Annual Report

2008

4/6, Block-E, Lalmatia, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh Tel: (880-2) 8154273-4, 8128258-9, Fax: (880-2) 8117924 E-mail: ngof@bangla.net, ngofaic@bangla.net Web-site: www.ngof.org
Printed by : Printers Line Ltd.

NGO Forum for Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation

NGO FORUM

FOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY & SANITATION

Annual Report

2008
01

Editorial Adviser : S. M. A. Rashid Editor : Joseph Halder Script Writer : Shamima Nasreen, Farah Naz, Tanya Mahmud, Xavier Sku Data Compilation : Saha Dipak Kumar, Kazi Tanvir Ahmed Design & Graphics : Waresul Haque Photography : Abul Kalam Raja & Others Computer Compose : Mazedul Hoque Prodhan

A Publication of NGO Forum for Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation

02

Annual Report 2008

Foreword Page 5

Profile of NGO Forum Page 7 The Year in Review Page 10

Software Services Page 14
- Advocacy & Information Services Page 15 - Training Page 21 - Development Communication Page 26 - Promotional Activities Page 29 - Arsenic Mitigation Page 37 - Research Page 39 - National Resource Centre Page 43 Hardware Supports Page 46 - Safe Water Supply Page 47 - Hygienic Sanitation Page 50 - Rehabilitating the Disaster Victims Page 53

Chapter 1 Chapter 2

Monitoring and Evaluation Page 56 Resource Generation and Mobilization Page 60

Human Resource Page 61 Financial Resource Page 62 03

Chapter 3 Chapter 4

04

Foreword
NGO Forum has been upholding its apex role in WatSan sector accompanying the national WatSan and hygiene initiatives. The sanitation target of Bangladesh in the light of the MDGs Sanitation for All has been adopted by the Forum in its true spirit. A wide range of activities have been carried out under the national sanitation campaign where different concerned groups like the NGOs, academicians, professionals and other civil society groups have been complementing the national initiative. So far, implementation of union-based Total Sanitation Programme of NGO Forum has succeeded in bringing 149 unions under 100% sanitation. Moreover, observance of the month October as Sanitation Month has been emphasizing on the concerted efforts of relevant stakeholders for promotion of sanitation countrywide and so on. As the outcome of all these efforts the present national sanitation coverage is 84.73% which marks a significant achievement. But an analytical look into the success also unveils the real picture, that, the high sanitation coverage is precisely latrine coverage, not sanitation in the true sense. NGO Forum looks forward to this as an opportunity to concentrate more on Total Sanitation instead of latrinization. And we feel the appeal of Total Sanitation is very much in line with the strategic issues like hygiene promotion, sanitary facilities, water quality, wastewater treatment, and sewerage systems as the United Nations focused on these to mark the International Year of Sanitation. With a view to reaching the international sanitation target and establishing the right to sanitation, the United Nations observed the year 2008 as International Year of Sanitation. NGO Forum initiative of Launching the International Year of Sanitation (IYS) and National Hand Washing Campaign upholding the spirit of the IYS in line with the theme of the World Water Day 2008 Sanitation was proved as the effective contribution to the national campaign. Observance of the 2nd steered a clear commitment from the Government of Bangladesh forwards achieving the national goal. The UN proclaimed water decade International Decade for Action, Water for Life, 2005-2015 has been in progress and Bangladesh has been focusing duly on promotion of safe water supply for community people. In Bangladesh access to an improved

