Friendship gives disabled people in Kurigram’s Chars a new lease on life

In the remote char areas of Kurigram, people with disabilities who were once seen as a worry for their families are now earning, learning and contributing to their communities, thanks to a programme run by the non-governmental development organisation Friendship.

The initiative creates opportunities for education, skill development and employment for disabled people living in some of the country’s most isolated riverine areas. The information was gathered during a recent visit to several areas, including Char Jatrapur in Kurigram Sadar Upazila.

Underprivileged disabled children are studying at the “Baranda School” run by Friendship. Held in an open setting in the courtyard of the children’s own homes, the schools aim to build not only literacy but also the children’s physical abilities and daily living skills.

Sahida Akhter, a special teacher at one such school, said the programme was started for children who cannot attend regular schools or have been deprived of educational opportunities.

“In the beginning, many children could not even say their names,” she said. Now, they can introduce themselves and their parents.

Friendship is also opening doors to livelihoods. Harikant Das, a visually impaired shopkeeper from Char Brahmattar, said the organisation helped him buy goods for his shop and set it up properly.

Special arrangements have also been made in his home and shop to allow him to move around safely.
Elsewhere in the area, people with disabilities are being trained to make products such as bamboo fishing rods, hooks, sticks and hand fans, and are earning extra income by selling them.

Trainer Lokman Hossain said that so far 10 people have been trained in this work with Friendship’s support.

Shafiqul Islam, Project Director of Friendship’s Inclusive Department, said the organisation has been working with people with disabilities in the remote chars of Kurigram since 2020 using the Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) method.

Under the Friendship Disability Inclusive Development Program, activities cover education, health, livelihood, social participation and empowerment.

Barrister Aisha Tasin Khan, Senior Director of Friendship and head of its Inclusive Citizenship Department, said arrangements are being made to market the handicrafts made by people with disabilities, creating a steady income stream for them.

“As a result, they are able to reduce their dependence on their families and contribute to the development of their families and society,” she said.

Those involved in the programme say expanding access to education, training and employment can make people with disabilities self-reliant. They say Friendship’s initiative is helping improve social inclusion and quality of life in the remote char areas.