after every three months and they set agenda to overcome identified gaps through communication with union Parishads and Upazila level duty bearers. During the project period these forums completed 53 meetings with 1053 times participations. The members visited different community clinics, school management committee, Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, Union Parishad for monitoring participatory selection process and support distributions. c.4 Meeting of Upazila level Pressure Groups During the project period 5 Upazila Pressure Group meetings were held with the participation of 71 male and 26 female/times. This group also made communication with hospital management committee, Upazila primary education office, Upazila agriculture extension department and Upazila administration to strengthen services. With influence of this committee a considerable changes have occurred in health, education and agriculture sectors. d. Service Improvement d.1 AGRICULTURE EXTENSION SERVICE DEPARTMENT d.1.1Forming and Orientation of Farmers Committee In order to create access to agriculture services people were organized through forming Farmers Committee. In each union one committee was formed with involving 20 members those who are involved in agriculture directly. Women farmers were also given priority to 26 | P a g e

become members of this committee. During the project period 6 committees were formed with 106 male farmers and 14 female farmers at 6 unions of Amtali Upazila. d.1.2 Consultation Meeting between Agriculture Extension Officials and Farmers Committee During the project period 47 consultation meetings were held where 766 male/times and 166 female/times participated in the meeting to strengthen services at community level. These sorts of meetings were done to lobby with duty bearers to expand their support to the community people. The Sub Assistant Agriculture Officers have been mobilized to sit in union Parishad to provide service to the people. d.1.3 Display Citizen Charter A citizen charter has been introduced at Upazila Agriculture Extension Department in order to disclose the information of services. It has also disclosed the social accountability of this department. People have come know about the services of Agriculture Extension Department. d.1.4 Major Changes      

    

The Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers are sitting at Union Parishads; Supports from the Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officers have been increased; Agriculture Officers are visiting farmers’ field before starting schemes or project; Farmers are interested to receive service on their own accord; Regular communication and consultation meetings of farmers group are being held with Agriculture Officer; Agriculture department are very much responsive to provide support to farmers groups to prepare demo plots and they are arranging to include farmers’ group members in different training sessions; Citizen charter disclosing Agriculture Extension services and people are aware and they are able to receive services; Farmers’ access have increased with different service providers; The Upazila Agriculture department has taken necessary step to display price list of the local dealers; The tendency of providing agriculture service have increased and farmers are receiving service spontaneously; Farmers are getting supports for growing salinity tolerant variety like mungbean (Bari-6), sunflower (Hisun-33), potato, paddy, vegetable seeds and fertilizer and irrigation facilities.

d.2 PRIMARY HEALTH SERVICE d.2.1 Orientation of Community Clinic/FWC management committee and health service user groups With a view to strengthen capacity of Community Clinic and Family Welfare Management Committee we arranged 6 orientations with 117 participants (66 male members and 51 female members) of these committees. They were aware about the project’s goal and objectives, their roles and responsibilities with the CCs and FWCs. The main objective of the orientation was to improve the service. d.2.2 Consultation Meeting with the Community Clinic Management Committee and health service user groups During the project period 52 consultation meetings were held between health service users group and management committee. Total 1043 persons, including 524 male and 519 female, participated in the meetings. The main objectives of the meetings were to create demand from the users groups and to create responsiveness of the clinic management committee to

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strengthen service of the duty bearers. By these meetings people in the project area have been aware about the services of the clinics and the in health service have increased. d.2.3 Community Assessment Process (CAP) using Community Score Card with Interface Meeting Community Assessment (CAP) is one of the modern tools of assessing social accountability and monitoring governance of an institution. During the project period 2 rounds community assessments were done. The main objective of the CAP was to conduct interface meeting with duty bearers to formulate a plan of action to improve quality and quantity of services.

Before starting community assessment we completed input tracking of the institutions. In order to conduct community assessment checklists were prepared considering nine indicators for the community assessment. The indicators were â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i) opening and closing timing of health service centre, ii) meetings of health service centre, iii) overall environment of health service centre, iv) attitude of health service providers towards service recipients, v) satisfaction level of availability of medicines, vi) disclosing of medicine stocks, vii) EPI intervention, viii) orientation of health service and ix) antenatal and post antenatal/new born service. Against each indicator 10 marks were set for each group of assessors. FGD meetings were done at ward level for assessing levels of satisfactions and those were scored by service recipients. Simultaneously scorings were taken corresponding to same indicators from service the providers. Ultimately recommendations were taken to improve the gaps of the services. Total 673 people including 209 male and 464 female at 6 unions actively participated in the process.

After completion of Community Assessment Process (CAP) interface meetings were arranged in presence of decision makers with the participation of community people as well as the members of union civil society forum to tried to find commitment from to fill up the gaps though making action plan with timeline and responsibilities. In this meeting community people/service recipients got privilege to ask questions to the service providers and decision makers. Later on the action plan was prepared installed in front of the service centre.