drinking water source, i.e. piped-water, public tap, Tubewell, protected well, protected spring or rain-water is 98%. But the access to arsenic-free safe water source has been remaining at 74%. Alongside arsenic contamination, there are some other challenges like adverse effect of climate change in WatSan, intrusion of salinity and water logging in the southern part of the country, undermining factors for improved sanitation services in rural Bangladesh, unsustainable development practices, declining of groundwater table, iron concentration in groundwater, difficulties in managing WatSan in the hard-to-reach areas (coastal zone, Haor area, hilly and rocky areas) and people (tea garden), etc. In this prevailing situation NGO Forum has been working through its partners to improve hygiene behaviour and access to safe water and sanitation services for the hard-to-reach people. Impoverished hard-to-reach people even do not have access to safe drinking water, let alone sanitation. So advocacy initiative has been taken to ensure their right to safe water supply and sanitation facilities. NGO Forum has also planned to mainstream the issue of climate change in WatSan sector because there are several adverse effects of climate change which have devastating impacts on the water and sanitation sector. It is fact that without ensuring sustainable sanitation facilities and safe water supply for these high-demand areas it is not possible to prevent water and environment pollution in the overall country. With the formulation and/or ratification of different sectoral policies and strategies, an optimistic sectoral policy environment has been prevailing. Hardcore poor people are addressed under the national sanitation campaign with the allocation of 20% of the ADP under Upazila Parishad spent for sanitation promotion among the hardcore poor people in each union. Furthermore, adapting with the need of the changing time the year 2008 was marked by NGO Forums efforts for making remarkable contributions in changing the countrys WatSan and hygiene situation. In this line the Forum was tend to build the capacity of its partner NGOs, LGIs, community allies and community people, especially the women to enable them taking active part in sustainable development of the WatSan and hygiene situation. The Annual Report 2008 portrays NGO Forums efforts throughout the year. The journey through 2008 was guided by the dynamic Executive Committee while the cooperation of the partners and the contribution of the committed staff-force led the Forum all the way. NGO Forum expresses its gratefulness to all of them. I hope this Report will be appreciated by its prospective readers while it will share some programmatic philosophy of NGO Forum to the relevant stakeholders to sensitize them contributing in promotion of the sector.

International WASH Practitioners Marketplace and Fair in Bangladesh also

S.M.A. Rashid Executive Director

Annual Report 05

INTEGRATED WATSAN PROGRAMME

Hardware Supports Software Services

06 Annual Report
Comprises of all the SERVICES needed to build capacity of the local organizations and to mobilize people at various levels like the policymakers, planners, implementers, WatSan private sector actors, media representatives, civil society groups and the community people.

Consists of MATERIAL SUPPORT to improve water and sanitation situation e.g. Technological Support for Safe Water Supply: a. Rain-water Harvesting System b. Pond Sand Filter c. Ring-well & Dug-well d. Arsenic-iron Removal Plant e. Gravity Flow System f. Infiltration Gallery g. Pipeline Water Supply h. Deep Set Pump i. Deep Tubewell j. Arsenic Field Testing Kit k. Iron Field Testing Kit l. Bacteria Field Testing Kit m. Water Quality Testing Laboratory n. Equipments for Maintenance of Water Points Village Sanitation Centre (VSC) Support for Low-cost Latrine Production: a. Home-made Hygienic Latrine b. San-plat Latrine c. Water-seal Latrine d. Offset Pit Latrine e. Twin Pit Latrine f. Sanitary Latrine for School g. Raised Platform Latrine for Flood-prone Area h. Child-friendly Latrine i. Mould Sets & Equipments for VSC

Advocacy & Information Services Community Mobilization

Mobilization Through: Capacity Building of Partners: a. Partner NGO Staff Orientation b. Formation & Mobilization of VDC Communication Materials for a. Community People b. Development Workers c. Technical Persons d. WatSan Private Sector e. Sector Professionals f. Legislators Types of Material 1. Printed Material 2. Audio-visual Material 3. Audio Material

Training

Development Communication

National Resource Centre

Knowledge Broker & Clearing House a. Global & National Experience Sharing b. Consultancy & Sector Specialization c. Filling Gaps in Information d. Support Services

Research
a. Applied Research b. Action Research

Monitoring & Evaluation

3 Levels of Monitoring a. NGO Forums Own Activities b. WatSan Performance of the Partners c. WatSan Behaviour of the Community People

Arsenic Mitigation

Advocacy Through: a. Networking b. Meeting c. Field Visit d. Open Discussion e. Policy Analysis

Information Services:

Dissemination Through: a. Print Media b. Audio-visual Media c. Interpersonal Media

