SDF provides a stipend program to support meritorious students from financially challenged backgrounds, especially those from extreme poor and poor households, who may otherwise be unable to continue their higher education due to financial barriers. This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates by awarding competitive stipends to deserving male and female students, selected through a rigorous application and evaluation process.
Through this program, students receive financial support in multiple installments, covering a significant portion of their educational expenses. Many recipients have successfully enrolled in prestigious universities, medical colleges, and technical institutions across the country, enabling them to pursue their academic and career aspirations without financial hindrance. This stipend program represents SDF's commitment to fostering educational opportunities and empowering the next generation of leaders and professionals from underprivileged communities.
SDF Achievement
| No. of Meritorious poor students received stipend | 890 (access to higher education) |
| Amount of BDT. provided to students (million) | 3085 (on going) |
The Social Development Foundation (SDF) is committed to empowering small ethnic minorities like the Garo, Shaotal, Rakhaine, Hajong,Bormon, Dalu, Banai, Mahatu and Rajbongshi, among others. By fostering sustainable livelihoods through agriculture, livestock, and fishing activities, SDF enhances their economic resilience. Leadership development is prioritized, with many community members, including women, actively participating in decision-making and producer groups. SDF conducts participatory processes like the Participatory Identification of Poor (PIP) to ensure inclusion, with specific focus on indigenous groups. By promoting skills development and self-reliance, SDF ensures that these communities achieve greater social inclusion and long-term stability.
SDF follows a comprehensive approach to support these communities:
- Identification of Ethnic Minorities in project areas.
- Preparation of an Ethnic Minority Development Plan based on local area, community, culture, and livelihood through the Community-Driven Development (CDD) approach.
- Organization Development of ethnic communities to strengthen their capacities and promote active participation.
- Identifying Drought-Resistant/Adaptive Livelihoods to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Skill Development Training on Alternative Livelihoods to diversify income sources.
- Formation of Producer Groups (PGs) focused on livestock, cow rearing, and agriculture activities, providing SEC members, particularly Garo, Garat, and Shaotol, opportunities for economic growth and community leadership.
- Job Placement for Graduated Trainees to improve employment prospects.
- Building Long-Term Resilience by enhancing community sustainability and capacity building.
Through these initiatives, SDF is enhancing the socio-economic standing of small ethnic communities, ensuring their active participation in local development and leadership, and creating opportunities for economic and social empowerment.