Livelihood

OBHIZATRIK Foundation’s Livelihood program is a beacon of hope for thousands of individuals striving for financial independence. By empowering families with the means to support themselves and their families, the foundation is making a significant impact on poverty alleviation. The program places a strong emphasis on women’s economic strength, with more than half of the beneficiaries being women. This focus highlights OBHIZATRIK’s commitment to dismantling economic barriers specifically for women, ensuring they have equal opportunities to thrive.

Under our sustainable livelihood program, we have three distinct projects: SHOKKHOM, SHOKKHOM Model Village (SMV), and Shakti – End Ultra Poverty Program.

The SHOKKHOM project began as a small-scale initiative aimed at creating sustainable income sources. It Launched in June 2016, the project relied on funds contributed by individual donors. The subsequent study exploring the utilization of individual funds, CSR funds and Zakat funds to promote sustainable livelihoods for the extremely poor across various locations in Bangladesh has yielded remarkable insights and inspiration. Derived from the Bengali word meaning skillful or competent in a specific profession, SHOKKHOM is a sustainable livelihood program that seeks to eradicate poverty and ensure a sustainable life for the disadvantaged and destitute.

As part of this process, OBHIZATRIK Foundation initiated the SHOKKHOM Model Village (SMV) project, an envisioned self-contained and self-sufficient village. The objective of this initiative is to eliminate poverty from underprivileged villages by creating sustainable livelihood models for all able-bodied residents living below the poverty line. Through this project, every member of the village becomes an integral part of a scheme that ensures access to basic facilities, enabling them to lead healthy, joyful lives with socio-economic and financial stability.

Shakti- End Ultra Poverty Program is specifically designed to uplift ultra-poor households from extreme poverty to a more stable state. Over the course of 24 months, this comprehensive project provides beneficiaries with a holistic range of services, including livelihood trainings, productive asset transfers, consumption support, savings plans, and healthcare. Our target group is the ultra-poor population with a daily income below 1.9 USD or a monthly income below 1600 BDT, predominantly residing in rural areas.

The foundation’s strategic support goes beyond mere financial aid. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their finances and businesses effectively, fostering long-term success. This holistic approach ensures that beneficiaries are not just earning a living but are also capable of sustaining and growing their income sources. By building sustainable futures, OBHIZATRIK Foundation is helping to create a more equitable society where everyone has the chance to succeed.