AWDP-Bangladesh

2009-09-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

The three deaf Nobel Laureates

Alfred Bernard Nobel (1833-1896), the Swedish chemist and inventor of dynamite, donated a fund of about $ 9.0 million for awarding Nobel Prizes annually to the persons who make significant contributions in any of the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics. The prizes in the first five fields have been given since 1901. The Economics prize was introduced in 1969.

The winners of Physics, Chemistry and Economics are chosen by the Royal Academy of Science in Stockholm, Physiology or Medicine, by the Caroline Institute and the faculty of medicine in Stockholm. The winners of Literature are selected by the Swedish Academy of Literature in Stockholm. The Peace prize is awarded by a Norwegian Nobel Committee of five elected members from Norwegian Parliament.

The first deaf Nobel laureate was Charles Jules Henry Nicolle (1866-1936), a French bacteriologist who received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1928 for identifying lice as a transmitter of epidemic typhus.

Nicolle became deaf at the age of 20 while studying medicine. In 1893, he earned M.D. from the Pasteur Institute, the French non-profit private foundation dedicated to the study of biology, micro-organisms and vaccines. In 1895, Nicolle married Alice Avice and had two children.

Nicolle became the Director of Pasteur Institute in Tunis, Tunisia in 1903 where he did his Nobel Prize winning work on typhus. In 1936, he died there as the Director. Later Nicolle was honoured on French and Tunisian postage stamps.

The second deaf Nobel laureate was Sir Charles Scott Sherrington (1857-1952), an English physician who shared the Noble Prize in Medicine in 1932 with Edgar D. Adrian (British) for discovering the function of neurons.

Sir Sherrington became deaf late in life. In 1920, he was the President of Royal Society and a member of Order of Merit. He was knighted by the King of England.

The third deaf Nobel laureate was Sir John Warcup Cornforth. Born in Sydney, Australia in 1917 he shared the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1975 with Vladimir Prelog (Swiss) for their work on the chemical synthesis of important organic compounds.

Sir Cornforth had been a profound deaf man since his teens. His mother Hilda Eipper (1887-1969) was the granddaughter of Christopher Eipper (1813-1894), a pioneer missionary and Presbyterian minister in Australia. He earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in 1937 and 1938 respectively from the University of Sydney and D. Phil. in 1941 from the University of Oxford. He is a member of Royal Society and was knighted by Queen Elizabeth. He is now 92.

Written by Iftu Ahmed, Aurora, IL, USA

2009-08-29T10:57:00.000-07:00

DPO Leaders met Speaker of the Parliament

A team of DPO Leaders met Speaker of the Bangladesh National Parliament Advocate Abdul Hamid at his office at Dhaka, on 24 August 2009. The team led by Md. Abdus Sattar Dulal a physically disabled person who is also the Secretary of Disabled Peoples' International (DPI), President of NADPO, a national DPO network and Executive Director of Bangladesh Protibandhi Kallyan Somity (BPKS) a leading DPO in the country.

Discussion between the honorable Speaker and DPO leaders includes the issues of rights, development and improvement in the quality of lives of people with disabilities in Bangladesh. The meeting focused on the needs for inclusion of disability issues in the national policy documents, amendment in the Rules of Business of the ministries, diversification of disability issues from Ministry of Social Welfare to others, ratified UNCRPD other relevant issues.

Appreciating the role of Speaker in the Parliament the team placed a set of demands for physical accessibility facilities of disabled persons in the parliament building, two reserved seats of MPs for PWDs from each division, inclusion of NADPO in the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committees and recruiting PWD employees in the Parliament Secretariat. The honorable Speaker expressed his same feelings on the issues raised. He suggested that the issues could be raised in the parliament sessons by MPs and then, he committed to do the needful at his level best in support to people with disabilities of the country. This meeting in a congenial environment created a hope for better future of people with disabilities in Bangladesh.

AWDP-Bangladesh congratulates Md. Abdus Sattar Dulal and his team of delegation for such an advocacy meeting with the top level policy maker of the country on the rights of people with disabilities and their issues.

2009-08-23T10:51:00.001-07:00

Sarower's Urge for an employment
Mohammad Sarower Hossen Khan is the first person with disability in Bangladesh who got M. Phil Degree from Dhaka University . Sarower is a person with full blindness who set a most encouraging instance of success by achieving his M. Phil Degreein September 2008. So far this is the highest academic accomplishment by a person with disability in the country.

AWDP-Bangladesh published a blogpost on 23 September 2008. Link http://awdpbd.blogspot.com/2008/09/countrys-first-person-with-disability.html

After that Sarower received remarks of appreciation from over the country and abroad for his big achievement. National newspapers and journals published 15 features on his exemplary achievement. Most leading NGOs working for the promotion of rights of people with disabilities highly appreciated him. Sarower is greatly indebted to all and expressed his gratitude to all organizations and individuals who made their kind remarks of appreciation.

After a long interval, in July 2009 following Remarks of Appreciation were made by leading disability rights NGOs and Donors.

One of our member named Mr. Mohammad Sarwar Hossain Khan secured his M..Phil degree from the University of Dhaka and the news is published in the issue of daily "Prothom Alo" today (link given below). Congratulations to him! He proved his ability and urged to the Govt of Bangladesh for necessary support to achieve his Ph.d degree. We wish him all the success. http://www.prothom-alo.com/mcat.news.details.php?nid=MTY0OTQw&mid=NQ
Anam, Coordinator, BVIPS
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Congratulation to Sarwar Bhai! A sparkling person can’t be visual impaired anymore. I salute you Sawar Bhai.
Regards,
Rabeya Sultana
Head, Rights & Social Justice Sector
ActionAid Bangladesh
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I would like to add few words with Rabeya Apa. Sarwar is a change maker who takes initiative on his own. I worked with him in Election Monitoring of Parliamentary Election 2001. He worked as a role model. He created another instance through completing the M. Phil degree. Congratulation to you, Sarwar. We need more capable people in our country.
Thank you,
Mosharraf HossainCountry Director, ADD
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Congratulations Sarwar Bhai.We deeply acknowledge the encouragement from your wife Ms. Mazeda Moon and your supervisor Professor Dil Rowson Jinnat Ara to achieve it.

Waiting to congratulate you for your PhD. Good Luck.

Zahid, NFOWD
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It is a Great wave in the field of the disability and development. Go a head Sarwar your success shows it is possible only needs strong will. Hope your inner force will take you long what will bring positive change in the society for those are till in depressed.

Shahidul Haque
Chief Executive, SARPV-Bangladesh
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I would like to convey my heartiest gratitude to Sarwar and his family and also his supervisor to support him to achieve the degree. A person who can achieve Mphil degree or any higher degree from any university can contribute in any sector of the society. However, it is unfortunate that many of them after completion of high-education are not getting employment opportunities. All our encouragement I believe would stimulate educated disabled youth but if we cannot create opportunities for them to apply their skills and wisdom to contribute in wider development they might loose the steam and frustrated soon.

I appeal all of you to start talking how we can be more effective to ensure their employment in different sectors including our own. I believe doing so, will not only enable disabled youth to remove their frustration but will definitely contribute in reaching our wider goal of inclusive society…

In solidarity,
Mozammel HaqueAction on Disability and Development (ADD)
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We also feel happy and heartily congratulate Mr. Sarwar Hossain Khan’s achievement as the country’s first person with disability who attained M. Phil degree from Dhaka University. This is a milestone for all persons with disabilities in Bangladesh who are challenging lots of barriers and discrimination to attain higher education. We take this opportunity to inform that Disability Friends Club of Jahangirnagor University (DFC-JU) recognized this exceptional achievement by organizing a special event at Jahangirnagar University Auditorium on the eve of International Disability Day, 2008. In that event Professor Dr. Muniruzzaman, Pro-VC and then Vice Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University was present as the chief guest and handed over the appreciations to Mr. Sarwar Hossain Khan and other two awardees.

We once again congratulate Mr. Sarowar Hossian Khan and we believe that his remarkable achievement will inspire all of us.