Documentation Through: a. Case Study b. NGO Profiling c. Analytical Reports

Human Skill Development Training: a. Training on Organizational Development and Management b. Training of Trainers on WatSan c. Advocacy & Social Mobilization for WatSan d. WatSan Programme Management e. Communication & Motivation for WatSan f. Popular Folk Media for WatSan Campaign g. Communication & Facilitation of Promotional Activities for WatSan h. Community-managed WatSan Programme i. Training on Total Sanitation j. Training on Arsenic Mitigation k. Training on Participatory Hygiene Promotion l. Training on Gender Issues in WatSan m. Participatory WatSan Monitoring Capacity Building of Community Allies: a. School WatSan Programme b. Religious Leaders Orientation c. Meeting with LGIs Hygiene Promotion & Mass Awareness: a. Community Ignition b. Courtyard Meeting c. Community Meeting d. Tea Stall Session e. Mosque-based Discussion f. Household Visit g. Popular Theatre & Folk-song h. Child to Child Approach i. Rally & Miking j. FGD on Hygiene Promotion k. Observance of National & International Days

4 Areas for Monitoring a. Sanitation b. Water Supply c. Training d. Information, Education & Communication (IEC) Activities Evaluation Through a. Baseline Survey b. Impact Study

a. Field Testing of Water Sample b. Water Quality Testing in Laboratory c. Message Dissemination & Awareness Raising d. Inter-agency & Transsectoral Collaboration e. Research on Arsenic Issues f. Provision of Technical Assistance

Technical Skill Development Training: a. Safe Water Technology Installation b. Water Point Caretakers' Training c. Low-cost Latrine Production

Information & Documentation Archive a. Conventional & Computerized Library Facilities b. Database & Internet Facilities c. Media Centre, Maps, Photographs & Satellite Imageries d. Lessons Learned & Best Practices Capacity Development a. Exchange Programme b. Tool Box Development c. Technology Transfer d. Application of State-of-the-Art Technology Knowledge Development & Collaborative Programme a. Support Programme with Academic & Research Agencies b. Undertaking Feasibility Study c. Discussion Forum

CHAPTER

Profile of NGO Forum

Annual Report 07

NGO Forum The Apex WatSan Body

NGO Forum for Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation is a national non-governmental organization. It is the apex networking and service delivery agency of NGOs, CBOs and private sector operators who implement safe water supply, environmental sanitation and hygiene promotion programmes at the unserved and disadvantaged poor communities in Bangladesh.

Vision
Improved Public Health situation.

Mission Statement
NGO Forum is a national apex networking and service delivery organization in the water supply and sanitation sector dedicated to contribute to the improvement of the public health situation of poor and disadvantaged women, children and men of Bangladesh. NGO Forum is committed to contribute towards reducing morbidity and mortality caused by water and excreta-borne diseases ensuring arsenic-free, safe, accessible, affordable and sustainable water supply, sanitation and hygiene promotion services adopting software-hardware mix approach. NGO Forum is an adaptive learning organization and emphasizes demandresponsive water supply and sanitation services. NGO Forum utilizes its vast experiences and works as development partner with all concerned government bodies, NGOs, CBOs, private sector, civil society actors, media, national and international agencies and other stakeholders to promote sustainable safe water supply, environmental sanitation facilities and hygiene behaviour. With a committed work-force, strong partnership and network, NGO Forum strives to bring about favourable environment in the WatSan sector by complementing the implementation of relevant national polices.

Goals

Ensuring access to safe water and sanitation facilities Promoting sustainable change of hygiene behaviour Contributing in reduction of morbidity and mortality

08 Annual Report

Core Values of NGO Forum

Partners in Development

Concern for poor and disadvantaged community Human rights and good governance Professionalism Adaptive learning and innovation Gender equality Concern for sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene services Partnership

Partner NGOs and CBOs WatSan private sector Local government institutions Mass media Cultural & theatre groups Civil society groups Like-minded WatSan bodies/stakeholders

