OBHIZATRIK Foundation

Livelihood

Bangladesh has been a witness to a myriad of innovative anti-poverty interventions, with microcredit and conditional cash transfers standing out as globally acclaimed initiatives. While these efforts have made significant strides in transforming the realities of poverty, the battle against extreme poverty remains far from won. Temporary relief measures, such as food and clothing assistance, provide only short-term respite, often failing to reach those in dire need. To truly address poverty, the focus must shift towards building sustainable livelihoods that empower individuals in the long run. In this larger fight against poverty, financial empowerment has emerged as a key strategy.

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 experimental initiative aimed at creating sustainable income sources for two impoverished families whose children were beneficiaries of our educational program. 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. In the Islamic community, Muslims are obliged to annually contribute a percentage of their wealth, known as Zakat, as prescribed by Islamic law. In Bangladesh, the prevailing practice is to utilize Zakat funds to purchase clothing and food for distribution to the poor, resulting in momentary happiness without bringing about substantial development in their lives. To ensure the appropriate utilization of Zakat funds, individual donations and CSR funds, we initiated the SHOKKHOM project.

According to a study conducted by Dr. Kabir Hassan, a professor at the University of New Orleans, it has been estimated that Bangladesh can potentially generate BDT 25,000 crore of Zakat funds each year. If distributed effectively, this significant fund could provide each extremely poor family with 2 million BDT, offering a substantial opportunity to combat poverty in a sustainable manner. By harnessing the potential of Zakat as a social security system, similar to the initiatives undertaken by the OBHIZATRIK Foundation, Bangladesh can break free from the vicious cycle of poverty and emerge as a self-sufficient and prosperous nation.

Furthermore, our organization has extended its work to various communities, including the disabled, transgender, and indigenous communities, with the aim of creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering self-reliance within these groups. 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.

Our impact

At a Glance

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Shakti- End Ultra Poverty Progranm 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. By investing in this multifaceted approach, the project strives to break the cycle of dependence on long-term safety net services. 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. Rural-urban disparities in Bangladesh remain stark, with technological advancements, industrialization, and educational institutions primarily concentrated in urban centers. Consequently, rural areas are often deprived of such development projects, despite accommodating 65% of the country’s population.

Through our multifaceted and sustainable interventions, we endeavor to uplift individuals and communities, transforming lives and fostering a future where poverty is defeated, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive. By addressing the root causes of poverty and empowering individuals to build prosperous livelihoods, we aim to create a more equitable and prosperous Bangladesh.

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Donate your Sadaqah for Community Development


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Donate your Sadaqah for Eid Dress


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Donate your Sadaqah for Eid Grocery


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Donate your Sadaqah for ramadan Grocery

This Ramadan, let’s come together to brighten the lives of the underprivileged by ensuring they have healthy meals during the holy month. Your donation can make a meaningful impact on individuals and families facing economic hardships.


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Donate your Sadaqah for Iftar

Many in our community struggle to afford a proper iftar meal. Your support can help us to organize iftar distribution programs, providing wholesome meals to those who need it the most. Let’s ensure that no one goes to bed hungry during this sacred month.


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Help orphan kids to become a quran hafiz

If a child is orphan & poor then it makes them eligible for zakat and zakat amount may be given to such a child. Further if this child is doing Hifz Quran or receiving religious education then the zakat giver shall get the reward of propagating Islam and protecting religion as well. Zakat giver may choose to give Zakat to Orphans in Need during Ramadan, or can give it at any other stage of the year and it will be gratefully received and used to provide provisions for orphaned children. 


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Help orphan kids for their school

Many orphan kids in our society are deprived of getting basic education because they don’t have parents who can pay for their school fees. Your zakat money can help an orphan kid to fulfill their dream to become an educated person. 


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Donate Zakat for Treatment purpose

There are so many people suffering from serious illnesses in our society who are burdened by the overwhelming treatment costs. The treatment cost becomes a luxury when they can barely put food on their plate. Your zakat money can change these helpless lives.

The treatment money will be spent on small or big operation purposes, cancer treatment, chemotherapy, kidney dialysis etc.


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Donate Zakat to create Livelihood

Zakat money can be donated to demolish poverty and ensure a maintainable life for the disadvantaged and destitute people by creating a source of sustainable income. The livelihood projects are as such–rickshaw, sewing machine, stall, cow, goat and many more. This can be selected based on the beneficiary’s needs and experience. 


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Donate Zakat to repay debt

Zakat money can be distributed in whose income has fallen below a level sufficient to sustain his or her living needs and pay off one’s debt accumulated without extravagance qualifies as debt-ridden. Valid reasons for borrowing and debt accrual include: Essential needs of one’s family, debt during daughter’s marriage, medical bills, during building or buying a home for personal residence, natural disaster or accident that destroys one’s assets.


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You can provide Iftar or Meal by donating

Donate to Provide Food


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Donate to Health Care


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Donate in Child Education

Donate to Make A Future


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Be A Part Of Changing Bangladesh


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Donate for the cause

Donate to Create a Livelihood