On 19 February, Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Her Excellency Susan Ryle and WFP Country Director, Mr. Domenico Scalpelli visit YPSA’s Emergency Livelihood Support Programme, supported by WFP, in South Jholam Union, Monahorgonj Upazila, Cumilla. The visit aimed to assess the impact of the program in supporting flood-affected communities through livelihood recovery initiatives.
During the visit, the delegation was accompanied by YPSA’s Project Coordinator, Abu Bakkar Liton and his team, who provided insights into the program’s significant contributions. The delegation observed an Investment Component for the Vulnerable Group Development Programme (ICVGD), training session, where beneficiaries were engaged in business planning activities under the Emergency Livelihood Support Programme.
Delegates interacted with participants to understand their plans post-training and inquired about the support required to rebuild their income-generating activities (IGA) affected by floods. Beneficiaries shared their experiences and challenges they faced during the disaster.
The discussion highlighted how continued assistance could enhance their resilience and sustainability. Owing to the training session, the delegation participated in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with project beneficiaries and local community members. They sought to understand the floods’ direct impact, including the displacement duration, time spent in shelters, and access to essential relief items such as high-energy biscuits during emergencies. Other key topics included community preparedness and the impact of school closures during the flooding period. Beneficiaries openly shared their experiences and offered suggestions on additional support measures that could improve disaster response and recovery efforts.
Australia’s High Commissioner, Susan Ryle, along with the Australian Aid delegator and Mr. Scalpelli, commended YPSA and WFP for their commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. They emphasized that the project not only provides immediate financial aid but also plays a crucial role in developing essential local infrastructure and enhancing community resilience. The delegation expressed their satisfaction with YPSA’s implementation of the program and praised the dedication of staff and stakeholders in delivering impactful interventions.
