The Akonful Mohila Forum Shomoby Somity Limited opened its forum Center on March 8, 2023, in Amdala village of Shibaloy Upazila in Manikganj district. The Executive Director of CCDB, Juliet Kaya Malakar, and the Head of the Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Program (CPRP), George Ashit Singh, attended the event. The Chief Executive cut the ribbon and inaugurated the forum house, fulfilling a long-standing hope of the forum members. This opening ceremony marked a significant step forward for the Akonful Mohila Forum and its mission of economic and social development for the area’s poor people.
The Akonful Forum’s journey began with small groups supporting each other. Over time, the groups grew and merged to form an association. With support from programs like PPRDP and CPRP, the forum was registered as an independent people’s organization in 2008. Since then, it has continued to work towards the economic and social development of the poor people in the area.
The forum received training from CCDB, including awareness yard meetings, proper forum management, income-enhancing training, and climate change and disaster response training. With this training, the forum could effectively manage its operations, increase its income, and respond to the challenges of climate change and disasters.
CCDB provided total loan assistance of Tk. 4 lac 50 thousand to the forum, which was later repaid as the forum became self-sufficient. As of January 2023, the total capital of the Akonful Mohila Forum was one crore 56 lac 86 thousand 3 hundred and 51taka. A significant portion of this capital has been distributed among the forum members, and the recovered debt is also substantial.
The forum has also established its development fund. It conducts various developmental activities every year, including nutrition programs for children, livestock vaccination programs, distribution of fruit trees, and educational assistance for students.
The Akonful Forum has been instrumental in helping its members become successful entrepreneurs. Many women, like Nirjala and Mankhushi, have changed their fortunes through vermicompost production, becoming financially independent and role models for other women in the area.
The Akonful Mohila Forum’s story is a testament to the power of community and cooperation. Through their hard work, dedication, and support from programs like Comprehensive Poverty Reduction Program (CPRP), the forum has transformed the lives of its members and the community they serve. We hope this story inspires you to support and uplift your communities.