Thanks and Best Regards,
Rakhi Barua
Project Coordinator, Promoting Rights for the Persons with
Disabilities (PRPD), CDD-MJF
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Thanks. Last year I remember I was with all of you at that program so congratulate again. That was nice program there four person received award from us.
Nazrana Yesmin, MJF
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Congratulations Sarwar bhai! I believe you will have good opportunities and scopes to utilize your learning and experiences. We are highly encouraged from your success.

Jibon William Gomes
Project Manager, Cooperation Program with Abilis Handicap International, Bangladesh
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Despite all those remarks of appreciation there is a great irony in the real life experience of Sarower. Even after accomplishment of his M.phil Degree and being the only person with disability having highest academic qualification in the country Sarower couldn’t manage a job for his own survival within one year. Over the year Sarower put his every efforts to get a job, but yet to get any positive response. As such, Sarower has made an urge to all concerns for providing him a job so that he can survive with dignity and to utilize his learning and experiences for empowerment of other people with disabilities in the country and can move forward towards his vision of achieving Ph.D Degree.

AWDP-Bangladesh believes Sarower will be able to get a suitable job and his achievement will be rewarded not only by words but also in action.

2009-08-23T03:34:00.001-07:00

Get-Together of CRP Friends
Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed CRP-Bangladesh organized a get-together of its friend NGOs working with disabilities on 1 August 2009 on celebrating its year long 30th anniversary program. In Bangladesh CRP is the only organization that provides treatment, training and rehabilitation services to people with spinal injury and paraplegia. A good number of senior level representatives from different NGOs attended the event.
Valerie Taylor, Founder and Co-coordinator of CRP recalled many people with disabilities who have got services from CRP and got new dimension in their lives with different ability and confidence in her welcome speech. She added many of them are now making good contribution to support other people with disabilities through their services at different workplaces and through their own organizations.
This get together included CRP presentation on its speech therapy services, video show and open discussion. In the videos, developed by people with disabilities team focused on different abilities of persons with disabilities and sufferings of wheelchair users in their day to day mobility and accessibility.
Participants of this program strongly felt for a united effort to build a barrier-free and accessible environment for all. They also stretched on an effective law base on the rights of people with disabilities. CRP Executive Director Mr. Emdad Moslem facilitated the whole program.
AWDP-Bangladesh expresses its sincere thanks and gratitude to CRP and Valerie Taylor who shown light to Md. Mahbubul Ashraf, Secretary & Coordinator of AWDP towards living a life with disability and dignity.

2009-07-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

DBBL's support for Club Foot Operation

Dutch-Bangla Bank Limited (DBBL), under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program arranges free surgical operation for children and adolescents with club-feet. DBBL is one of the large and reputed private bank and is well-known for its good contribution to the social causes in Bangladesh.

At present Dutch Bangla Bank Foundation invites applications from people with club feet and relevant stakeholders from around the country by September 30, 2009. Click on the newspaper advertisement in Bangla. For further information and assistance Mr. Tufael Ahmed, Senior Officer, DBBL could be contacted at ‘Dutch Bangla Bank Foundation, Sena Kallyan Bhaban (5^th Floor), 195 Motijheel Commercial Area, Dhaka 1000 or through Tel: 7176390-93, Fax: 9561889.

Previously DBBL, under its Smile-Brighter Programme has organised a four-day long plastic surgery operation camp at the bank's own cost at Popular General Hospital in Pabna district town from April 11 through 14. A plastic surgery team consisting of 10 members headed by the eminent plastic surgeon Dr AJM Salek has conducted the operation.

AWDP highly appreciates DBBL for all its efforts for people with disabilities in Bangladesh.

2009-07-13T13:07:00.000-07:00

Resource Mobilization Roundtable for DPOs in Bangladesh

Action on Disability and Development (ADD) organized a National Roundtable on ‘Donors’ Support to DPOs in Bangladesh’ at BIAM Auditorium on 12 July 2009.
A good number of representatives from Disabled Peoples’ Organizations (DPOs) and leaders with disabilities from around the country participated in the discussion. This discussion was unique in a sense that it created an opportunity for direct sharing of small NGOs, DPOs and grassroots organizations with the representatives of three donor agencies DRF, ABILIS and ADD.
It was a very useful and time-worthy effort by ADD on the eve of DRF Grant Making Announcement. This discussion session included information sharing on resource mobilization for DPOs in Bangladesh and capacity building. Michael Szpurluk Programme Officer of Disability Rights Fund (DRF), USA, Jibon William Gomes, Facilitator of Abilis Foundation in Bangladesh and Sirazul Huq, Monitoring Coordinator of ADD shared valuable information during this discussion. On the eve of Second Round Grant Making Announcement of 2009, the presence of DRF Representative Michael Szpurluk in this discussion was significant. He shared the key issues of grant application process for Disability Rights Fund (DRF) and responded questions from the audience while Jibon William Gomes from ABILIS Foundation and Sirazul Huq from ADD shared pros and cons of resource mobilization for DPOs and its challenges in Bangladesh.
Michael Szpurluk Programme Officer of Disability Rights Fund (DRF), USA, Jibon William Gomes, Facilitator of Abilis Foundation in Bangladesh and Sirazul Huq, Monitoring Coordinator of ADD shared valuable information during this discussion. On the eve of Second Round Grant Making Announcement of 2009, the presence of DRF Representative Michael Szpurluk was significant. He shared many important issues on grant application process of Disability Rights Fund (DRF) and responded questions from the audience while Jibon William Gomes from ABILIS Foundation and Sirazul Huq from ADD shared pros and cons of resource mobilization for DPOs and its challenges in Bangladesh. Michael informed that the DRF Call for Proposal will be opened on 15 July 2009 and ends on 15 September 2009. He mentioned DRF provides funding as well as technical support to the applicants and strictly follows the time line. All relevant information will available on DRF website. He requested ADD to facilitate interested organizations in this regard.

The Honorable Minister, Ministry of Social Welfare, Government of Bangladesh Enamul Haq Mostafa Shahid MP was the Chief Guest of the program while ASM Mosharraf Hossain, Country Director, ADD presided over the discussion. The Chief Guest in his speech emphasized on donor support to disabled peoples’ organizations and to disseminate proper information on resource mobilization, rights and development to people with disabilities and all relevant stakeholders. He mentioned that the government is keen to take special measures for employment of people with disabilities. It has already doubled the budget for the development of the people with disabilities in the fiscal year 2009-10. He also urged for a public private partnership and coordinated efforts for a meaningful advancement of people with disabilities in Bangladesh.
ASM Mosharraf Hossain, Country Director, ADD and Chair of this session stressed on a participatory process of development including drafting of the law for people with disabilities in Bangladesh. Association for the Welfare of the Disabled People (AWDP), on behalf of its members and Executive Council conveys it’s thanks to ADD management to organize such an useful and time-worthy initiative when DRF representative Michael Szpurluk was on a monitoring visit to Bangladesh.

2009-07-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Manju's Publications on Disability

Publication Ceremony of Fahmida Manju Majid's short story 'Se Bari Nei' and a children's poetry`Chorano Chora' was held at Bengal Gallery of Fine Arts, Dhaka on 3 July 2009.

The short story 'Se Bari Nei' is a children's story on Autism. The whole story is composed on a growing child having autism. It also focused on misunderstandings, difficulties and struggle of the family during rearing up such children.

The other book `Chorano Chora' is its 3rd edition, a poetry of fifty poems for children. The writer focused on strong awareness and motivational messages on all categories of children with disabilities through these poems. She viewed children, adolescents and girls with disabilities from the dimension of challenge, ability and success.

Leftist politician Haider Akbor Khan Rono, renowned Educationalist and pioneer Environment Activist Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, founder of GK and social change activist Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, educationalist Principal Shamse Ara Hossen, writer Ahmed Mazhar, poet Maruf Raihan and Sabina Hossen, Principal of SWAC spoke on the occasion while Dr. Shamim F Karim, Chairman, Department of Psychology, University of Dhaka presided over the ceremony. Celebrity Drama actress Shirin Bakul recited from one of the publications in her melodious voice in the ceremony.

Fahmida Manju Majid is the foremost writer in Bangladesh who has written a good number books of poems and short stories on multi-dimensional interactions of disability at individual, familial and social contexts.