Community people including union level CSO Forum members are monitoring the service and execution of plan of actions. The quality of service has increased than before and the service providers are more responsive and accountable. d.2.4 Performing Social Audit for Enhanced accountability of service providers Social Audit is one of the social accountability tools. Social auditing is the process whereby an organization can account for its social performance, report on and improve that performance. It assesses the social impact and ethical behavior of an organization in relation to its aims and those of its stakeholders. In order to conduct social the steps we followed were â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i) seeking permission from the concerned agency, ii) constitution of the team, iii) constitution of the social audit committee, iv) collection of key information, v) verification of information, vi) analysis and consolidation of information, vii) sharing of information, viii) organizing social audit meeting and ix) getting the information approved by the community.

We prepared check list for social audit and formed a team with the people those who are interested to work voluntarily and are not involved with the service providing institute and those who have acceptance in the society and can raise voice. Each team was formed with 5 members. Handout and checklist were developed to orient the social audit team about the process. A one dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s orientation was provided at NSS Training Center to 30 social audit volunteers from 6 unions (5 members from each union). In the training session a demo social audit was done with a view to exercise it at field level.

In order to increase responsiveness of service providing organizations total 6 social audits were done (4 at Community Clinics and 2 at FWCs) in the project working area. Total 252 participants including 176 male and 76 female participated in the social audit. After the completion of social audit a sharing meeting was done with the service providers about their good services and gaps.

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d.2.5 Organize Public Hearing for greater participation of the community members Public hearing is another important tool of social accountability. After completing the social audit we organized public hearing to make the service provider accountable to strengthen services to the people. The gaps regarding transparency and accountability which were identified by the social auditors have been shared with duty bearers and local level decision makers of health service department. In this session community people raised their voices and asked questions to the service providers and policy makers to overcome the identified gaps. In this meeting also an action plan was developed by the community people. Based on the action plan the union level CSO Forum members monitor the progress. Indeed a system of social accountability has been practiced with stimulating community people about their rights from the state. During the period 6 public hearings were conducted at 6 unions with the participation of 619 people, encompassing 322 male and 297 female participants. A good number of conscious people have appreciated the initiative as one of the effective tools for developing social accountability. Finally greater participation could be ensured through the process. d.2.6 Major Changes Through time to time monitoring and visit to Community Clinic and arranging consultation meeting with Community Health Service Providers it has been possible to increase the services. In addition community score cards, community action plans and social audit were done increase social accountability of the service providers. As a result the quality of service increased than before. In this case the pressure of Union CSO Forum also played vital role to improve the services. During the project period two cycle community score cards followed by community action plans were done in six community clinics and two family welfare centers in project area and finally the following changes have been possible:  People are aware about the services of Community Clinics (CC) and Family Welfare Centre (FWC)  People have come to learn that they have the authority to monitor these institutions  Community Clinic Management Committee are organizing regular meetings and the decisions are recorded in register  CCMCs have raised fund (total Tk. 65,000) with introducing minimum contribution by service recipients which is used for maintenance, cleaners remuneration and vulnerable patients’ support  CCMCs are convinced to appoint cleaners for cleaning the centers  Targeted Community Clinics and Family Welfare Centers have individual community action plan for development of services  UP support ensured: i) Solar Panel installed in one CC, ii) Ceiling fans installed in one FWC, iii) Latrine repaired, iv) Electric line installed, v) Furniture arranged d.3 PRIMARY EDUCATION SERVICE d.3.1 Sensitization of SMCs and PTA stakeholders for promoting and planning of better services in education In order to promote better services in primary education we arranged sensitization meetings with School Management Committee (SMC) and Parents and Teachers Association (PTA).

In these sessions we shared about the roles and responsibilities of the members and how they can contribute for better education. Awareness was raise amongst the members to participate in campaign for increasing enrolment, preventing dropout and ensuring more completion. Social liabilities were identified though designing action plan in these sessions in 18 primary schools in working area. During the period two times sensitization meetings were done and 640 people, comprising 378 male and 262 female, of SMC and PTA were sensitized. d.3.1 School Enrolment Campaign and Sensitization Meetings NSS organized 36 School Enrolment Campaign in 18 Primary schools in catchment areas two times during the project period. Under the program rally, house to house visits, 29 | P a g e