Programme Implementation Approach

Operate in line with the National Policy for Safe Water Supply & Sanitation Institution building of the partners for WatSan & hygiene promotion as human rights Integration of climate resilient hardware and software WatSan supports Community management of WatSan & hygiene programmes Gender-balanced WatSan programme Focus on the poor in unserved & disadvantaged communities in line with the Pro Poor Strategy Demand responsive & decentralized services ensuring good governance Participation & cost-sharing by community through participatory methods Ownership to the community to ensure sustainability of the support Beef up supporting and complementing the national initiatives in the WatSan sector

Partnership Criteria with the NGOs & CBOs

Registered with the concerned government department Implement community-based development programmes Willing to implement WatSan programmes in partnership Have a transparent management and sufficient manpower Reputed & accepted to implement programmes in the community

Panchagarh

NGO FORUM
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Regional Demarcation
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DINAJPUR

Kurigram

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Pabna

TANGAIL
Gazipur

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shin

Chuadanga Jhe na ida h

The Network
NGO Forum maintains a nation-wide working structure to facilitate the supports in a decentralized manner. Through its country-wide working structure in communion with 857 partner NGOs & CBOs, NGO Forums entire working area is encompassed into 14 Regions with administrative and management set-up at each of the Regional Offices. In line with its organizational mandate NGO Forum maintains a dynamic network with all relevant national and international agencies and stakeholders ranging from the government and civil society to donor bodies.

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Cha ndp ur

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Man

Bra

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COMILLA
Khagr (hill Tr achari acts)

JESSORE

Ha

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Feni

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Central Office Regional Office

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Jhalokathi

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CHITTAGONG

a Patu khali

n arba BandTracts) (hill

Cox'sbazar

Annual Report 09

CHAPTER

The Year in Review

10 Annual Report

Being the apex body in the WatSan sector NGO Forum rightly concentrated on observing the year 2008 as the International Year of Sanitation with a view to adding an extra pace to Total Sanitation promotion in the country. In line with this all its interventions were run towards contributing to improve the quality of life of the target people by introducing and ensuring Total Sanitation at the communities. In order to contribute to the reduction of water-borne diseases, personal and domestic hygiene practices were emphasized through promotion of safe water and hygienic sanitation facilities. The facilitation of promotion of Total Sanitation ensured that a total of 869,140 households were covered with hygienic latrine facilities. In relation to the improved hygiene practices, it was found that people of 1,364,760 households, and 1,953,480 households were accustomed to the practice of washing their hands in hygienic way before handling foods, and after defecation respectively. Alongside, around 1,364,760 hardcore poor households i.e. 51% of target hardcore poor households were found with the facilities of hygienic sanitation. Around 81% of the total households were found enjoying the access to functional, safe and sustainable water supply facilities in the intervention areas. The intervened promotional activities enriched the community people with necessary messages on safe water, sanitation and hygiene habits. In relation to contributing to the sanitation promotion at the community level 26 VSCs were established by the private producers while in total 1,123 VSCs were running during the year. In relation to increase the safe water coverage at the community a total of 1,954 options of various types of safe water supply technologies were installed. Regarding water quality testing of different water supply installations, a number of 12,101 water points were tested in operational areas. On way to reaching these achievements capacity building of the partners is the prerequisite to facilitate development programmes in a partnership fashion. NGO Forums capacity building initiatives empowered and sensitized the LGIs, FNGOs, PSOs, community people and other relevant sectoral stakeholders. In relation to this 516 UPs, 421 FNGOs, 137 private sector operators and 72,361 community people were provided with various type of relevant training and orientation courses. Enhancing their skills the partners were found playing their role in providing services to