Fahmida Manju is a psychologist, creative therapist, writer and a renowned storyteller of both hemispheres. Manju Majid is well known in Bangladesh as a media personality. She introduced disability program series in Bangladesh Television titled 'Sobar Shathe' and continued for about six years. She spent a long time in UK working for children with Down's Syndrom and Autism. She got British Nationality and worked for children with disability and BBC Bangla Service for a long durarion.

Fahmida Manju Majid is a caring lady with strong feelings for children and persons with disabilities. She has a close observation on the difficulties and impact of disability on the family, parents, neighbours and others in the society.

AWDP Treasurer Antora Ahmed and Coordinator
Md. Mahbubul Ashraf facilitated the program. AWDP wishes for a wider circulation of both the publications and good health to the writer.

2009-06-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Training opportunity
Sign Language Training at SSDL

Society of the Deaf & Sign Language Users (SDSL) is going to organize a sixteen-day long training course on Bangla Sign Language for grassroots leaders, development workers and managers of DPOs/NGOs at SDSL Office in Dhaka from July 3, 2009.

The fees for the training is Tk 3000.00 (Three thousand only) per participant that is inclusive of training & course materials. The classes will be held on every Friday and Saturday.

Contact for further details:

SOCIETY OF THE DEAF & SIGN LANGUAGE USERS

House # 80, Indira road, Farm gate, Dhaka 1215

Mobile: +8801716649186, + 88 01924800811 Email: sdsl.bangladesh@gmail.com

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Training on Inclusive Education

Bangladesh Protibodhi Foundation (BPF) will organize a ten day training workshop on inclusive education for students with disability at BPF from 5 July to 15 July 2009. The training will be conducted 6 days a week except Friday from 8:30 am to 2 pm daily.

Course fee for this training is Tk.5000/- (per person) and the registration should be done by June 30, 2009

Contact for further information:

Course Coordinator & Principal (Acting)

Bangladesh Institute of Special Education, Bangladesh Protibondhi Foundation (BPF), 6 Barobag, Section-2, Mirpur, Dhaka-1216

Mobile: 01711613137, E-mail: bpfkal@bangla.net

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Training on Mastering dynamic web portal development

Development Research Network-D.Net is going to organize four day training on Mastering dynamic web portal development on 05.07.2009 to 08.07.2009 at D.Net, 6/8, Humayun Road, Block - B, Mohammadpur, Dhaka 1207.

This course focuses on the most essential and fundamental elements to build, launch and manage a CMS based dynamic web site.

The participants will learn from this training:
Why Joomla might be the best thing ever, how to apply a structured methodology for planning and building a website in Joomla, how to assemble and manage web site content, how to conduct basic site administration, how to avoid potential pitfalls and time wasters during web site construction

Objectives of the Training:
Learn web portal updating and maintenance without any coding or programming knowledge and skill development to develop new website using joomla.

Who Can Attend?

Individuals with little or no previous experience in building web sites on the Internet; Business owners who wish to use Joomla to promote their brand and reinforce their marketing and sales efforts on the Internet; Managers of nonprofit organizations and government agencies who want to use Joomla to facilitate community interaction, promote organizational transparency and/or enhance fund raising; Creative individuals who want to use Joomla to express their interests and ideas on the Internet or who want to build an online community.

Deadline for Registration of this course is 30 June 2009 and registration fee is Tk. 4000.00/ participant.

Contact for further information and Registration

D.Net, Development Research Network
6/8 Humayun Road, Block-B, Mohammadpur
Dhaka - 1207, Bangladesh

Phone: +88 02 9131424, +88 02 8124976
Fax: +88 02 814 20 21
Cell : 01714-071326, 01814 652496, 01814 652497
e-mail : training@dnet.org.bd

2009-06-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

Bangladesh Starts Daylight Saving Time

Bangladesh advanced the clock by one hour
Bangladesh advanced the clock by an hour on June 19 at 11:00pm Friday to 12 midnight and starts Daylight Saving Time, for the first time, which is GMT +07:00 hours.

Clocks were advanced by an hour, to start counting Saturday an hour early, to have more daylight during evening hours and to save on the use of electricity.

Bangladesh Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, opened the cover of a replica watch and released a special

commemorative stamp at her official residence, Jamuna, at 10:44pm on Friday, minutes before clocks were to be moved an hour ahead from 11:00pm. The clock in Rajuk Bhaban was advanced to 12 midnight at 11:00pm. Bangladesh Television aired the events live.

The State Minister of Power and Energy Shamsul Haq Tuku said that the government estimates 250 megawatts of power per day can be saved by having more daylight hours in the evening so that people can avoid using electricity.

The Prime Minister has urged people to adjust to Daylight Saving Time being introduced to make the maximum use of limited energy resources.

In compliance to this urge Association for the welfare of the Disabled People AWDP-Bangladesh stretched its efforts to help others to adjust their PC time by installing small software from Microsoft. An optional update is available to update the Daylight Saving Time for Bangladesh for the year 2009 for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 based computers.

This update is available at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972423

After installing this software your computer will automatically adjust its time (advances by one hour and will back to the original time as soon as DST for Bangladesh ends.

Bangladesh’s time zone during the non-daylight saving period is known as Bangladesh Time (BDT), which has a time offset of UTC+6 hours. This time zone applies to the whole country and will shift to UTC+7 hours when DST occurs at midnight between June 19 and 20, 2009.

Time-related information on Dhaka, Bangladesh, can be found in the World Clock. Time-related information on other cities in Bangladesh can be found in the World Clock – long list. Also, visit Commonly reported problems with the World Clock if the chosen city’s correct time is not shown or to understand more about Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and its difference from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

2009-06-11T00:54:00.000-07:00

Job opportunity at GTZ

GTZ an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations invites applications from suitable candidates for the position of “Programme Support Manager” for its Gender, Rights and Governance Programme at Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Deadline for Application:20 June 2009

Encouragement: Women and persons with impairment are especially encouraged to apply.

Special Mention: Women and persons with impairment will be selected in case of equal qualification with other candidates.

Job Title: Programme Support Manager

Educational Requirements: Masters degree (Masters in Business Administration is preferred)

Experience & knowledge required: Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar position, Excellent command of MS-Office, Good working knowledge of modern telecommunication systems (telephone, fax, e-mail, internet)

Other Requirements:

Familiarity with development-cooperation/agencies, bilateral or multilateral organizations
Works well under pressure and is a strong team player
Experience in organizing and drawing up concepts for events, training courses and fact-finding missions
Sound knowledge of Development Cooperation (DC) / Technical Cooperation (TC) and relevant instruments
International experience (in order to be able to work in a multicultural environment)
Independent, highly motivated staff member who is willing to learn, and is open and flexible in an international work context.
Fluency in English and Bangla and good writing skills in both languages. Knowledge of German an added advantage
Willingness to travel to project sites as required

Job Responsibility:

Developing and maintaining contacts with all partners and relevant stakeholders
Acting as liaison to and cooperating with the GTZ office in Dhaka and other GTZ offices world wide to facilitate programme activities
Observing and participating in the communication and interaction between government institutions (within the programme), non-government organizations and other relevant stakeholders through direct dialogue, participation in forums, seminars, etc.
Facilitating and maintaining information sharing among various programme components
Interfacing between the programme office in GTZ, the project office, and counterparts assigned by the GoB and partner NGOs
Preparing and maintaining reporting schedules for project components and assisting Principal Advisors in meeting reporting deadlines
Assisting the Principal Advisors in preparing reports for GTZ-HQs and BMZ
Coordinating data required for reporting in coordination with programme and Administrative staff
Overall coordination of administrative and financial issues of the programme, including oversight of contracts, financial management and availability of funds on a monthly basis and monitoring of expenditure
Periodic review of processes and systems of administration within the programme and management of information flow between the programme and the GTZ office
Managing, coordinating, supervising and contributing to the preparation and implementation of programme events, missions and tours within and out side the country and carrying out other activities necessary for the implementation of these.

