About Us – ERA

Our Story

Efforts for Rural Advancement (ERA) is a non-profit, non-governmental development and humanitarian organization established in July 1997 by local social development workers. Based in Sunamganj, in the northeastern region of Bangladesh, ERA implements integrated development programs focused on poverty reduction, disaster resilience, and community empowerment.

Sunamganj is a disaster-prone, low-lying area facing frequent flash floods, river erosion, and poor infrastructure. The region suffers from extreme poverty, low literacy rates, inadequate healthcare, and limited access to safe water and sanitation. Women and landless populations are especially vulnerable, facing marginalization and limited livelihood opportunities.

A) NGO Affairs Bureau: Reg No- 2276, Dated: Oct 11, 2007.
B) Department of Social Service: Reg. No Suman/289/99, Dated: Feb 24, 1999.

Vision

To build a sustainable, equitable society free from poverty, where all individuals enjoy dignity, opportunity, and improved quality of life.

Mission

To empower disadvantaged people by ensuring rights, livelihoods, safe housing, and disaster resilience through inclusive, gender- and eco-friendly efforts.

Goal

To strengthen vulnerable communities by developing their skills, utilizing local resources, and promoting equality for lasting social and economic improvement.

ERA’s Key Objectives

To mobilize and organize rural poor women and men.

To establish deprived people’s rights on local resources.

To generate income and employment through providing livelihood skill development training and micro finance.

To reduce disaster risk through life skill development, protection of mound and emergency response.

To improve the health and nutrition status through providing health education and ensure health rights through access to local health services and raise awareness to prevent HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria.

To improve the environment condition at haor region (low lying area) through providing education on the sustainable environment, household waste management and tree plantation and open water fisheries management etc.

To reduce illiteracy through non-formal and adult education.

Values of the Organization

Transparency

Accountably

Participation

Gender Equity

Mutual Respect

Core Program of ERA

Emergency Response and Recovery (ERR)

DRR and Climate Change (DRRCC)

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH)

Livelihood and Market Development(LMD)

Quality Education, Child Rights, Governance and Justice (QECRGJ)

Health, Nutrition and Family Welfare (HNFW)

Youth Engagement and Advocacy(YEA)

Our Executive Committee

Kazi Md. Abul Kalam Azad

Chairman

Professional Summary

Kazi Md. Abul Kalam Azad brings over years of leadership experience in program development and organizational management. She has successfully led multiple initiatives focusing on sustainable development and community empowerment.

Experience:

Years

Education:

MBBS

Expertise:

Program Development

Languages:

English, Bengali