facilitating the Community-led Total Sanitation, safe water supply and safe hygiene behaviour at the communities. The respective UPs were found developing the action plan, keeping and updating WatSan information, arranging meeting regularly, activating the WatSan committees, making proper use of ADP allocation by UPs and keeping and updating WatSan information and so on. The partner NGO staff were found capable in conducting various type of promotional activities. Furthermore, a number of 1,791 sector professionals were trained and mobilized to find them complementing to the process through influencing the relevant policy issues. A number of local theatre and cultural groups were scaled up with acquired skills to find them playing their catalytic role in promotion of safe WatSan and hygiene issues at community level. The partner NGOs were regularly maintaining working relationship with the UPs and other stakeholders. This coordinating tie has also enhanced all the partners capability to implement WatSan programmes maintaining good governance. A total of 7,592 FNGO staff, 137 PSOs, 3,873 LGI representatives and 28 local theatre groups were made capacitated with pertinent knowledge and skills to find them with the capacity to play required roles. The cross-cutting issues such as accountability, transparency, community participation and ownership were ensured to contribute to the establishment of good governance. The community people were made known about the involvement of the community allies, the private sector actors as well as the partner NGOs with the programme intervention. In different steps of the programme intervention significant participation and empowerment of women were ensured. They were considered as mainstream beneficiaries and development partners of the programme. Participation of men and women was ensured in implementation of different events and activities. As a result it was possible to ensure peoples equal participation and transparency in the programme implementation contributing to the establishment of good governance. The various activities covering 87,269 events like community mobilization, motivation and Annual Report 11

Area Coverage Region District Upazila Union Covered Village Covered Household Covered Population Male Female PNGO Involved

Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail Total:

6 3 5 6 6 4 5 7 3 3 5 4 4 3 64

26 8 14 22 18 8 16 18 20 13 11 8 10 10 202

166 30 53 119 81 42 118 101 98 37 41 29 45 45 1,005

2,275 752 686 1,217 933 724 1,240 780 679 765 541 578 980 766 12,916

856,499 139,028 175,644 899,674 367,496 191,050 408,832 543,732 486,601 184,744 219,533 158,148 257,076 243,910 5,131,967

2,050,167 347,430 539,839 2,677,252 918,479 461,181 1,244,020 1,352,934 1,225,875 467,335 844,615 395,211 669,512 611,307 13,805,157

1,886,610 333,806 476,779 2,472,456 848,411 456,186 1,097,249 1,151,168 1,318,360 447,541 563,675 379,713 628,746 585,614 12,646,314

25 30 37 45 28 20 46 37 37 14 25 27 27 23 421

promotional efforts effectively contributed in raising peoples WatSan and hygiene awareness level and behavioural practices. The drive for eradicating unsanitary practices and open defecation through installation of sanitary latrines at household level and campaign for Sanitation for All significantly contributed to save the environment from human wastes. The awareness campaign with the distribution of newly developed 30 type of IEC/BCC materials focusing on environmental sanitation issues, the health hazards of drinking water from open water body, arsenic contamination, etc contributed to the conservation of environment. Different health issues like menstrual hygiene, impact of climate change in WatSan, etc were addressed as a part of different cross-cutting issues while NGO Forum concentrated on expending its programme discussion gathering directions from its research initiatives. Consequently by adoption of safe WatSan

and hygiene people have been enjoying good health and less water and excreta-borne diseases resulting in reducing the medical expenditure and increasing peoples productive pursuits as well. Aiming at finding the policy-makers and civil society strengthened and sensitized on promotion of Total Sanitation, safe water supply contributing to maintenance of hygiene habits and environment conservation at the communities and played their role in facilitating the promotion of enabling sectoral policies and relevant issues, advocacy and networking with policy-makers and civil society groups were strengthened during the year. Under this initiatives, a total of 1,014 events of advocacy & networking activities sensitized policy-makers and civil society groups including the mass media extending their hands with views, ideas and directions, and playing proactive roles in favouring the promotion of WatSan sector in line with the national policies. Their roles also have been contributing to establishing a congenial environment in the sector which has been being finally resulted in reduction of duplication and wastage of resources.