General Duties:

Is responsible for the management of personnel, finances, and infrastructure of the entrusted area of activity
Is responsible for ensuring a polite and successful interface with partner organizations and individuals
Is familiar with donor-specific planning, implementation and reporting procedures and its changes
Represents the interests and always acts on behalf of the GTZ-program
Provides support in organisational and management issues
Routinely consults with updates Principal Advisers regarding all kinds of administrative and reporting issues

Additional Duties/Tasks

Assists in and/or carries out other project activities and any other tasks as assigned
Resolves areas of dispute and troubleshoots contentious issues
Take a leading role in assisting and managing administrative staff.

Instructions to Apply:

Only electronic applications will be accepted. Please send your complete and current CV along with a recent passport size photograph, a letter of explaining why you are suitable for this job (1 Page) before the 20th of June 2009 to GTZ. If you have an email client installed, just click Email, otherwise please send your application via email to jobs@gtz-bd.de with the subject line “Programme Support Manager, GTZ- Gender, Rights and Governance Programme”. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

2009-04-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

Women with disabilities in Bangladesh marching forward
Women with disabilities (WWD) have been marching forward with capabilities and commendable role in different arenas of development in Bangladesh. They are gaining prominence day by day and lighting the way forward.

Ranjana selected as International Bridge Builder of Harvard University
Umme Kulsum Ranjana, has been prestigiously selected as one among ten International Bridge Builders of Harvard University for her contribution in organizing women with disabilities’ rights movement in Bangladesh. Ranjana is a woman with physical disability and the President of Protibondhi Narider Jatio Parishad (National Council of Disabled Women-NCDW) a nation-wide network of organizations working with the women with disabilities in Bangladesh. Now Ranjona is participating in the International Conference of Bridge Builders at Harvard University, USA to deliver her speech on Experiences of Mobilizing Women with Disabilities in Rural Bangladesh held on 6-10 April 2009. Ranjona is the first Bangladeshi woman who has been selected for this award.

This year’s Bridge Builders will come from a diverse array of countries. They bring with them a wealth of experience on critical issues such as social enterprise, rural development and women’s rights. The conference is a rare opportunity for those interested in policy to share the knowledge and practical perspectives of ten incredible individuals who are successfully creating better lives for their own communities.

The 2009 International Bridge Builders Conference invites innovative pioneers from around the world to share their successes in fostering positive social change within and beyond their communities. These leaders are the ‘Bridge Builders’: rare individuals who cultivate solidarity between the multiple stakeholders involved in international development, grassroots movements, and social justice campaigns. This year, the 10 Bridge Builders exemplify commitment to public service and bring to Harvard a wealth of practical experience on many critical issues.

Nine other Bridge Builders are Gildo Cuamba from Mozambique, Veronique Kittirath from Laos, Robeto Killmeate from Argentina, Frederick Ouko Alucheli from Kenya (person with physical disability), Jacquelyn Akello from Uganda, Harman Kaur Sharda from India, Mitslal Haile-Selassie from Ethiopia, Fernando Figueroa Solano from Bolivia and Magda de Castro from Costa Rica.

For further information please visit at
http://www.hks.harvard.edu/kssgorg/bridgebuilders/Site/the_bridge_builders.html

Masuma’s 13th Solo Painting Exhibition is going on

13th Solo Painting Exhibition ‘My Dream’ of Masuma Khan started at Gallery Zoom of Alliance Francaise de Dhaka on 3 April 2009 and will continue until 17 April 2009. Masuma Khan, a woman with severe physical disability, who has been recognized as a renowned painter in Bangladesh. She started painting at her very childhood at the age of three. Previously she was awarded President’s Medal as a talented child artist; Jaycees Prize; Anonna Award as the recognition of one among ten best women personalities in Bangladesh. Masuma got her graduation degree from the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
Masuma Khan’s 13th Solo Exhibition includes 18 paintings. She obviously loves to experiment with form in many of the works presented at the exhibition. She tried for a blending of the abstract with the reality which made her paintings interesting. Love as human emotion pervades all her paintings. The artist deals with the subject with her own style. The other aspect of her paintings is the hope that she always gives out.

At present she teaches painting including students with disability/special needs at South Breeze School, Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
Contact of Masuma Khan: 7114638, 01711678483

2009-04-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Spondon Get-together and PWDs' Excursion held

`Spondon Friends’ Circle’ organized a get-together and excursion on 27 March 2009 at the Pine Forest of National Botanical Garden, Dhaka Bangladesh. People with disabilities from diverse background and types enthusiastically participated in this auspicious event. People with disabilities gathered in this event to learn each other, make individual friends & fellows to share their knowledge and experiences to find their common matters where they can help each other to address their own challenges.
“Spondon Friends’ Circle” is an effort of AWDP-Bangladesh to create an avenue for free sharing of information, experiences, views and opinion on the issues of their own and to strengthen their relation and friendship among all categories of PWDs at very individual level.

During this get together a festive environment was created at Pine Forest where people with disabilities enjoyed full freedom of their choice for sharing and performing things whatever they liked to (talking, chatting, singing and other performance). Participants celebrated birthdays of ten PWD friends and marriage anniversaries of three PWD members of the Friends’ Circle. It was a very exceptional and emotional event that ever-held among people with disabilities in Bangladesh. They also celebrated marriage of a couple with blindness Jolly and Shohel who have been newly married. They participated in ‘Spondon Friends’ Circle get-together for the first time. They mentioned that it was an amazing experience for them to feel the warmth of friendship from Spondon Friends.

Participants felicitated Jannatul Ferdous Ivy for her excellent literary works and two publications during the Ekushe Book Fair in February, one of which was bi-lingual. (her blogsite is http://jannativy.blogspot.com). It’s a great blessing of almighty Allah that Ivy could save her life just before a couple of days when she was attacked and badly injured by a group of miscreants. She attended the event though she wasn't fully cured. Participants wished her early recovery. PWD Freinds also felicitated Antora Ahmed for her big achievement, promotion to the post of AVP of AB Bank Foreign Remittance Department. She is the first PWD who could reach up to this level in the Banking sector in Bangladesh. (her blogsite is http://antorabd.blogspot.com)

There was no preset agenda for this get-together. But the participants shared on many issues. Prevailing scenario of opportunities of participation in the socio-cultural and recreational activities of all categories of PWDs, accessibility issues, challenges/barriers of getting married/having conjugal lives by PWDs, real understanding of the category specific difficulties and limitations of PWDs, advantage and limitations of group affiliation of people with same types of disabilities and others.

The venue Pine Forest was a very beautiful, green and natural place of the Botanical Garden where PWDs of all categories got their access to most places. Getting such a favorable environment people with disabilities started talking and chatting from the beginning to the end. Young participants didn’t forget to get aloof at downstairs of lotus pond or behind the bushes in pair. They expressed their feelings by saying that they dreamt for participating in such an event for long and `Spondon Friends’ Circle’ brought their dreams in to reality. 54 participants attended this get-together. The next get-together is expected to be held at an accessible historic place of the country.

2009-03-31T23:23:00.000-07:00

Bangladesh observes National Disability Day today
National Disability Day (NDD) has been observing in Bangladesh today, the 1st April of 2009. Bangladesh observes NDD on 1st Wednesday of April each year to aware, advocate and motivate all people of the society to play their role towards development of disabled people in the country. Bangladesh NDD Theme of this year is ‘Joint efforts for the development of the disabled persons’.

Organizations of people with disabilities, NGOs, relevant agencies and department of the government undertook a series of programs marking the significance of the day. Department of Social Services, Ministry of Social Welfare, Jatiya Protibandhi Unnyan Foundation and National Disability Forum jointly organizes a rally and discussion meeting on this issue at the capital city Dhaka today. National Dailies and newspapers have published special articles and features on it.

The honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed her well wishes and support to people with disabilities of the country through a message delivered on the eve of the day. She mentioned that people with disabilities are an inevitable part of our society and non governmental efforts should be strengthen to include potential and talented disabled persons into our mainstream development simultaneously with the government. She urged for an united effort to ensure the equal rights of people with disabilities at every sphere of our socio-economic and cultural life.

Association for the welfare of the Disabled People (AWDP)-Bangladesh expresses its sincere solidarity with the theme and will be playing supplementary roles towards its success over the year.