discussion meetings, parents meetings and individual contract with guardians. As a result about 2,000 dropout students in catchment areas of 18 schools have re-admitted in these schools during the project period. It was very much encouraging teachers, SMC members, PTA members to ensured 100% child (+5 years) enrolments in 18 (targeted) primary schools at catchment area. Significant numbers of enrolment campaigns were lead by the local government representatives, teachers, parents, local elite persons and GO-NGO representatives including Upazila primary education department in order to draw attention of the people. Total 10,205 people comprising 5,055 male and 5,150 female participated in the campaign. d.3.2 School Improvement plan For ensuring better education, teachers attendance, conducting regular SMC and PTA meetings, developing environment of class, developing infrastructure, home visit, ensuring sanitation system, accommodate furniture, ensure electricity, gardening, arranging annual sports we facilitated to develop school improvement plans at 18 government primary schools for 2 times during the project period. While developing these plans 686 persons/times comprising 361male/times and 325 female/times participated in the sessions. Finally those plans had been printed and displayed at every school. Progresses are monitored by Union CSO Forum as well SMC and PTA as regular basis. Being inspired other schools beyond our target areas are replicating these types of plans for school improvement. d.3.3 Consultation Meeting with the School Management Committee and PTA for ensuring better education During the project period total 54 consultation meetings with School Management Committee (SMC) and Parents Teachers Associations (PTA). The main objective of the meetings was to improve quality of education as well as to reduce school dropout. Another objective of these meetings was to stimulate SMC and PTA to monitor the schools closely. In consequence school enrollment, students’ attendance, teachers’ attendance and communication and linkage for resource mobilization have increased. On the other hand school dropout has been reduced significantly in working area. d.3.4 Community Assessment Process using Community Score Card with Interface Meeting Community Assessment Process (CAP) is one of the important tools of assessing social accountability. During the project period NSS organized 6 CAPs through applying community score card with the participation 312 people (103 male and 209 female). In order to complete community score cards FGDs were done at service recipients’ level as well as service providers’ level. Through maintaining 5 steps – i) preparatory work, ii) input tracking, iii) performance score card, iv) self-evaluation and v) interface meeting the community action plans were done.

Total 10 indicators were set to assess the services and to measure the satisfaction level through scoring. Against each indicator the highest scoring was 10. The indicators were – i) school opening and closing time, ii) lessons dissemination maintaining class routine, iii) behavior of teachers, iv) overall environment of the school, v) school dropout, vi) arrangement of annual sports, vii) school management committee (SMC) meeting, viii) mother’s gathering, ix) proper use of teaching materials and x) 100% participation in primary school completion examination. Two types of scorings were done one from service recipients and another from service providers against each indicator.

Later interface meetings were arranged to prepare community action plans (CAPs) for improvement of the gaps which were identified through community score cards. Finally community actions plans (CAPs) were developed and printed on display boards. The significant changes occurred due to CAPs were – i) school benches supports ensured from union Parishad (30 benches at Sonakhali Govt. Primary School at Atharogachia union, 12 30 | P a g e

benches at Choto Nilgonj Govt. Primary School at Amtali Upazila and 15 benches at Uttar Tarikata Govt. Primary School at Arpangashia union), ii) school roof repairing at Paschim Nachnapara Govt. Primary School. On the other hand women participation in decision making process could be ensured under this initiative. d.3.5 Major changes occurred Students’ enrolment have been increased, PTA and SMC members are more active to increase enrolment, school attendance have significantly increased, school completion increased, dropout reduced and the educational rights of children are going to be ensured.               

SMC and PTA members are aware about their duties and responsibilities SMC meetings are held regularly School admission has increased 8.20% (in 2015-2016 based on 2014) Parents/guardians are more aware about school dropout Strong coordination between guardians and committee exists School attendance rate increased by 14.22% in 2015 and 15.41% in 2016 respectively Teachers’ attendance has improved Monitoring of SMC, PTA and Forum members increased Quality of results have improved Every school has improvement plan which is monitored by committees Union Parishads budget for primary education has increased by 18.27% in six unions of Amtali Upazila With the support of union 3 Parishads 3 primary schools have received benches for students in working area With the initiative of union Parishad a one primary school’s roof repaired with corrugated iron sheets Schools tube wells have been repaired at 4 schools done by the union Parishads Earth raising works done at 4 schools by the union Parishad

d.4 SOCIAL SAFETYNET (UP Capacity Building) d.4.1 Quarterly Meeting with Union Standing Committee for improvement of service delivery In order to develop capacities of UP Standing Committee for improved service delivery NSS team set agenda in UP Standing Committee Meeting. The project facilitators of SPSRG project mobilized the members to monitor services in collaboration with Union CSO Forum members. d.4.2 Orientation of UP and Community Group on Participatory Selection Process With a view to strengthen social safety net services and to ensure rights of poor and exclude people NSS provided orientation and training to UP members on Participatory Selection Process (PSP). During the project period we could orient 90% members UP members about their duties and responsibilities towards the community people. Most of the UPs are following government rules in selecting VGD beneficiaries. Quality of VGF service has been improved. Life skill development trainings are continuing regularly. Beneficiaries are aware about their savings. Pass books are regularly updated. Savings are regularly deposited to bank account. d.4.3 Orientation for selected VGD card holders With a view to aware selected VGD card holders about their rights and entitlements. During the project period total 24 orientations were held with the VGD beneficiaries of 6 working unions. The VGD members are aware about the process supports and they have been capacitated to raise their voice. Earlier they did not know about their rights and entitlements. d.4.4Open Budget Exercise in all Unions They have been aware about participatory selection process, wardshava, and open budget focusing UP operational Act and RTI. Due to our intervention in the last consecutive years 31 | P a g e

