Hamid Ullah: Keeper of Stories
With a notebook filled with carefully recorded stories and a voice recorder capturing elderly voices, Hamid Ullah works tirelessly to preserve the cultural heritage of his community. Through ESDR’s cultural preservation program, this 30-year-old has become the community’s official historian and storyteller. Hamid recognized that displacement threatened not just physical security but cultural continuity. “Our […]
Ayesha Sultana: Growing Hope
Among rows of thriving vegetables and herbs, Ayesha Sultana tends to plants that represent much more than food—they represent self-sufficiency, nutrition, and hope for her community. Through ESDR’s agricultural program, this 27-year-old has become an expert in sustainable farming and nutrition education. Ayesha’s interest in agriculture grew from necessity when her family struggled to access […]
Rukhsana Khatun: Literacy for All
In a circle of determined women holding pencils and notebooks, Rukhsana Khatun guides her students through their first written words. As an adult literacy coordinator through ESDR’s education program, she has helped over 200 women learn to read and write, opening doors to independence and self-advocacy. Rukhsana understands her students’ challenges because she faced them […]
Nasir Ahmed: Wheels of Change
The rhythmic sound of spinning wheels and clicking gears fills Nasir Ahmed’s repair shop, where bicycles get new life and community members gain reliable transportation. Through ESDR’s vocational training program, this 23-year-old has become the community’s bicycle expert and advocate for sustainable mobility. Nasir’s interest in bicycles began when he received a donated bike that […]
Khadija Begum: The Community Mother
The sound of children’s laughter fills the community center where Khadija Begum organizes daily childcare activities. At 58, she has become the beloved “community mother” through ESDR’s elder engagement program, caring for children while their parents work or attend training programs. Khadija’s natural nurturing abilities were enhanced through training in child development, early childhood education, […]
Ibrahim Hassan: Powering Up the Community
As the sun sets, Ibrahim Hassan climbs onto a roof to adjust solar panels that will provide clean electricity to a community center. Through ESDR’s technical training program, this 21-year-old has become the community’s go-to expert for electrical systems and renewable energy solutions. Ibrahim’s fascination with electricity began when he helped install the first solar […]
Salma Khatun: Stitching Dreams Together
The intricate patterns flowing from Salma Khatun’s needle tell stories of heritage, resilience, and hope. Through ESDR’s cultural preservation program, this 31-year-old master embroiderer has become a guardian of traditional arts while creating new opportunities for women in her community. Salma learned embroidery from her mother and grandmother, but ESDR’s program helped her refine her […]
Rafiq Ahmed: The Library Guardian
Surrounded by carefully organized books and the quiet rustle of turning pages, Rafiq Ahmed has found his calling as the guardian of his community’s knowledge. At just 17, he manages the ESDR community library and has become a passionate advocate for literacy and learning. Rafiq discovered his love for books early in ESDR’s education program. […]
Halima Begum: Nurturing New Life
In the quiet hours before dawn, Halima Begum receives a call that a baby is ready to enter the world. As a trained birth attendant through ESDR’s maternal health program, she has safely delivered over 50 babies and provided care to countless mothers. Halima’s training was comprehensive, covering prenatal care, safe delivery practices, postnatal support, […]
Noor Ahmed: Wisdom in Times of Change
Under the shade of a large tree that serves as his informal office, Noor Ahmed listens to the concerns of community members who seek his guidance. At 67, he has become the community’s most trusted mediator and counselor through ESDR’s elder engagement program. Noor’s life experience spans decades of change and challenge. He witnessed his […]