heks

Bangladesh only gained independence in 1971. It is still adversely affected even today by political unrest and corruption. The geographical location of Bangladesh in the world’s largest delta and just a few metres above sea level renders the country susceptible to flooding. It is also a regular target for tropical hurricanes. This is all the more problematic given the fact that Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 1042 people for every square kilometre (the equivalent figure for Switzerland is 171).

All these adverse circumstances converge to make Bangladesh one of the poorest countries in the world. 41.3% of the population lives below the poverty line of $ 1 per day. The support offered by HEKS is aimed primarily at ethnic and religious minorities for whom life in this country is particularly hard. The aims of the projects are to secure food supplies and improve income on the one hand, and to promote the importance of education and skills among the poor people on the other hand. Emergency and reconstruction aid following natural disasters is another area earmarked for support by HEKS.

Aims, points of focus, initiatives:

HEKS concentrates on two main areas in Bangladesh with a view to effecting a sustained improvement in the living conditions of the poorest people:

1. Education: Training and nurturing the skills of the rural population, building up and linking grassroots organisations, equipping villagers with the skills to enable them to take an active role in village politics.
2. Rural development and income generation: Support for natural and sustainable farms growing types of grain suited to local conditions, breeding small livestock and cultivating market gardens which provide the families with a diet rich in vitamins all year round. Support for families often comes in innovative packages, helping them to launch a small business, for example, which can guarantee them a minimum income.