(2015 and 2016) our targeted (6 UPs at Amtali Upazila) 100% UPs have followed the operational manual to conduct Wardshava and Open Budget. d.4.5 Displaying citizen’s charter at union level Citizen is very much important to aware people about the services of the institutions. It is also a tool of ensuring governance of the service providing institutions. During the project period 21 citizen charters were set up at different institutions which were – 9 at community clinics, 6 at Union Parishad, 3 at Family Welfare Centers, 1 at Upazila Agriculture Extension Department, 1 at Education Department, 1 at Upazila Health Department. People are aware about the services of these intuitions and the people are seeking information and service from these departments. A good culture has been developed amongst the service providers.

They are very much positive to provide information and service to people. d.4.6 Activation of Citizen’s Information Desk and RTI Clinic One of the key objectives of the project was to ensure free flow of information through orienting RTI at all levels. Under this intervention we organized orientation and fair on RTI at 6 Union Parishads and at Upazila level. In addition we celebrated RTI days at Amtali Upazila through arranging rally, presentation on RTI law and services, discussion meeting, and RTI service desk. During this period we pursued more than 150 people to submit application to collect information through RTI application form. UPs are disclosing their information to the public for free access. In addition the UPs are presenting standing committee lists, scheme supervision committee lists and budget in their notice boards. Other departments (primary educations, primary health service department and agriculture department) are also very much positive to open their information to public. In case of input tracking and social audit community clinic and family welfare center’s authorities have spontaneously disclosed information to the social audit team.

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5.3 Reduce Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Women Empowerment 5.3.1 Protecting Human Rights (PHR) Program NSS got the privilege to implement USAID funded PHR program at Barguna with the support of Plan International Bangladesh. This was a great opportunity for us to implement such types of program successfully. It is an advocacy based program funded by USAID and supported by Plan International Bangladesh. This program is under the theme reduce gender base violence. In the year 2012 NSS was chosen by Plan Bangladesh as a FOG (Fixed Obligation Grant) Partner for implementing PHR program at 5 unions of Barguna Sadar Upazila. After successful completion of FOG partnership NSS becomes a true partner of Plan International Bangladesh to implement the PHR program at 10 unions of Barguna Sadar Upazila in 2013.

The goal of the program is to reduce the high prevalence of domestic violence and other related human rights violations in Bangladesh.

The main focus of the program is to find out the causes of domestic violence and to encourage community initiative to reduce it.

The objectives of the program are â&#x20AC;&#x201C; i)

To continue advocacy for introducing domestic violence and human rights related law and policy; ii) To strengthen coordination between the persons and institutions assigned for reducing domestic violence and human rights violations; iii) To prop up and mobilize the victims of domestic violence for availing legal support from formal and non-formal judiciary; 33 | P a g e

iv) To provide prompt and long term support to the victim of domestic violence; v) To create awareness to reduce domestic violence and human rights violations.

In order to accomplish the objectives the project has following 5 componentsComponent-1 [Advocacy] Enhance advocacy efforts of civil society organizations and coalitions to support the adoption and enforcement of legislation and national policies that protect women, children, and other vulnerable groups from domestic violence and associated human rights abuses.

Component-2 [Capacity Building] Strengthen the capacity of key actors, such as police, judges, and civil society organizations to investigate and monitor domestic violence and other related human rights violations, and protect survivors of domestic abuse.

Component-3 [Access to Justice] Expand access to justice for abused women and other vulnerable groups through informal and formal mechanisms, including alternative dispute resolution (ADR). [BNWLA part] Component-4 [Survivor Services] Increase support for survivor services of domestic violence and other human rights abuses, including, but not limited to, physical and mental health education, and vocational training.

Component-5 [Mass awareness and educational campaign] Expand public awareness and educational campaigns to increase understanding of human rights, with particular emphasis on impact of domestic violence.

During the forty months of interventions, starting from July 2013 and closing on 31st December 2016, we could have developed our organizational capacity, good rapport building with different types of stakeholders at Upazila and district level. We could overcome challenges of working with different groups of people like madrasa and religious groups.

These people were never reached earlier by any organization; but we could do some changes with them. People are aware about the domestic violence (prevention and protection) act 2010, about the impact of early marriage; they know where to complain for preventing child marriage and domestic violence, where to go for seeking victim support and legal aid support. NGO activities were prohibited in madras campus. But now madrasas are very much cooperative to extend their support for preventing sexual harassment, girl marriage and domestic violence. Imams are very much positive to prevent child marriage and they are discussing about the bad effect of child marriage in their discussions in Jumma prayer (on every Friday).