2009-03-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

Funding for Disability

Disability Rights Fund
The Disability Rights Fund (DRF) seeks to strengthen the participation of Disabled Persons’ Organizations (DPOs) in the advancement of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at country level in the Global South and Eastern Europe/former Soviet Union. The 2009 “Raising Our Voice” grant cycle will consist of two grantmaking rounds:

1. The first grantmaking round (described below) is directed to DPO activities in the following three countries: Mexico, India and Ukraine. The deadline for applications for this round is Thursday, 16 April 2009 at 24:00 Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

2. The second grantmaking round will be publicized in July 2009 and will encompass grants to seven target countries including Bangladesh.

Applicants can apply within one of two categories: a) single organizations or partnerships and b) national DPO coalitions. Single organizations or partnerships can apply for grants ranging from USD 5,000 to 30,000 to: (1) build voice and visibility through (a) more inclusive organizations or partnerships that increase DPO skill in addressing the CRPD; and/or (b) internal capacity building that increases DPO skill in addressing the CRPD; and (2) rights based advocacy and monitoring through (a) increasing DPO participation in decision-making processes regarding the CRPD at state or local levels; and/or (b) directly addressing implementation of CRPD Articles. Download the DRF Request for Proposals for Grants between USD 5,000 and 30,000. (Word) Download the Grant Application Form for Grants between USD 5,000 and 30,000. (Word)

National DPO coalitions can apply for grants ranging from USD 30,000 to 70,000 to work on: ratification of the CRPD, passage of specific legislation to accord with the CRPD, or the production of a shadow report. Download the DRF National Coalition Request for Proposals here. (Word) Download the National Coalition Grant Application Form here. (Word)
DRF will make grants to organizations and projects that demonstrate a clear ability and commitment to contribute to the advancement of the human rights of persons with disabilities. Grants will provide one-year, project-

Deaf Child Worldwide
Deaf Child Worldwide is an international development agency of the National Deaf Children's Society in the UK.

Since 2002, Deaf Child worldwide has supported organizations working to help deaf children overcome the barriers that contribute to their poverty and isolation and to have an impact on the lives of deaf children, their families, service providers and policy makers by establishing quality partnerships with locally-based organizations.

Deaf Child Worldwide opens its 8th round of Small Grants Program (SGP) on 19 March 2009 and ends 30 May 2009. Projects are being funded up to 3 years, and up to £30,000 in total (£10,000 per year).

The SGP supports projects which show clear, measurable and sustainable improvements to the lives of deaf children and their families in developing countries. Deaf Child Worldwide believes that families should have access to all the skills and information they need to support their deaf child. This contributes to improving communication and reducing isolation.

Through SGP, Deaf Child Worldwide aims to raise families’ awareness and knowledge of deafness and their role in their deaf child’s development. Activities which build families’ capacity to communicate with and support their deaf child’s language, social and emotional development are crucial to achieving this aim.

Deaf Child Worldwide also aims to develop and produce culturally sensitive and quality educational and information material for literate and illiterate parents. We want parents to be in a position to help their child to develop communication skills and to make informed choices on the best available communication approach for their child. For Application format and guidelines please visit:
http://www.deafchildworldwide.info/where_we_work/small_grants_programme/how_to_apply/index.html

or mail to

elizabeth.heather@deafchildworldwide.org or email to us at

awdpbd@gmail.com

2009-03-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

National Resource Mobilization Workshop
Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF) in collaboration with Resource Alliance, a UK based organization is going to organize a National Workshop on resource mobilization on March 28 – 29, 2009. This workshop will be held at BRAC Center Inn, 75 Mohakhali, Dhaka. Organizers hope that this workshop will be catalyst for further programs aimed at strengthen the ability of social sector organizations to raise local resources and to reduce their dependency on external sources.

This workshop will be consists of interactive learning sessions, debates, case studies and is expected to inspire and provoke new thinking in fundraising in Bangladesh. The workshop will offer some of the latest fundraising tools to access a wider range of funds, better equip fundraisers to raise resources for their causes. This workshop is also intended to give audience give opportunity to acquire new contacts, share experiences with others engaged in resource mobilization and build network and partnership.

AWDP believes this workshop would be useful to the organizations that have been struggling for funding constraints.

Contact for further details:

Bangladesh Freedom Foundation

Apt. 3, House 88, Road 7/A, Dhanmondi, Dhaka 1209

Tel: 880 2 9131189, 9131689 Fax: 880 2 8113258

E-mail: info@freedomfound.org, Web: www.freedomfound.org

2009-03-16T22:45:00.000-07:00

Job opportunity at Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnyan Foundation
Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnyan Foundation (JPUF), a government supported autonomous organization for planning and development of the persons with disabilities and autism in Bangladesh is going to recruit a team of staff under the project ‘Promotion of services and opportunities to the disabled persons in Bangladesh’ located at Capital city Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Deadline for Application: 30 March 2009
Disability Quota Mentioned: None for any position
Encouraging Persons with disabilities to apply: Not mentioned
JPUF mentions it as an equal opportunity employer

1. Director Finance & Administration (one)
Educational Requirements: MBA specializing in Accounting, Finance or Master in CSE/CMA/CA/M Com Accounting or Master in Financial Management or related subject with a strong background in IT. At least two 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class.
Experience required: Minimum 10 years in financial & administrative management.
Age: Maximum 62 years
Salary: 80,000/- and other benefits

2. Director Program (one)
Educational Requirements: Post Graduate Degree in Social Science, Public Health or Economics with a strong background in Program Planning and Management. At least two 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class.
Experience required: Minimum 10 year in disability, autism, CBR, social mobilization, management of large complex/program/staff and excellent communication skills. Leading/working with NGO/CBO/PVO programs for disadvantaged people will be an added weight.
Age: Maximum 62 years.Salary: 80,000/- and other benefits.

3. Dy. Director Finance and Program (two)
Educational Requirements: Post Graduate Degree in Social Science, Economics, Public Health, Natural Science, Accounting, Finance or Marketing with at least two 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class.
Experience required: Minimum 7 years in program/project related activities. Dy. Director (Finance) must be a CA Intermediate with 4 year experiences in an IDA assisted project.
Age: Maximum 50 years
Salary: 60000/- and other benefits

4. Asst. Director -Program, Admin, Accounts, Audit (four)
Educational Requirements: Bachelor Degree in Social Science/ Accounting/Public Health/Development Studies with at least two 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class.
Experience required: 5 years in related field
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 40000/- and other benefits

5. Cashier(one)
Educational Requirements: Bachelor Degree in Accounting with at least one 1st division/class and no 3rd division/class. CPA equivalent will be preferred.
Experience required: 5 years in Accounting and/or in Budgeting.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 22000/- and other benefits

6. Personal Officer cum Computer Operator (four)
Educational Requirements: Bachelor Degree with no 3rd division/class having operational knowledge of MS Word, MS Excel etc.
Experience required: 2 years as Computer operator or completion of Computer Training. Typing speet 25 wpm in Bangla and 35wpm in English program/project related activities. Dy. Director (Finance) must be a CA Intermediate with 4 year experiences in an IDA assisted project.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 22000/- and other benefits

7. Receptionist (one)
Educational Requirements: Under graduate or technical Diploma in office management/business administration or management.
Experience required: 2 years experience of Secretarial or Office Administration with good communication skills in Bangla and English.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 15000/- and other benefits

8. Driver (three)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Not Mentioned.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 12000/- and other benefits

9. Dispatch Rider (four)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Not Mentioned.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 10500/- and other benefits

10. MLSS (five)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Experience will be preferred.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 9000/- and other benefits

11. Security & Night Guard (one)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Experience will be preferred.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 9000/- and other benefits

12. Cleaner (one)
Educational Requirements: SSC at least 2nd Division.
Experience required: Experience will be preferred.
Age: Maximum 35 years
Salary: 9000/- and other benefits

Instructions to Apply:
All applications should reach to the advertiser by March 30, 2009. Eligibhle Bangladeshi canditates are invited to Apply with a full CV, a photograph, contact telephone, cell number, E-mail address, mentioning the position applied for on top of the envelop along with academic and other certificates to the Box no.02/09, C/O The Daily Jugantor, 12/7 North Kamalapur, Dhaka 1217
or
Box No. A/28, C/O, The Daily Star, 19 Kawran Bazar, Dhaka 1215

2009-03-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD) 2009
The world community has been observing the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2009 today. Various programs have been launched by the governments, different agencies, women’s group and other stakeholders of the society all over the world. The UN Theme of IWD for this year is ‘Women and men united to end violence against women and girls’.

