Gono Unnayan Prochesta (People's Development Efforts) has been working in the rural areas of Bangladesh since shortly after the War of Independence in 1971.
Philosophy and Objectives:
Gono Unnayan Prochesta (GUP) has been inspired by one basic philosophy since its inception which underpins all the work carried out as well as the planning of the new programmes, and the assessment of the existing programmes. Stated briefly, this philosophy is based on a belief in the intrinsic value of each individual. All aspects of GUP's work reflect this belief. Every person's contribution is valued and actively sought before a programme is implemented, and all programmes originate from the needs expressed by the community. Consequently no two programmes are similar, because the work is tailored to the needs of the individuals who make up the group. GUP also believes that development takes place only when the people involved can see the fruit of their labour, and when the changes take place as a result of their efforts. Fundamental to this belief is the fact that this process is never-ending, and that it permeates every aspect of human life and development.
However, it recognises that no individual lives in isolation from the rest of the community, and hence the development of the individual is intimately bound up with that of the, community in which she or he lives.
Within the basic premise of belief in the individual's power to bring about changes in his or her life, GUP's aims have been envisaged in the following manner:
(i) to assist the people in identifying those aspects of problems to which solutions can be found;
(ii) to work towards the removal of the causes of poverty and powerlessness, and to bring about greater understanding and knowledge of the concept of the dignity of labour;
(iii) to stimulate co-operative efforts to create resources and capital in the community for the promotion of economic activities leading to a welfare society, self-reliant and free from exploitation;
(iv) to help social justice, harmony and peace in the community become a reality rather than a far-distant ideal, through the reduction of ill-health, illiteracy, unemployment and all forms of injustice by means of systematic non-violent action;
(v) to help people understand their civic rights and obligations;
(vi) to complement effective national programmes in assisting the development of the poorest groups and to initiate innovative programmes which can eventually be adopted by other national groups if the programmes prove successful.
Programmes Supported by Gono Unnayan Prochesta:
To translate these aims into actions which will have a transforming effect on the lives of all the people inhabiting the region, GUP has undertaken a number of programmes which form an integrated approach to development. Through this approach, it is hoped that all the members of the community will come in contact with GUP's programmes in a way which will help them in their own development, because change will only occur in the lives of the poor and powerless groups, when all the members of the community recognise that they have to make changes in their own lives. However, GUP has made a commitment that it will work mostly with the poorest sectors – those who are downtrodden and most oppressed in society. It is the intention that every programme should be directed towards this group, in the villages and in society as a whole.
Agriculture and Ecological Development Activities establish agro-based industries by improving skills, practices, methods, yields and varieties. The programme gives equal importance to the protection, and promotion, of ecological balance.
Batik Programme has introduced new skills centred round the production of Batik items and continues to generate a form of creative employment as well as an income earning opportunity for the rural poor.
Community Health Care Programme provides basic preventive and curative health services through a network of outreach facilities. A special focus is given to mother and child care, health education and training, nutrition, sanitation, safe drinking water and immunisation.
Co-operative Programmes actively facilitate the formation of organised groups amongst the rural poor, to stimulate the process of saving, the mobilisation of capital and the generation of productive activities.
Emergency Services are provided in times of natural calamities and disaster when quick relief and rehabilitation services are required.
Disaster Management Programme is designed to create job opportunities for landless and destitute people during slumps in employment, whilst also contributing to the building up of local infrastructures.
Legal Assistance Programme combines education about legal rights and obligations with the provision of legal services for poor people, especially in the case of land and marriage disputes.
Livestock, Poultry and Fishery Programmes have been introduced to increase the availability of nutritional foods, generate new economic activities and to provide a good source of livelihood.
Peace Centre - "Shanti Kendra" provides training and promotes human development, mediation and action research pertaining to Peace and Social Justice, as they affect communities at local, national, regional and international levels.
Training Centre has an ongoing programme of training courses, seminars and workshops aimed at upgrading skills and increasing knowledge, communication and efficiency amongst GUP programme beneficiaries, team members and people from other NGOs and Governmental agencies
Women and Children's Programme works towards the full realisation of their vital role and needs, both within the family, and the community as a whole. By providing practical and moral support to facilitate their general education, participation in income generation and skill- building activities, the programme seeks to uplift their overall socio-economic position.
Water, Sanitation and Arsenic Mitigation Programme now includes work for arsenic removal to supply safe water in the area.
Gono Unnayan Prochesta maintains close links with many national NGOs, overseas friends and development groups, and the organisation has become a centre for learning and study for other development workers, both national and international, who come to gain inspiration, acquire fresh knowledge and experience. GUP also learns and develops its strengths and through such continuous learning processes it hopes to be more dynamic and effective in its activities with the poor and the oppressed.