Advocacy [Component-1] Under this component NSS collected 301 evidence based data both reported and unreported. NSS in collaboration with local administration and civil society prevented 202 child marriages at Barguna Sadar Upazila. A divisional level advocacy meeting was held at Barisal division where Mr. Gaus, Divisional Commissioner and Joint Secretary attended as a chief guest. During the project period total 6 Upazila level quarterly meetings were held.

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Total 5 advocacy meetings were held at district level. These meetings also included one District Level Consultation Workshop on “Formulation of National Plan of Action to Prevent Child Marriage 2015-2021” facilitated by Dr. Abul Hossain, Project Director – Multi Sectoral Program to Prevent Violence against Women and Children. Another meeting with Tusk Force Committee to purse to declare Barguna as Child Marriage free district Advocacy Meeting at District Level. Total 10 Union Violence against Women and Children (UVAWC) committees were formed to reduce violence against women and children at union level. Ten Legal Aid Support Committees were formed at Union level. Total 6 persons were given Champion Award by NSS in 2014 and 2015 respectively. During the project timeline total 5 meetings were held with DLAC for strengthening legal services to vulnerable people.

Capacity Building [Component-2] Capacity building is one of the important components of PRH program. In order to build capacity 28 teachers (20 male and 8 female) of 56 schools and 37 madrasas of Barguna Sadar Upazila were orientated as Master Trainers to conduct school sessions. During the timeline 8 batches (3days each) of ToT for School Teachers to conduct school sessions were provided to 228 teachers (177 male and 51 female) of 56 schools and 37 madrasas.

Total 11 batches (1 day’s) trainings were given to 290 (126 male and 164femle) sexual harassment prevention committee members about their duties and responsibilities at institutional (school and madras) level. In order to prevent child marriage total 317 (including 1 Hindu marriage registrar) non register Imam and Purohits were oriented. Training (one batch) was given to partner staff and UP secretary on conducting meeting and documentation. Total 12 batches life skill training to 310 (89 male and 221 female) youth groups were given. Police Trainings (3 batches) were given to Police Personnel. Total 20 Social Workers of PHR program received training on psychosocial counseling, gender and paralegal. Under the PHR program 7 batches of trainings provided to 168 Gram Police on their roles to reduce DV. Sub-SPG (82 members) trained in legal literacy and community mobilization at the union level. Total 7 batches Peer Educator Mobilization Trainings were provided 200 persons (100 male and 100 female). Total 2 batches trainings were given to 54 (53male and 1female) Hindu and Muslim Marriage Registrars about their roles and responsibilities to prevent child marriage and domestic violence. Trough 10 batches of trainings, 266 imams were trained on their roles and responsibilities to prevent child marriage and domestic violence. Total 50 Purohits received training on their roles and responsibilities to prevent child marriage and domestic violence. Total 251(181male and 70 female) Union VAW Committee members receive training to on their roles and responsibilities. A one day’s training was given to 14 members of district and Upazila women affairs department on developing mediation skill. Training was given 22 (8 male and 14 female) young people on Gender Sensitive Radio Program and Broadcasting through Community Radio. Training provided to 54 members of Upazila Women Development Forum. One day’s training was given to 30 UP male members on preventing violence against women.

Access to Justice [Component-3] The activities under this component were with BNWLA Part. NSS did not play any role for achieving this component.

Survivor Services [Component-4]

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During the project period 2431 Psychosocial Counseling was given (average 3 times) to the victims. Total 942 persons were given referral service, 75 persons medical service, 867 survivors linked with livelihood supports from Union Parishad for VGF, 40 survivors for VGF and 1 survivor for receiving sewing machine from NSS during the project timeline. Total 1702 survivors were enrolled during the period which were – domestic violence 1296, dowry – 159, early marriage – 171, trafficking – 1, sexual harass – 36, rape – 3, and other 36.

During the period 29 cases of DV mediated though monitoring. Total 81 Ward SPGs were formed at 9 unions during May–June 2015. Total 533 numbers of Quarterly Meetings of Ward SPG were held. During the period total 50 Quarterly Union SPG and 30 Union level VAWC Committee meetings were held. All the social workers, SPG members, UVAWC members, civil society, government officials were active to provide survivors’ support.

Mass Awareness and Educational Campaign [Component-5] Mass awareness is one of the important components of PHR program. Through this initiative community people were mobilized to create demand and it was also possible to aware mass people on domestic violence, child marriage, sexual harassment, dowry and human rights related issues. At community level total 2,361 courtyard meetings with the participation of 81,959 people (32,343 male and 49,610 female) during the project period. With male members 389 courtyard meeting were held with the participation of 12,159 people.