In Bangladesh IWD 2009 is also being observed through a series of programs and events marking the significance of the Day. Rally, Human Chain, Discussion Sessions, Cultural Programs and Media intervention are significant among those programs.

The honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina delivers her speech on the Day at Osmani Auditorium in the morning at Dhaka, Bangladesh. A leading Women Rights organization in the country Nari Pakkha organized a series of discussion meetings on this event and set its Theme ‘Prevent Domestic Violence against Women’. Nari Pakkha has also developed 13 messages/slogans to work on over the year. Unnayan Dhara Trust organizes seminar and Human Chain at Bhola and Dhaka districts, Project for Rural Area Development & Improvement of Poor People (PRADIP) organizes Human Chain, Cultural Program and Rally. Shakkhor Environment and Education Development Society organizes Discussion Meeting on Women Education and Equity-Bangladesh Perspective and a Television Talk Show at DTV Channel on 8th March 2009. Manusher Jonno Foundation organizes Rally and a Seminar on ‘Impacts of early marriage, domestic violence, the importance of preventing domestic violence and the rights of disable women’ at TBC Dinajpur. National Disability Forum-NFOWD organizes a gathering & cultural program at Teacher’s and Student’s Center (TSC) courtyard of Dhaka University. National Forum has set a theme for this Day as ‘We are united towards establishing the rights and dignity of women with disabilities’ in collaboration with its member organizations. National print media publishes special supplements, features and articles marking the significance of the day as well as socio-cultural and political and social achievements of women in the country.

AWDP-Bangladesh expresses its fullest solidarity with all women women of the world, especially of those who are at discrimination, injustice, denied dignity & rights, victims of all forms of violence and torture.

Some Facts and Figures to Ponder

Women are 2/3 of the world’s illiterate adults who have no access to basic education
Women do two-thirds of the world's work but receive only 10% of the world's income
70% are women among 1.2 billion people living in poverty worldwide
80% of the world's 27 million refugees are women
Only 21% of all news subjects (people interviewed or whom the news is about) are female
Females in developing countries on average carry 20 liters of water per day over 6 km
Study shows women better managers in most areas
Job losses hitting men harder than women
Women spend more time researching before they invest than men do
Number of women holding university qualifications overtaken men for first time (ABS)
From 1945 to 1995 the percentage of women MPs worldwide increased four-fold
Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition in Bangladesh National Parliament are women.

Other useful Information

The first International Women's Day was observed on 19 March 1911
International Women's Day was changed to 8 March in 1913
In 1975, IWD was given official recognition by the United Nations

Following are some UN Themes of IWD

2009 Women and men united to end violence against women and girls
2008 Investing in Women and Girls
2007 Ending Impunity for Violence against Women and Girls
2006 Women in decision-making
2005 Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a More Secure Future
2004 Women and HIV/AIDS
2003 Gender Equality and the Millennium Development Goals
2002 Afghan Women Today: Realities and Opportunities
2001 Women and Peace: Women Managing Conflicts
2000 Women Uniting for Peace
1999 World Free of Violence against Women
1998 Women and Human Rights
1997 Women at the Peace Table
1996 Celebrating the Past, Planning for the Future

2009-02-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

'After the Road Accident': A novel with difference

A unique publication ‘After the Road Accident’ has been published this month by Akota Prokash. It’s an exceptional novel that focuses on the tragic incidences of a road accident and its inevitable consequences on a person's life on the context of our socio-economic and cultural reality. This novel was written by Akash Pradip, BHPI Lecturer of CRP.

Writer of this novel tried to portray the life of a man and his sufferings who was a victim of an accident. The writer has his experiences of observing many problems as well as road accidents on the way. He witnessed how an accident brings tragic changes in a person's life. So, he felt an urge doing things to make some changes in this common scenario of our day to day reality. He mentions in his foreword "The thought of bringing change always hanged around my mind. It is this thought which finally insisted me to write a novel that can move my nation".

This publication is unique in a sense that where lots of tragic and painful consequences of road accidents aren't focused in the literary works of our renowned writers and poets, there ‘Akash Prodip’ has broken that tradition. Through this novel the writer tried to bring those facts forward to make others understand the issue. He also pointed out the relevant stakeholders who can play vital roles in bringing this change. AWDP Bangladesh will be strongly stood for this change to be taken place. AWDP wishes for a wider circulation of this novel and felicitates the writer for his noble work.

This novel is available at Ekushe Book Fair and at CRP.
Contact E-mail: after_accident1@yahoo.com

2009-02-21T03:54:00.000-08:00

DPOs and PWDs' Self-help Issues discussed in the Commonwealth Conference

In December 2006, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) was adopted in the UN General Assembly. Following this historic achievement, disability organisations are working to ensure that the governments ratify the Convention, and most importantly to see that all governments implement the changes needed to ensure that persons with disabilities have full and equal enjoyment of human rights. The Commonwealth Foundation through its Disabled Peoples Forum and LCD through its work in 52 countries are working towards ratification of UNCRPD in all Commonwealth countries. As part of this initiative, a “Regional Conference on Disability in Commonwealth Asia”, was held at Bangalore (India) from 6th to 8th December 2008. 33 representatives from Bangladesh, Brunei, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Pakistan, UK and Sri Lanka attended the conference. AWDP Secretary and Coordinator Md. Mahbubul Ashraf attended the conference as an invited resource person from Bangladesh among others.

People with disabilities self-help endeavours drawn attention of the audience with utmost importantce, as an effective means of empowerment of PWDs in this region.

AWDP Secretary and Coordinator Md. Mahbubul Ashraf has made a compresensive presentation on 'endeavors of Self-Help Groups and DPOs in Bangladesh'. He highlighted that the SHGs/DPOs have united people with disabilities and have increased their self-confidence and esteem in his presentation. He mentioned, because of these groups, today, disabled persons have a vision for a better future with dignity and rights.

2009-02-17T01:17:00.000-08:00

Vacancy for Project Manager
National Grassroots Disabled Organization-(NGDO) invites application for recruitment to the position of Project Manager under the project titled “Strengthening capacity and networking of DPOs in moving forward to implementing CRPD”.

Disability Quota Mentioned: None

Encouragement:
Women & persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Deadline for Application: 28 February 2009

Major Responsibility:
Development of Project Proposal, Program Planning, implementation, documentation and reporting. Networking with other development agencies and organizations.

Educational Requirements: Masters or equivalent

Experience Required: 3 to 4 years

Additional Requirements: Good understanding on disability issues and UNCRPD; positive attitude towards working with disabled people; fluency in Bangla and English; Computer Literacy.

Job Location: Dhaka, Head Office (includes field visit)

Salary: Up to 15000/- as per competence of the applicant.

Duration of the job: One year (expandable on satisfactory performance)

Instructions to Apply:
Applications alongwith with CV, two pp sized photographs and attested copies of academic certificates should be sent to the President, NGDO, House # 56, Road # 11, Block C, Banani, Dhaka 1213 or email to aktar_ngdo@yahoo.com by February 28, 2009

For a Bangla ToR of the Job you can mail to aktar_ngdo@yahoo.com or to awdpbd@gmail.com

Job opportunity in CDD

Center for Disability and Development CDD is going to recruit a team of staff for its Food Security for Ultra Poor project located at Gaibandha District, Bangladesh.

