An Empowering Initiative that Strengthens Communities and Successfully Changes Lives for a Better and More Hopeful Tomorrow
Introduction
Empowering Lives, Transforming Communities – The DMS Success Story
In the undeniably stark and overwhelming inequality of our world, coupled with chronic socio-economic issues that continue to have their deep roots in and affect so many across the board, the Development of Mohila Society (DMS) has been a beacon of hope for many in need. Founded in the year 1999 through the inspired and dedicated efforts of the indefatigable and visionary leader Fouzia Jesmin, DMS has been working tirelessly and unrelentingly ever since to bring about the transformation of the lives of millions of individuals and families throughout Bangladesh. Through the strong and unwavering commitment to such vital areas as education, health care, women empowerment, environmental stewardship, and poverty alleviation, DMS has been able to establish itself as a reliable and respected name within the arena of grassroots development work.
Our Mission and Vision Statement
DMS has a deep passion for empowering marginalized groups of people, including women and children especially, as it strives to provide them with the tools and opportunity they need. These are critical to allowing such people to not only become self-sufficient but also have lives of respect and dignity. Our aspiration is one of working towards the realization of a society that is intrinsically fair, highly educated, and sustainable in nature, where each and every one of them has the opportunity to flourish and reach their full potential irrespective of their socio-economic status.
Here's the concise summary of overview for the impact:
Over the course of the last 24 years, DMS has directly touched the lives of over 150,000 beneficiaries, and indirectly reached another 170,000 through a multitude of programs aimed at developing and assisting communities. Our key areas of focus include a host of significant initiatives, which are:
✅ Bringing non-formal primary education to underprivileged children, giving them access to essential learning opportunities
✅ Empowering women through skill training sessions and microfinance services, allowing them to control their own financial futures
✅ Running health and nutrition programs to assist lactating mothers and other vulnerable groups, improving their well-being
✅ Striving for an end to child marriage and actively advocating for gender equality across all aspects of life
✅ Spreading awareness of climate change and preparing communities for the possibility of disaster, building resilience and awareness
✅ Enabling income-generating activities (IGA), including ventures such as poultry, sewing, and other types of agriculture, to make families self-sufficient and financially secure.
Transforming and Enhancing Lives through Purposeful Action
Education is for all and for each
Education is a vital and core right that each and every human being should most certainly be guaranteed; unfortunately, it is heart-wrenching and disheartening to note that millions upon millions of children around the world are, sadly, deprived of the opportunity to receive high-quality learning experiences. In response to this urgent and critical issue, DMS has made major and meaningful efforts in effectuating numerous varieties of non-formal educations in large quantities of districts so that children belonging to marginalized and underprivileged groups are well-equipped with the tools required to receive not only primary education but vocational training as well as vital life skill development as well. By our collaborative efforts and strong partnership with highly renowned organizations like BRAC and the Bureau of Non-Formal Education (BNF), we have successfully executed effective Pre-primary and Adult Education Programs that have been of tremendous help in substantially reducing illiteracy rates in our operational zones.
Women Empowerment & Economic Stability
Women have played the vital and pivotal role in the universal efforts towards sustainable development programs. Through a variety of different activities including skill-based livelihood training programs, poultry farming schemes, distribution of sewing machines, and different vegetable cultivation schemes, DMS has been effective in empowering numerous women so that they are now able to earn a feeling of economic independence in their lives. With well over 1,000 women being trained annually, the effectual programs have played their part in transforming struggling families into economically sound families that are well-placed to survive and flourish.
Securing Access to Clean Water and Good Sanitation for the Advancement of Healthier and More Prosperous Communities
Access to safe and clean drinking water, along with proper sanitation facilities, is absolutely critical to the health of individuals and communities. Yet, it is a sad reality that many rural communities in Bangladesh remain plagued by serious issues of arsenic contamination in their water supply and poor hygiene habits among people. In an effort to address this critical situation, DMS, in collaboration with the NGO Forum, has taken practical steps by identifying and installing arsenic-free tube wells. They have also made a significant contribution by distributing over 20,000 sanitary latrines, resulting in a noticeable improvement in public health conditions in these communities.
The Necessity of Developing Climate Resilience and the Imperative Role of Safeguarding Environmental Sustainability
With climate change posing great and severe threats to Bangladesh as a nation, the Department of Meteorological Services has initiated a series of proactive and forward-looking steps in the fields of social forestry activities, practices of land uses that are ecologically friendly, and awareness-raising programs on climatic issues. Through the dedicated effort of planting tens of thousands of trees and the educational training imparted to local peoples in disaster preparedness, we are busy developing and building up a society not only more resilient but also more environmentally aware and friendly.
Notable Achievements and Prestigious Awards
✔ With a commitment of more than 24 years, we have been dedicated to rendering unwavering service to needy populations, working relentlessly to better their conditions and provide them with greater opportunities.
✔ We are officially registered with many government organizations, not only making us legitimate but also facilitating transparency in all our operations and activities.
✔ We are proudly members of prestigious networks like the STI/AIDS Network of Bangladesh, the Child Development Forum, and the Habitat Council Bangladesh, linking us with like-minded organizations in our field.
✔ We have successfully carried out more than 20 large-scale projects with the help of crucial funds from prestigious organizations like UNICEF, Save the Children USA, Muslim Aid UK, and government departments, with which we have been able to make our mark significantly.
✔ We have a capable workforce of 301 professionals that consists of a multitude of volunteers, specialists, and trainers who all contribute their expertise and knowledge towards our cause.
Imagining the Future: A Journey Designed with Hope and the Promise of Development and Expansion
At DMS, we strongly feel that our journey does not conclude here. With a constantly growing network of committed partners, passionate well-wishers, and active community members, we have a definite roadmap for the future. This involves expanding our reach in significant ways, launching new ventures that are women-led, enhancing and enriching digital literacy initiatives for varied groups, and substantially scaling up our interventions to address climate change.
Become part of our mission to make a positive impact in the world
DMS is much more than an organization; it is a living movement that reflects our collective vision and aspirations. We cordially invite you to be a part of this rewarding journey of change for the better. Whether you volunteer your time, provide assistance through donations, or join hands with us as partners in collaborative efforts, each and every effort on your part is instrumental in building a better and brighter tomorrow for us all.
Contact us at:
E-mail: dmskhulna@gmail.com
Location: Sardar Mansion, Mattamdanga, Khulna-9205, Bangladesh
You can contact us on the phone on the following numbers: 041-786151 or 01712-151785.
Let us continue our work and commitment to creating and developing a future where every single one of us has the opportunity and potential to thrive and achieve in their unique and individual manner.