Adolescent groups were also involved and during the project period 451 meetings were held with 7,114 boys and 9,094 girls respectively. Total 140 meetings were held with couples at 10 unions with 1,632 couples.

During the period people awareness campaigns were done at Barguna Sadar Upazila though fixing 100,000 stickers at different places of 10 unions with covering 73,783 households, schools, madrasas, colleges, clubs and offices by 270 youth group members.

Total 229,108 people have been aware about child marriage, domestic violence, sexual harassment and other human rights related issues. Total 9 youth groups were formed and oriented with the participation of 236 (79 male and 157 female). These youth groups meet 39 study circles during the project period.

Total 56 numbers of SMC meetings were held. PHR program’s issues were discussed with the participation of 1198 members (919 male and 279 female). Total 31,063 students (14,439 boys and 16,624 girls) of 56 schools and 37 madrasas of Barguna Sadar upazila received lessons on domestic violence, child marriage, sexual harassment and other human rights related issues. These students are playing good role to aware their family, their neighbors and their friends about the impact of child marriage.

Different days like – International Women’s Day (8 March) 25th November, 16 days campaign, Begum Rokeya day (9th December), International Human Rights Day (10 December), National Child Marriage Prevention Day (29th September) and National Legal Aid Day (28th April) through different programs with participations of local administration, judges, govt. officials, lawyers, teachers, journalists, NGOs, social workers, human rights activists and freedom fighters. These days were celebrated through rally, human chain, discussion meetings, signature campaigns, drama, cultural show, video show, gathering of parents, couples, daughter-in-laws and mother-in-laws, gender sensitive games, women fair and award giving for greater contribution in protecting human rights.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

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 Total2386 persons received psychosocial counseling support on domestic violence and child marriage reduction provided by social workers (the front line staff of the project).  Total 202 child marriages have been prevented at Barguna Sadar Upazila with the support of UP and Upazila Administration.  Sexual Harassment Prevention Committees formed at 56 high schools and 37 madrasas at Barguna Sadar Upazila.  Total 81 Ward SPGs are volunteering to prevent Child Marriages with the support of Ward Members.  Pursued budget allocation for preventing domestic violence and child marriage in the fiscal year 2015-16 at different unions total budget amounting to tk. 306,000.  Human Rights Advocacy Forum formed and the members of this forum has created a fund of tk. 24,700 to provide survivors’ support.  Total 17,589 (boy-8995, girl-8594) students of 56 schools and 37 madrasas received lessons on how to prevent sexual harassment and child marriage.  Total 93 complain boxes were installed in schools and madrasas and 81 complains received, 81 solved and 1 complain disposed to police station.

LESSONS LEARN  Madrasa students are very much enthusiastic in social issues if they are given opportunity and oriented on different social issues. Once they were kept behind screen but with the intervention of PHR program they have seen the light of outside world.  Imams can contribute a lot prevent child marriage, domestic violence, sexual harassment and other gender base violence in religious discussions at mosques.  School sessions are very much effective to aware students about sexual harassment, child marriage, domestic violence and they can play triggering role in family, community and society.  Though capacity building of community people human rights can be ensured.  Women’s decision making power can be ensured though capacity building and awareness raising on different social issues like child marriage, domestic violence, denmohar, marriage registration and gender related issues.  Free flow of information at grass root level is very much effective to aware community people.  The term “Gender” has become popular to significant numbers of people at community level.  Elderly people like mother-in-law, father-in-law and older people of the family are not addressed in most of the cases in NGO activities. They become blockers in preventing child marriage, domestic violence and gender related issue.  Opportunity to work in the same platform with administration, local government, religious leaders and NGOs.  If letter is issued from the administration it is very much effective to involve more people.  If the Kazis are trained on the child restraint marriage act they can play a vital role in preventing child marriage.  Courtyard meeting has created good information flow to prevent domestic violence, child marriage, marriage, denmohar, violence against women and children and gender discrimination issues amongst the remotest rural women of Barguna Sadar Upazila.  Gender sensitive games are effective to aware mass people on gender sensitivity.

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 The Muslim religious leaders especially Kazi and Imams are very much positive to adopt new things aligned with religious ethics like sexual harassment, child marriage, domestic violence, dowry etc.

CHALLENGES  It was very difficult to work with madras. At the very beginning the madrasa teachers were not agreed to allow NGO activities. There was a curtain between madrasa and school students. In madrasas very few girl students are admitted, so it was very difficult to access them. When we could mobilize the madras teachers though orientation and training they agreed to continue sessions but not with boy students. Finally we could change the curtain to sit together with boys to receive sessions on child marriage, sexual harassment and domestic violence.  Muslim religious leaders particularly imams did not agree to attend meeting, orientation and workshop with female participants and facilitators.  Traditionally the people of Barguna are in conservative nature. A significant number of people were not interested in NGO activities.  Male participants were not interested to attend courtyard sessions because they disliked women empowerment issues like – preventing domestic violence, child marriage sexual harassment, denmohar etc.  Having there no module on Hindu Marriage it was very difficult to train the marriage registrar.  Survivors did not agree to provide information and they would be compromised with financial transactions.  Delay of delivering survivor’s notice to the opponent.

