In the picturesque village of Bhatpur, located in the Nalitabari upazila of Sherpur district, life for Swapan Barman was defined by economic hardship. As the eldest son of Avilash Barman, a daily wage laborer, Swapan grew up witnessing his family’s struggles.
Despite his father’s unwavering dream of providing a better future through education, the constraints of poverty forced Swapan to reevaluate his aspirations after completing his SSC exams.
What followed was a journey of resilience and transformation, made possible by the Institute for Environment and Development (IED).
Swapan’s father, Avilash, worked tirelessly as an agricultural laborer to support his family. With his wife, Parvati Rani, and two sons, he dreamed of seeing his children break free from the cycles of poverty that had gripped their family for generations.
Swapan, the elder son, was a bright student but faced a harsh reality after finishing school: continuing education seemed impossible without financial resources.
In this moment of despair, Avilash attended a community meeting that introduced him to IED’s hands-on skill development programs.
The meeting, a regular village event organized under IED’s advocacy and awareness campaigns, opened a new chapter for the Barman family.
Empowering lives through skills
The Institute for Environment and Development (IED), established in 1994, has been a transformative force in marginalized communities across Bangladesh.
With a focus on gender equality, environmental sustainability, and minority rights, the organization has reached over 47,000 individuals directly and influenced the lives of more than 141,000 indirectly.
IED’s hands-on skill training programs have become a lifeline for many, offering practical skills that enable self-reliance and economic stability.
For Swapan, IED’s guidance was pivotal.
His father and the community’s HRD fellows encouraged Swapan to enroll in the electronics trade training. This began his journey toward becoming a skilled technician and entrepreneur.
Path to self-sufficiency
Under the mentorship of Shanto De at Joy Electronics in Sherpur, Swapan quickly demonstrated his aptitude for repairing electric devices. Over six months, he honed his skills and gained confidence.
Recognizing his potential, Shanto provided him with additional training in refrigerator repair, equipping Swapan with diverse technical expertise.
Swapan’s determination and skill transformed his life. He worked diligently for four years, building a reputation as a reliable technician in Sherpur and Nalitabari.
His expertise soon led him to manage contracts for building wiring, ceiling fan repair, water pump maintenance, and refrigerator servicing across the region.
Swapan’s success inspired many in his community. As his workload grew, he began mentoring others, including HRD members Arvind and Antar Barman.
Eventually, his team expanded to include two more individuals, creating employment opportunities and fostering a sense of community development.
Today, Swapan earns up to Tk. 30,000 per month during peak seasons, providing a stable income for his family and uplifting his local Barman community.
Broader impact of IED
Swapan’s story is just one of the many successes attributed to IED’s initiatives.
The organization’s programs are designed to address systemic issues, such as unemployment, gender inequality, and climate vulnerability. Some of its notable achievements include:
Women empowerment: Over 2,000 women have been trained in leadership and economic activities, with 50% now earning independently and 70% participating in household decision-making.
Environmental sustainability:By aligning with national frameworks like the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, IED has championed climate adaptation strategies, including river excavation and biodiversity conservation projects.
Support for indigenous communities:Training programs have equipped over 200 indigenous youths with vocational skills, promoting integration and economic independence.
A ripple effect of change
Swapan’s achievements have sparked a ripple effect in Nalitabari. The success of IED’s skill development programs has motivated other young men and women to pursue similar training.
Swapan’s father, Avilash, expresses immense pride, noting how his son’s work has restored peace and stability to their family.
Community leaders have also recognized the positive impact of IED’s initiatives, which have not only improved individual livelihoods but also strengthened the socio-economic fabric of the region.
Over the last 30 years, its commitment to empowering marginalized communities remains steadfast.
The organization continues to expand its programs, focusing on new challenges such as digital misinformation and climate-induced displacement.
Stories like Swapan Barman’s are a testament to IED’s mission of creating sustainable change. With continued support and innovation, IED aims to inspire countless others to turn adversity into opportunity.
