The baseline survey for the new project “SHG Empowerment Against Modern Day Slavery” began in late August 2025. Field supervisors are conducting the survey across 40 groups within seven deaneries of three Dioceses.
From September 26–29, 2025, a team from the Dhaka Synod Office—including Mr. Subhajit Mondal (Program Director), Mrs. Hanna Usha Chambugong (Program Coordinator), and Mr. Edition Mallick (Consultant)—visited Panihata, Katalmari, Dharati, Idilpur, and Kalachandpur to observe ongoing activities and engage in initial discussions. Additional visits to Khulna, Barishal, Bollovpur, and Rajshahi are planned in phases.
In the four areas where activities have been completed, Mr. Edition Mallick met with local women’s groups, initiating discussions around child rights, women’s rights, human trafficking, and Modern-Day Slavery. He also inquired about their previous involvement with any Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and emphasized the importance of conducting a baseline survey before launching the full SHG program. Mr. Mallick expressed strong optimism about the two-year project and its transformative potential.
Notably, five women’s groups and one youth group participated actively in the discussions, showing commendable enthusiasm and engagement.
Program Director Mr. Subhajit Mondal encouraged the women by explaining how SHGs can empower them socially, economically, and spiritually. He emphasized that these groups offer valuable opportunities for financial support, leadership development, and community impact.
Mrs. Hanna Usha Chambugong further inspired the participants by recalling the origins of TMSS, which grew from the efforts of two destitute women. She expressed confidence that, with unity and determination, these groups too can grow and become agents of change in their families, communities, and churches.
The Church of Bangladesh has introduced UMOJA to integrate the church and its community responding to the need of the people more effectively. It is expected that UMOJA would help the congregation to be aware about their resources and understand that God has given a lot to meet their needs. The concept is to encourage all to work and contribute together to the needs of people and to various issues of the church and society. Church of Bangladesh has been trying to be self-supported and it is expected that UMOJA may strengthen that process.