SUSTAINABILITY PLAN Social Protection Group (SPG) will continue the initiative of further with their learning. Most of the SPG members are the members of Union Violence against Women and Children Committee, UP Sexual Harassment Committee.

The School Management Committee and Madrasa Management Committees have been capacitated due to involvement with PHR program and they will continue learning and play role to prevent sexual harassment, child marriage and other domestic violence related issues. Being driven by social accountability are the potential persons in the society and they will continue the practice at institutional as well as community level.

The youth group will play the role of ambassador to prevent sexual harassment, domestic violence and child marriage. NSS, the implementing organization of PHR program will reinvolve these youth groups in different issues. Already the organization has become a partner of Girls Advocacy Alliance (GAA) project with Plan International Bangladesh. The organization is implementing the GAA project in the same working area of PHR program. In addition there are more opportunities to involve the Ward SPGs (90) in the project.

A good relationship has been developed with the administration and civil societies. In the meantime Barguna district has been declared as child marriage free district. Already a task force has been formed at Barguna to prevent child marriage. NSS is also a member of this task force and there is good opportunity to align the PHR systems.

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5.4 Advocacy and Networking 5.4.1 Girls Advocacy Alliance Project The Foreign Ministry of Dutch Government funded under the "Dialogue and Dissent, lobbying and advocacy Strategic Partnership 2016-2020". The project is supported by Plan International Bangladesh.

Goal of the project: By 2030, Girls and Young women in Bangladesh have freedom of choice through reduction of Gender Based Violence (GBV) especially on child marriage, trafficking and promoting a safe working environment for women through reduction of sexual harassment and unequal pay in work place.

Working area: 10 Unions of Barguna Sadar Upazila, Barguna Sadar Upazila, Barguna District and Barisal Division.

Project duration: 1 September 2016 to 30 November 2020.

The project is based on Theory of Change (ToC) approach The priority areas of the project are:    

Child Marriage Child Trafficking Sexual Harassment at work place Equal pay

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The strategic outcomes of the project are: Strategic Outcome 1: Improved implementation and enforcement of existing legislation and public policies on the prevention and elimination of gender based violence and economic exclusion Intermediate Outcome 1.1: The key duty bearers (national and local governments) are responsive and leading in addressing the needs as identified in the National Plan of Action (NPA) to end Child Marriage (CM), NPA of Human Trafficking, CSR policy and labour law Immediate change: Government is motivated, has adapted, allocated and ensured adequate resources to ensure the effective implementation of a comprehensive National Plan of Actions for ending CM and human trafficking, CSR and labour law.

Strategic Outcome 2: Increased public support for the elimination of gender based violence and economic exclusion Intermediate Outcome 2.1: Community leaders take actions against GBV issues and support economic empowerment of girls and young women Immediate Outcome: Community leaders (inclusive of local elected bodies and other influential) have increased knowledge and skill to discuss on the values, norms and practices that keep girls and young women safe from GBV, Child Marriage, Trafficking and to promote economic empowerment Intermediate Outcome 2.2: The targeted mainstream media plays a proactive role in support of implementation of NPAs, breaking the stereotypes and structural barriers for women and girls Immediate Outcome: Targeted local and national media have increased capacity and commitment towards advocating for girls rights Strategic Outcome 3: The issues of gender based violence and economic exclusion are given higher priority by corporate actors Intermediate Outcome 3.1: An increased number of targeted corporate in Bangladesh (in the RMG sectors and ICT) reviewed existing policies and practices to reduce sexual harassment and unequal pay Immediate Outcome: Corporate and private companies have increased knowledge on benefits of women friendly environment Strategic Outcome 4: CSOs (NACG, ATSEC-(Action against Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children), NGCAF, Girls not Brides) jointly put pressure on duty bears to include GBV and Economic Exclusion related issues on their agenda Intermediate Outcome 4.1: CSOs (NACG, Action against Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children-ATSEC), Bangladesh Girl Power Alliance, Girls Not Brides) jointly discuss and take actions against GBV, CM, trafficking and Economic Exclusion Immediate outcome: CSOs focusing on girls and women have increased their capacity to lobby and advocate for the elimination of GBV EE of girls and young women with the Private Sector and Government

5.5 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) 5.1.1 Enhancing Governance and Capacity of Service Providers and Civil

Society in Water Supply and Sanitation Sectors Water is a fundamental human need. Each person on Earth requires at least 20 to 50 liters of clean, safe water a day for drinking, cooking, and simply keeping themselves clean.

