On January 28-29, 2025, the Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) Bangladesh, Mr. Domenico Scalpelli, visited the cash-for-work activities in the Lakshmipur and Feni districts. The Cash for Work is being implemented by Young Power in Social Action (YPSA). The visit was accompanied by YPSA’s Chief Executive, Md. Arifur Rahman, who highlighted the significant impact of the program.
During his visit, Mr. Scalpelli inspected various schemes under the Cash-for-Work initiative, engaged in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with project beneficiaries and local communities, and conducted household visits to gain insights into the program’s effectiveness in Feni and Lakshmipur District. In the FGD, he inquired about the beneficiaries’ experiences and sought to understand the project’s impact on their lives. The community members expressed their gratitude to WFP and YPSA for their support and contributions.
YPSA implemented cash-for-work programmes, following emergency food assistance (fortified biscuits distribution), and unconditional cash assistance to affected people via bKash wallets with the support of WFP in Lakshmipur and Feni districts. The cash for work mobilizing 7420 community members in Feni and Lakshmipur they built and repaired about 100 km of katcha road, and clog cleaning for their recovery and long-term resilience. Through this work, the community received an incentive of 500 taka every day. Each beneficiary had to work for 20 days. This program significantly benefits communities by providing immediate income to participants, which stimulates the local economy. Additionally, these programs enhance local infrastructure through the construction and maintenance of essential facilities, leading to long-term community development.
Mr. Scalpelli also observed an ICVGD (Improved Livelihood through Community-Based Vulnerability Reduction) training session in Kushakhali Union, Sadar Upazila, Lakshmipur. During discussions, he addressed the challenges faced by the community after floods, such as income loss, and explored how ongoing support aids in rebuilding their livelihoods. This important visit was accompanied by Palash Kumar Chowdhury, Director (Finance) and Nasim Banu, Director (Social Development) YPSA along with project officials.
The visit concluded with a courtesy meeting with Mr. Saiful Islam, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Feni, and Mr. Zamshed Alam Rana, Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Sadar, Lakshmipur. Both officials acknowledged the initiative and expressed their appreciation to WFP and YPSA for their dedicated efforts. They said this project not only provide immediate financial support to affected community but also contribute to the development of essential local infrastructure
Finally, Mr. Scalpelli and his team expressed satisfaction with YPSA’s work, commending the dedication and commitment of the staff and stakeholders involved in the implementation of these crucial programs.