Deadline for Application: 17 February 2009

Disability Quota Mentioned: None for any position

Encouragement: Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply

Coordinator – Disability (one)
Job Responsibility: Coordinate program implementation, monitoring,
documentation, reporting and budget control.
Educational Requirements: Masters or equivalent
Experience Required: Minimum 5 year(s)
Additional Job Requirements: 5 years experience on disability issues
Salary: 30000/-

Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (one)
Job Responsibility: Design project monitoring guideline and analyze data and prepare reports.
Educational Requirements: Masters or equivalent
Experience Required: Minimum 2 year(s)
Additional Job Requirements: 2 years experience in project monitoring
Salary: 22000/-

Trainer - Disability (one)
Job Responsibility: Capacity building of consortium partners staff on inclusive development and follow-up.
Educational Requirements: Masters or equivalent
Experience Required: Minimum 3 year(s)
Additional Job Requirements: 3 years experience as trainer
Salary: 22000/

Physiotherapist (four)
Job Responsibility: Assess the persons with disabilities & provide Physiotherapy.
Educational Requirements: Graduation in Physiotherapy
Experience Required: None
Salary: 20000/

Occupational Therapist (two)
Job Responsibility: Assess the persons with disabilities & provide occupational therapy
Educational Requirements: Graduation in related discipline
Experience Required: None
Salary: 20000/

Speech & Language Therapist (two)
Job Responsibility: Assess the persons with disabilities & speech & language therapy.
Educational Requirements: Graduation in related discipline
Experience Required: None
Salary: 20000/

Assistive Device Professional (one)
Job Responsibility: Assess AD requirements for persons with disability and follow-up.
Educational Requirements: Graduation in related discipline
Experience Required: None
Salary: 20000/

Admin cum Accounts Officer (one)
Job Responsibility: Admin and Accounts management for the project.
Educational Requirements: Masters in Accounting/ Finance or CA course completed.
Experience Required: None
Salary: 14000/

Disability Agent (five)
Job Responsibility: Assess persons with disabilities and provide basic therapy services.
Educational Requirements: Not mentioned
Experience Required: None
Additional Job Requirements: Experienced on providing primary therapy
Salary: 8000/

Instructions to Apply:
Apply with CV, a photograph, mentioning the position applied for to the Executive Director, CDD, D-55/3, Talbag, Sava, Dhaka-1340 or email to cdd@bangla.net by February 17, 2009

2009-02-11T06:07:00.000-08:00

Disability doesn’t limit one’s success

Potentials of a person cannot be limited by his or her disability. Rather it blooms up with special ability many a times. Antora Ahmed, a woman with physical disability and Treasurer of AWDP-Bangladesh is such an instance among people with disabilities, especially the more vulnerable women with disabilities around us. On 10 February 2009 Antora secured the position of Asst. Vice-President of Arab Bangladesh Bank, one of the most reputed and large private Bank of the country.

Antora has been striving hard for her dignity and independence by working with AB Bank since last 18 years. 1n 1990 she got her job at AB Bank to a very small position of 'Assistant' even after getting her Post Graduation Degree from Rajshahi University. Since then she had to struggle hard to protect the job, the only means of her independence and dignity by her sincerity and hard work. And, over the last 18 years she was promoted five times to reach to this position. So far, Antora is only PWD who could reach up to this level in any Govt. or Private Bank in Bangladesh.

Antora's struggle was solely of her own and of her family. The driving force behind her success was her determination, sincerity and hard work. There was no role of any agency or organization during the most difficult days of her striving. But she wasn't frustrated. Her learning form the real life experiences motivated her to contribute for other PWDs through her own organization AWDP-Bangladesh. She is a Founding Member of AWDP and has been contributing to make some difference since 1996.

AWDP Executive Council on behalf of all its members and friends felicitates Antora for her encouraging achievement and wishes for her good health and further success.

*****

Words of Appreciation....

Thanks for sharing us such a great news! Congratulations to Antora Apa on her success. To me, its not just a success, its a victory over the tyranny of the non-disabled ideology of the society. We salute you Antora Apa!
In solidarity!

Mahbub Kabir

Director
Leonard Cheshire Disability and Development Bangladesh (LCDDB)

*********

Thanks for the exclusive news on Antora Appa, Treaurer AWDP.
Special Congratulations to her for her Success. I pray for her as if may Allah her live long. I hope for that time when she will be in the top position of AB Bank as a WWD in Bangladesh. And also she will contribute in disability sector by her own capacity.

At last, I salute her because she has broken negative attitude among the decision makers, planers and other in the Civil Socity as a WWD of Bangladesh.

Best Regards

Azmal Hosen Mamun
Freelance Development Journalist &
a person with low vision from Bangladesh

****************

I believe such good news would inspire persons with disabilities to be confident enough to their potential. It is not only inspiring for the persons with disabilities rather it’s a challenge to the myth that disabled people are not capable to work and hope potential employer would also consider employing persons with disabilities. We would like to convey our sincere gratitude to her work and contribution to the disability movement.

Antora Apa, our heartiest congratulations to you and we pray for her sound health. We wish to see you securing top position in banking sector.

This information should be shared to other potential employers.

Mozammel Haque

Acting Country Director

ADD Bangladesh

********

Congratulations for your grand success Antara Apa. I personally feel proud for your success. I wish your success.

Moniruzzaman Khan
Joint Secretary, AWDP-Bangladesh
& Managing Trustee, BDDT

*******

Having learnt from AWDP-Bangladesh that you have promoted to the post of Assistant Vice-President in your Bank, I would like to extend my hearty thank and congratulation to you.

Wish you all the best

M.Osman Khaled
Chairman, Society of the Deaf & Sign Language User &
Ex-Vice-President, Bangladesh National Federation of the Deaf

******

Congratulation Antora Apa.
Wishing for your good health and further success.

Saira Ameer

Vice President, AWDP-Bangladesh

& BCC Officer, BCCP, Dhaka, Bangladesh

****

Congratulations Dear Antora Apa!

Its a great success for you, your family, for every woman with disabilities and for all of us.

We are proud of you.

Go ahead...

I think the news of Antora Apa need to be disseminated among the mainstream women rights movement, who are severely discriminatory towards the rights of of women with disabilities.

Md. Zahidul Kabir
Coordinator & Team Leader, Programs NFOWD

*****************

My greetings and best wishes for Antora Apa. We are feeling inspired and confident by knowing such achievements of one of our scholar friend.

GREAT CONGRATUALATIONS to ANTORA APA.

Jannatul Ferdous Ivy
Development Activist &
Human Rights Promoter, ADD-Bangladesh

**************

Congratulations to Antora from SARPV-Bangladesh and also thanks to Ashraf to keep going on.

Shahidul Haque
Executive Director

SARPV-Bangladesh

*****************

Dear Antora apa, Congratulations on your promotion! I hope you all the success for the future. It is a great achievement for you and an inspiration for us, PWDs

Roxana Sherif
Development Activist
(A woman with disability from Bangladesh)

*********

My greetings to Antora Apa.

Great achievement for all of us.

Nahid Mahmud
Sydney, Australia
Former Vice President, AWDP-Bangladesh

************

Greetings from NCDW! You will be an example of our society on behalf of disabled women as well as it will give us an enthusiasm to go ahead in our future life.

Disabled people, specially disabled women are neglected in our society. But society will break her misdemeanor to seeing like man of you & everyone will say disabled people can do every thing if surroundings are upbeat.

Umme Kulsum Ranjona
President, NCDW

***************

Dear Antora Apa, We are also proud and congratulate to you, you are secured the position of Assistant Vice-President of Arab Bangladesh Bank, Also holding the respected position of Treasurer in AWDP. Best regards,

Md Sherajul Islam (Swapan)
Executive Director
Society for Awareness and Development of Disabled (SADD)
**************
Dear Sister Antora,
Warmest congratulations!

I am very proud of you. You and I both know the term “disability” means because we both are sufferers. I am a profound deaf man living in the United States as your native and you are my sister who is struggling in our country, despite barricades.

By virtue of faith, hard work and going to extra mile, you set a milestone for our country. I am greeting you, honoring you from the heartland of the United States for your very best.

Brother Khaled, brother Ashraf, and brother Mamun are the surja santans (golden sons) of our country. I wonder to know their tireless efforts for the welfare & rights of the people with disabilities in our country!

People with disabilities should not be neglected anymore. It is our moral duty and responsibility to recognize them nationally and annually. Introducing Bangladesh National Able Award will be a real honor and a very fine example for them.

