Symbiosis International

Despite increasing urbanisation, Bangladesh is unusual in today’s world because around three out of four people still live in rural areas. Amidst the beauty of the verdant green rice paddies and winding rivers, the ugliness of poverty continues to grip about half of Bangladesh’s rural population. In seeking to serve these women, men and children Symbiosis continues to have rural Bangladesh as its heartland.

In addressing poverty, Symbiosis recognises that there are various different, but interrelated causes of poverty. Rarely does a simplistic solution that addresses just one or two of these causes produce lasting change. Rather, change must occur in all dimensions of the life of the poor person. For this reason, an integrated approach, involving multiple and diverse activities is vital to help bring total development.

Out of the 25 projects that Symbiosis operates, 11 are part of the Rural Integrated Program. The term ‘rural integrated’ refers to both the location of the projects and the way a combination of activities are utilised. These activities help to achieve objectives in five key areas: cooperation, education, economic security, health and awareness.  At the same time, all Symbiosis rural integrated projects also seek to address issues such as human rights and the environment that impact on all other areas.