Polluted water isn’t just dirty—it’s deadly. Some 1.8 million people die every year of diarrheal 40 | P a g e

diseases like cholera. Tens of millions of others are seriously sickened by a host of waterrelated ailmentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;many of which are easily preventable.

The United Nations considers universal access to clean water a basic human right, and an essential step towards improving living standards worldwide. Water-poor communities are typically economically poor as well, their residents trapped in an ongoing cycle of poverty.

Education suffers when sick children miss school. Economic opportunities are routinely lost to the impacts of rampant illness and the time-consuming processes of acquiring water where it is not readily available. Children and women bear the brunt of these burdens.

Water is obviously essential for hydration and for food productionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;but sanitation is an equally important, and complementary, use of water. A lack of proper sanitation services not only breeds disease, it can rob people of their basic human dignity. The state of drinking water supplies can be quantified by four important characteristics: quality, quantity, reliability, and cost.

The United Nations and other organizations estimate that each person requires access to a minimum of 20 to 50 liters of water per day for drinking, food preparation, and personal hygiene. The World Health Organization (WHO) and various national agencies have drinking water quality standards that specify the acceptable microbial, chemical, and radiological characteristics of safe drinking water.

Excessive amounts of microbes or chemicals derived from human and animal wastes, agricultural runoff, industrial chemicals, and even natural pollutants, make some water unsafe to drink and cause water-related diseases. If water sources are not protected, or are unexpectedly contaminated for any reason, the quality of drinking water suffers.

Contamination can occur at the source of the water both at the surface and in the ground.

Once the water is in the distribution system, there are additional opportunities for drinking water to be contaminated. If pipes are not successfully protected from contaminants, the quality of drinking water suffers. Improper storage can also result in unsafe drinking water.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), distribution systems should make drinking water available so that people do not need to travel more than one kilometer from the place where they will use the water. For all people, there is a cost involved in having water distributed to their home or community. Some costs are monetary while others are measured in the time it takes to travel to and from a safe drinking water source.

In January 2013 NSS with the partnership of NGO Forum for Public Health stated to work under the European Union Funded Enhancing Governance and Capacity of Service Providers and Civil Society in Water Supply and Sanitation Sectors project at Nilgonj and Mohipur Unions of Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district. At Nilgonj and Mohipur unions the project is covering a population of 25,553 (12908 male and 12645 female). Capacity building trainings were provided to the people in the targeted Unions through forming groups (VDC, UWC, WWC). The initiatives taken for hardware support were like the following: Achievements Household Rain Water Harvesting System Target

Achievement

Percentage of achievement

14

14

100%

Results 1. Mechanism of using surface water to adapt climate change has been developed at community level 41 | P a g e

2. People are drinking safe rain water 3. Safe water is available and stored in the yard of community people 4. Water borne diseases have been reduced 5. More than 300 people are getting benefit of safe drinking water throughout the year Community Based Rain Water Harvesting System Target

Achievement

Percentage of achievement

3

3

100%

Results 1.

2.

3.

4.

Community people are not spending time to collect safe water from distant places Community people have got new idea about using rain water all the year round Where tube wells are not functioning, the CBRHSs have become popular More than 300 people are drinking safe water all the year round

Deep Hand Tube Well Installation Target

Achievement

Percentage of achievement

3

3

100%

Results 1. People are getting safe drinking water amongst community people 2. Vulnerability of water in dry seasons has been reduced Pond Sand Filter (PSF) Installation Target

Achievement

Percentage of achievement

1

1

100%

Results 1.

2.

3.

4.

People have got scope of using surface water without any cost throughout the year Easy access in potable water has been created The vulnerability of waterborne diseases has been reduced Economic solvency increased due to good health and less expenditure for purchasing medicine

Household level Rainwater Harvesting System for 3000ltr

Deep Hand Tube Well inspected by DD, NGOAB, Mr. Helal Uddind

Community level Rainwater Harvesting System for 10000ltr

5.6 Economic Empowerment 5.6. 1 Micro Finance NSS primarily started income generating activities since 1992 and with the financial support of Proshika the project has been expanded as micro finance in 2000. This program is being implemented at Amtali pourashava, Chawra, Haladia and Amtali sadar unions with the financial support of Bangladesh Development Society-BDS as well as NSSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own fund. A 42 | P a g e

credit coordinator, an accountant and 6 program organizers are working, under this program.

Besides, monitoring coordinator and audit coordinator also monitor and audit the daily accounts and program. With the passage of time NSS has been accepted by community to contribute to develop livelihoods of the poor people through developing micro entrepreneurship.

Status as of June 2016 Total Groups

Total Members

Total Borrowers

Total Savings Tk.

Loan Distribution Tk.

Total Outstanding Tk.

90

1,140

786

50,21,447

1,64,65,000

1,27,07,595

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Annual Audit Report 2016

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Statement of fixed Assets

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