ABOUT THE NOMINEE
NOMINEE ORGANIZATION NAME* (lead organization for the initiative)
Daffodil Foundation
TITLE OF INITIATIVE YOU ARE NOMINATING*
Daffodil Institute of Social Sciences
CITY/REGION WHERE THE INITIATIVE IS BEING OPERATED/OPERATING*
Dhaka
COUNTRY*
Bangladesh
ABOUT THE NOMINEE
SELECT YOUR TYPE OF ORGANIZATION*
CSR and Academic Institution
SELECT YOUR NOMINATION CATEGORY*
SDG Brand Champion in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
BACKGROUND OF THE NOMINATION (200 Words)
Street children in Bangladesh face various challenges, including physical and sexual abuse, lack of access to education and healthcare, and limited employment opportunities. These challenges deprive them of basic human rights recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Street children in Bangladesh are in an alarming situation with an expected increase to 1.56 million in 2024, as projected by the BIDS, though the government claims the current number is 3.4 million. The institutions providing care for them, are limited and often provide inadequate care. A socioeconomic analysis report indicates that street children are frequently subjected to abuse and exploitation, with verbal abuse being experienced by 51%, physical abuse by 20%, and sexual harassment and exploitation by 14.5%, with girls being particularly vulnerable.
They often engage in criminal activities such as theft, drug dealing, and prostitution. Illicit people also hire children to work for them, and 10% of the 400,000 street children in Bangladesh are forced into prostitution for survival.
To address these challenges, the Daffodil Institute of Social Sciences (DISS) was established in Ashulia, Savar, to provide a holistic approach to addressing the needs of street children and improving their long-term outcomes.
THE INITIATIVE (300 Words)
DISS, or Development of Integrated Support to Street Children, is an organization dedicated to helping street and disadvantaged children in Bangladesh. The organization's primary goal is to provide children with the necessary skills and knowledge to enter mainstream society and secure employment, ultimately contributing positively to the community. DISS recognizes the importance of protecting and fulfilling children's rights, and the organization's efforts are focused on implementing its ‘Integrated Development to Most Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Children’ project to address these critical needs.
DISS has established an independent children's shelter home for 4000 boys and girls students under the master plan at Daffodil smart city, Ashulia near Dhaka city. This strategic approach integrates basic education with livelihood security and standard residential facilities for sustainable employment and integration into society. The IDVDC project, launched in February 2022 and set to run until December 2023, aims to support 125 children in the pilot phase, with a goal of long-term intervention for 500+ children from 2024 to 2028.
The philosophy of DISS is centered on providing support to homeless and deserted children for their holistic development through education and vocational skills training within a residential campus. The organization believes that every child deserves a childhood and should be given the opportunity to fulfill their dreams. DISS's initiatives to change public perception and promote reintegration involve cultural programs and public events that encourage interaction between the children living in DISS and neighboring communities, ultimately integrating the children into society.
DISS has specific objectives, including ensuring the social and economic security of helpless, poor, and distressed children, helping the enrolled children of DISS grow with their in-born potentials and merits for future Bangladesh, and developing necessary infrastructure and support facilities for DISS's rehabilitation of 4000 children. The organization provides children with balanced food, safe and secure shelter, clothing, physical and mental healthcare, formal education from kindergarten to postgraduate, life skills, and livelihood skills training on different trades for self-employment and wage earning. DISS motivates children to change their attitude and mindset towards a high level of moral values and lifestyle to become the most worthy, responsible, and disciplined citizens of the country.
IMPACTS CREATED ON PEOPLE & PLANET (200 Words)
DISS, a non-governmental organization utilizing religious education and livelihood training to transform the lives of 30 disadvantaged children in Bangladesh. Quantitative data indicates that DISS has established 40 youth volunteers in career and leadership positions in the development and private sector. Additionally, 2000 children and adolescents have become entrepreneurs in livestock, poultry agriculture, and the microfinance sector. DISS's acceptance has increased, and it now receives referrals from national NGOs, CBOs, local police stations, and other stakeholders.
Qualitative data showcases two case studies, Arif and Niloy, who underwent significant transformations and are no longer recognizable from their previous vulnerable situations after being rescued by DISS. The ultimate objective of DISS is to create a poverty-free and healthy society by providing overall development opportunities for the poor and deprived members of the community.