Warm wishes,

Iftu Ahmed
Aurora, IL USA

*********
Dear Antora and Ashraf,
Everyone at CRP wishes to extend their warmest congratulations to you, Antora on the great success you have achieved in your bank. You should feel very proud indeed. Very well done.
Thank you so much, Ashraf for kindly giving us this great news.

Best wishes,

Valerie Taylor
Founder and Coordinator
Center For Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP)

************

Congratulation to Antara apa for her Success. I salute her.
I wish every success of her life.

Best Regard

Md Anwar Hossain Hazari
ChairmanPratibandi Kallayan Society(pks)

**************

Thanks for sharing this great news. Really Antora apa is a role model for PWDs. As she is in a higher position hope she will create some opportunity for others. Wish a healthy and successful life to Antora apa. Regards.

Jolly Kowser

Deveopment Activist on Disability and Rights

(A woman with late Blindness)

***********

Dear Ashraf bhai, Thanks for shearing this news.
Congratulations! Antora apa for your great success .We all are proud to hear this news .
Wish you good luck. Thanks

Nazrana Yeasmin Hira
Program manager (Rights)
Manusher Jonno Foundation

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Ms. Antora Ahmed,
Assistant Vice PresidentAB Bank Ltd. & Treasurer AWDP

Dear Antora, Heartiest Congratulation for your professional recognition and commendableachievement.We all feel proud for your success. We all pray for your sound health and competent professionalism.

Finally, you have made the history by serving in the Banking sector inBangladesh with your disability. Thanking you and wishing your best of luck.

Monsur Ahmed Chowdhury
Managing Director
Jatiyo Protibondhi Unnayan Foundation
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2009-02-09T03:05:00.000-08:00

Launching Ceremony of Ivy’s Publications!

A Launching Ceremony of two publications
‘Shopno Nirman Proyash’ and ‘Ahmed Sofa: Oporahner Surjo’ written by Jannatul Ferdous Ivy was held on 8 February 2009 at Alliance Francaise Auditorium, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

This couple of publications was ever first publications of Jannat Ivy who is a woman with physical disability (severely fire burnt by an accident) and a development activist in Bangladesh. She has been working to promote rights and dignity of people with disabilities through a disability organization, Action on Disability and Development (ADD).

A significant number of participants including writers, academicians, development activists, civil society representatives, friends and well wishers attended this auspicious event. Dr. Salimullah Khan, Cynthya Walsh from ADD UK, Dr. Ahmed Kamal, Fahmida Monju Majid and Mrs. Lailatul Ferdous spoke on the occasion as special and invited guests while Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, the former Advisor of the Council of Caretaker Government of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest.

The first publication is the compilation of Jannat’s own life story. This is a bi-lingual publication in Bangla and English and the second one is a compilation of eminent writer and educationalist Ahmed Sofa’s short knows stories in Bangla

The author mentioned in her foreword that generally we cannot accept any accident happening to our day-to-day incidents. Then we think that life has been meaningless or it has lost all potentials. She (author) also does not desire any accident to be taken place or it makes a pause in the rhythm of life. But what rhythm was about to finish in her life it did not kill her, rather it stored all her lively attitudes to replenish her life again. And, her family was the source of her strength. She also mentions that thousands of our ordinary middle-class families inherit similar attitudes - they trust people and they are deceived; but they do not forget their simplicities, their dream-------and, it gives firmness to their dreams come true.

AWDP-Bangladesh highly appreciates Ivy for her literary endeavors. Ivy’s endeavors will light the way to many of our potential men and women with disabilities to come forward with their literary contributions and to expose real abilities and competencies towards building a knowledge-based society. AWDP conveys best wishes to the author and a wide circulation of her publications.

2009-02-07T09:21:00.001-08:00

Article on Language Movement in perspective

Today Bangla ranks fifth or sixth among the most spoken languages in the world. Nearly 230 million people speak Bangla. Banlgadesh recognized as an independent, sovereign country in the world since 1971 and Bangla is the official language of our beloved Bangladesh.

On September 24, 1974, Bangladesh became a member of the United Nations and Bangabandhu was the first to address the UN General Assembly in Bangla.

February 21 observed every year in Bangladesh to commemorate the martyrs of the Language Movement of 1952. On November 17, 1999 it was declared by the UNESCO as the International Mother Language Day for observance globally.

All those things were made possible by the greatest sacrifice of our Language Martyrs who remain as the symbol of our national pride.

Here is a very informative and interesting article on our Language Movement, written by our beloved Iftu Bhai, a person with Hearing Disability from US and a good friend of AWDP-Bangladesh. The writer has reiterated many known and unknown facts about the glorious movement in this article.

Please go through the article at:

http://www.thefinancialexpress-bd.com/search_index.php?page=detail_news&news_id=58151

And share your opinion with the writer and others.

2009-02-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

Career Opportunity for Disabled People!

BanglaLink, a leading Mobile Phone Company in Bangladesh invites applications from deserving candidates for the position of "Careline Officer" for its customer support/call center division.

This position is open exclusively for men and women with hearing and physical disability.

Job Responsibility:
To provide highest quality of service to the customers over the phone; keep abreast with the latest information w.r.t the products, policies and procedures of the company in order to handle customer queries and complaints effectively and efficiently; to provide feedback to the Team Leader on issues and challenges w.r.t his/her job and suggest solutions; Perform other duties as assigned.

Educational Requirement:
Graduate from any Government and UGC approved University with good academic records.

Additional Requirement and Competencies:
· Team Work: Display a good-natured, cooperative and positive personality;
· Decision Making/Problem Solving: Assess options and implications in order to identify solutions. Help the team to achieve win-win situation by demonstrate effective negotiation skill;
· Drive and Initiative: Do things proactively under minimal supervision and take result-oriented actions;
· Flexibility and Adaptability: Open to modify behavior and decisions according to changed circumstances;
· Planning and Organizing: Develop project plan and implement them successfully, under supervision. Act as an efficient multitasked professional and a competent time manager;
· Effective Communication: Convey messages clearly to others, verbally, and in writing to meet different business needs;
· Customer Focus: Understand and help the team meet clients’ needs;
· Cooperation: Be pleasant with others on the job;
· Reliability: Be responsible and fulfill obligations;
· Service Orientation: Be sensitive to others` needs;
· Self Control: Maintain composure in very difficult situations.

Job Location: Dhaka

Apply Instructions:
Applicants should send their CVs to recruitment@banglalinkgsm.com mentioning the type of their disability. Or to: Banglalink, Tigers` Den, Plo 4, SW (H) Gulshan Avenue, Gulshan, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Application Deadline is February 12, 2009

2009-02-04T09:16:00.001-08:00

Human Rights Training for Young Leaders

The UNESCO Chair & Institute of Comparative Human Rights at the University of Connecticut invites applications for the fifth annual International Leadership Programme: A Global Intergenerational Forum, to be held August 1 - 9, 2009 in Storrs, Connecticut.

The Forum seeks to empower young leaders by involving them in finding solutions to emerging human rights problems, and nurturing individuals to be effective leaders in the field of human rights.

Young people between the ages of 18-30, with community service experience, and with demonstrated ability to work on solutions to human rights problems, should apply.

Conference will be held in English only. Fluency in English is required. Applicants will be selected based on the strength of their application essay, demonstrated commitment to human rights (practical/hands-on experience), potential impact on the individual and their potential contribution to the Forum, regional and gender representation.

Application Requirements for 2009: Fluency in English is required. forum will be held in English only. In order to be considered for admission to the International Leadership Programme, please submit the following:
1. A completed and signed application form
(Aavailable at: http://www.unescochair.uconn.edu/regformfored4.htm)
2. Letter of intent (please attach as word, pdf, or text document)
3. Curriculum Vita/Resume (please attach as word, pdf, or text document)
4. Names and contact information for three professional references

Incomplete applications will not be accepted. ALL applications must be submitted electronically or via facsimile to unescochair@uconn.edu /fax: 860.486.2545

For Additional Information regarding the application deadline/registration, program content, special needs requirements, or housing, please call the UNESCO Chair Office at 860-486-0647 or email to unescochair@uconn.edu.