YWCA of Chandpur

 History of Chandpur YWCA

The Chandpur Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) traces its origins to 1981.

Recognizing the need for social and economic empowerment of marginalized women, Ms. Dipti Halder, a dedicated school teacher from Sylhet Government Girls’ School, who got transferred to the  Matripith Government High Girls’ School in Chandpur took the initiative to form a women’s group inspired by the mission of the YWCA

This group, comprising members of the Chandpur Women’s Fellowship, was initially supported through a modest monthly membership fee of 1 Taka.

 Formation

Chandpur YWCA was officially established on March 6, 1984, with a founding group of 15 members from the Chandpur Baptist Church Women’s Fellowship. The leadership team, serving voluntarily, included

  1. President:Ms. Dipti Halder
  2. Joint Program Secretaries:Ms. Shatadal Bose and Mrs. Reena Sarkar
  3. Treasurer:Ms. Sheela Das
  4. General Secretary:Ms. Sandhya Barai

Other founding members included: Ms. Dolly Bose, Ms. Suvarna Hazra, Ms. Maryam Das, Ms. Sulekha Sarkar, Ms. Bharti Das, Ms. Lakshmi Bain, Ms. Shanta Dasgupta, Ms. Bhavani Pal, Ms. Papri Barman, and others. Ms. Suprabha Adhikari made a significant contribution to the organization’s foundation and later served as Board President.

 Growth and Institutionalization

On April 6, 1985, Ms. Asrukana Das, the founding General Secretary of Bangladesh YWCA, visited Chandpur to explore the possibility of expanding its work. During the YWCA Assembly in Dhaka from July 22-24, 1988, Chandpur YWCA’s activities were reviewed, leading to its official affiliation as a branch of the National YWCA. Institutional formalization began in 1988, with Ms. Papri Barman appointed as the first paid General Secretary. Chandpur YWCA’s first paid staff member was hired on December 14, 1988, with a monthly salary of 400 Taka.

 Programs and Initiatives

  1. Health and Education Initiatives:

    • A health project and adult literacy course were launched in the area near the Christian graveyard (Nishi Building) area.
  • Maryam Das was assigned to the health scheme, while Ms. Arpita Barman oversaw the literacy program.
  • A sewing training program commenced on August 21, 1989, with Mukul Guha as the supervisor. Later, Ms. Suwarna Hazra joined as another health worker, serving 170 beneficiaries at the time.
  1. Expansion of Educational Programs:

    • A YWCA Nursery School was established in 1994 on the Chandpur Baptist Church premises with 17 students, two teachers, and an attendant.
    • A free school for underprivileged children opened in Kacha Colony in 1998, enrolling 37 students.

 

  1. Microfinance Program:

    • Launched in 1989, this initiative targeted marginalized communities in Kacha Colony and Nishi Building areas, providing financial assistance for small businesses and economic development.

Infrastructure and Development

In 2003, Chandpur YWCA secured funding from Bangladesh YWCA to purchase a small plot of land in the heart of Chandpur town. A two-story building was completed in 2005, inaugurated by Ms. Asrukana Das. Over the years, additional floors were added, culminating in a five-story building in 2024. The premises now house:

  • An unpaid school with 200 students and three teachers.
  • A nursery school with 700 students up to 5th grade, supported by 15 teachers and four attendants.
  • A Primary School, a Free school, microfinance program, sales center, guest rooms, and administrative offices.
  • A well-equipped conference hall for various events and meetings.

 Community Outreach and Partnerships

Since 2020, Chandpur YWCA has partnered with The Leprosy Mission Bangladesh to promote leprosy awareness, identification, treatment, and rehabilitation. The program also supports affected families through various initiatives.

 Sustainability and Workforce

 Chandpur YWCA sustains itself through multiple income-generating activities, including microfinance services, a sales center, guest house accommodations, and conference room rentals. Currently, the organization employs 45 staff members and serves 3,042 beneficiaries across the Chandpur Municipal area.

Present Board of Management (2024-2025)

  1. Ivy Hira Sarkar (President)
  2. Seema Gain (Vice President)
  3. Ruma Halder (Treasurer)
  4. Panna Bain (Member)
  5. Rabina Das (Member)
  6. Francisca Pinky Folia (Member)
  7. Tamalika Burman (Youth Member)
  8. Jemima Paula Dasgupta (Youth Member)
  9. Adhara Chowdhury (Youth Member)
  10. Linda Laboni Adhikari (Lisa) (Asst. General Secretary)
  11. Papri Burman (General Secretary)

 Conclusion

From its humble beginnings in 1981 to becoming a thriving branch of YWCA, Chandpur YWCA has made significant contributions toward empowering women and marginalized communities through education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and social awareness programs. With a strong team and a commitment to service, it continues to be a pillar of support in the Chandpur Municipal area, uplifting thousands of lives.