JEEBIKA project by DISS provides income-generating opportunities, healthcare, life skills, and education. It has assisted 2,000 families, trained 2,741 people under GRO, increased income by Tk 16,000, enrolled 268 students resulting in a 70% education rate increase. Daffodil Foundation provided aid to 56 beneficiaries. Overall, DISS is helping to transform the lives of disadvantaged children and the community in Bangladesh.
https://notunshomoy.com/details.php?id=120700
https://bd-bulletin.com/main/article/24546
(Please focus on both Qualitative and Quantitative impacts)
ADAPTATION/REPLICATION OF THE INITIATIVE (150 Words)
Replication:
Sustainability:
Institutional:
Financial:
We haven't sought external funding yet, relying instead on the resources of the Daffodil Family, particularly DIU. Our phased approach focuses on educating male students first, then enrolling female students once our additional facility is complete. While we've considered external sponsorship, our current funding is sufficient. With the Daffodil Family's commitment, we're confident in establishing DISS as an exemplary model.
Scalable:
TESTIMONIALS
The DISS (Daffodil Institute of Social Sciences)) recently welcomed several dignitaries from both national and international levels, who were highly impressed by the school's activities, learning model, facilities, and vision. The school has received widespread appreciation for its commitment to providing quality education to students. Here are some snapshots of the event.
Ms Nazia Zerin Hossain North Carolina, USA, .P.H.D. Marta Miaskowska- Research and Teaching Employee Department of Visual Communication & In-Charge, Multimedia Laboratory, Faculty of Design, Lodz University of Technology (TUL), Poland, .Kazi Reaz Rahman, Founder, Mastul Foundation. Anisul Kabir Jasir -Co-Chair, Fobana,USA. Secretary, DAM(Dhaka Ahsania Mission, USA), Ahsan K Chowdhury & Family -Chairman, PRAN RRFL Group. Dr.Md, Saiful Alam- Acting, Executive Director-Apon Foundation. Mr Yaan Bary-CEO, Acteus Group, Dr. Mohammad Monzur E Elahi-Associate professor, Islamic Studies, National University, Abu Sayed Shahin, Guest Visitor. Lalmatia Dhaka.
Some Glimpse :https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19N-1bvJwCnwmIs9xCaCPxM-KaDum5bjI?usp=share_link
Link of Achutya Samanta Speech: Prof. Achyuta Samanta is an educationist, humanitarian and a statesman visited DISS and highly appreciated the operation of DISS and expressed to provide Scholarship and Higher Education opportunities for the DISS Children.
Testimonial in Official Logs: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DeY1TD38E6UNx5InrPVemznOIhtilv8L?usp=sharing,
Written testimonial : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1YarHgPFPhETWVz-gAeQBbBFCy1L9uPnh?usp=share_link
NOC : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nz3IdO3R2jVAHMGZp2g2cmA3m8uzHxIQ/view?usp=sharing
VISUALS
DISS Inauguration: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bHS-OY8pMlZZXhApu2h-__en-wJvy_L3?usp=sharing
Media Release: https://daffodil.social/index.php/mediadiss/press#
Electronic Media: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19MqLHI0IvOsIuPQd3kkH61raGldjvAqo
Website: https://daffodil.social/
Photo Gallery on Activities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WlnudVbxjT1iWMQYxXIAKGdwrKNEuuJ0jziNRvHbWig/edit?usp=sharing
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/diss.daffodil
Guest at DISS: The DISS (Distinguished International School System) recently welcomed several dignitaries from both national and international levels, who were highly impressed by the school's activities, learning model, facilities, and vision. The school has received widespread appreciation for its commitment to providing quality education to students. Here are some snapshots of the event.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DogyYNCofofL06nx794EyzAZNoZ-hDWz
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1L1kTUG0dWqUfIe8NuYCyhJI3K7jhoMGL
Infrastructure, Facilities and Holistic Kids Development Approach: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VcTie2XEmgqjYPMkFauS0uzq7fRZ6cyN
Future Infrastructure: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1VcTie2XEmgqjYPMkFauS0uzq7fRZ6cyN , https://daffodil.social/index.php/career-path/future-complex
INITIATIVE AUDIO VISUAL
This Documentary presents the complete theme of DISS, its operation. It may present a glimpse of DISS activities.
DISS Theme: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wAHlgzu2cmAfmmNCDwePwTGM5JrUZY65/view?usp=share_link
Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A2oTUILPUAmNiaZFHpt-I5vtHJR5sGmT/view
hC
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lkEg5BR5M3tMI9Mievk1ObKZmlDZrqs4/view