12 Annual Report

SOFTWARE SERVICES
People and their quality of life should be at the centre of sustainable water supply and sanitation system. In improving an existing or designing a new water supply and sanitation system, sustainability criteria must be considered both for hardware and software services for improvement of livelihood obtained by the use of safe water supply and sanitation facilities. NGO Forum executes a perfect combination of physical facilities which is considered as Hardware Supports while behavioral change in terms of safe WatSan habit is ensured with the facilitation of a media-mix Software Services. NGO Forum has been facilitating its programme based on its experiences and learnings that only providing the physical facilities without creating proper awareness and demand of the services among the community people cannot contribute in sustaining the services. Given that community demand is the basis of the services and the target people are completely convinced of the benefits. With the demand-responsive approach and the support of hardware and software services the community become aware and motivated towards sustainable behavioral change. Since Bangladesh, as a developing country, is in urgent need to facilitate the behavioral changes in relation to safe water supply and hygienic sanitation practice. On way to achieve sustainable health situation, NGO Forum puts special emphasis on creating awareness and demand at the community through facilitation of its Software Services at the grassroots. The Software Services package of the Forum is very much proficient and progressive comprising of a variety of components. The different components under NGO Forums Software Services are:

14 Annual Report

Advocacy & Information Services Training Development Communication Promotional Activities Arsenic Mitigation Research National Resource Centre

Advocacy & Information Services

NGO Forum maintains a continuous sequence of strong advocacy and networking with its partners, policy-makers, civil society and the sectoral stakeholders in line with processing and dissemination of relevant, comprehensive and updated sectoral and organizational information. In order to keep up its distinctive role as a key actor in the national WatSan sector, NGO Forum as the apex networking and service delivery agency provides special emphasis on creating favourable sectoral policy environment. In this connection the Forum works for formulating and promoting different policy and strategy issues, advocates for uniform policy implementation and complementing each other for sector promotion. Uniting these efforts NGO Forum conducts Advocacy & Information Services among various cross-sections of people ranging from the policy-makers to the decisive grassroots people.

Advocacy Services
NGO Forums Advocacy Services comprise of influencing relevant people to modify or changes in policy, attitudes, practices, programmes, and direction of resource allocation, strengthening the capacity and power of civil society on WatSan so that citizens can play effective roles in policy-making and improving the accountability of those who lead and govern as well as expanding their awareness of themselves as citizens with WatSan rights and entitlements and the responsibility to act on them. The main focus of Advocacy Services of NGO Forum include Policy Advocacy on Special WatSan and Hygiene Issues, Meeting with Sectoral Stakeholders, Upazila Discussion Forum, Collaboration Meeting with LGIs & Local Stakeholders, Advocacy Meeting with WatSan Private Sector, Collaboration with Mass media, Open Discussion with Local Allies, WatSan Fair, Dissemination of Advocacy Material Package and so on. Government of Bangladesh is committed to ensure sanitation facilities for its people. Aiming Total Sanitation, the Government of Bangladesh has been running the National Sanitation Campaign Sanitation for All since October 2003. But reaching the landmark of 88% latrine coverage under the National Sanitation Campaign the overall observation shows that a number of advocacy initiatives are demanding on the way to ensure Total Sanitation all over the country while the success is compared considering all the criteria of Total Sanitation. With the goal to evaluate and review the field situation and to ensure effective accomplishment of the sanitation programme for ensuring Total Sanitation, Divisional & District Consultations on Promotion of Total Sanitation in line with National Sanitation Strategy 2005, were organized. The events of NGO Forums advocacy initiative clearly indicated that only through latrinization, the long term results of sanitation will never be achieved. Annual Report 15

To achieve Union-based Total Sanitation coverage NGO Forum sensitizes the Upazila Parishad, Union Parishad, NGOs and the civil society groups to play effective role. As part of this 980 Collaboration Meetings with LGIs and Local Stakeholders at UP level were organized in the unions. These Meetings were proved to be very much productive in establishing and strengthening network and collaboration among and with different level of stakeholders at UP level i.e. the Union Parishad, Union WatSan Committee, Ward WatSan Committee, different task-force and other local allies.
Collaboration Meeting with LGIs and Local Stakeholders Region Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail Total: No. of Activity 40 84 55 70 70 64 83 70 86 70 61 73 77 70 973 Participant Male 472 1,822 1200 1,244 1,299 1,136 2,493 1,281 1,580 1317 1,301 1,419 1,407 1,916 19,887 Female 191 276 270 348 396 202 318 330 337 275 474 657 423 348 4,845 Total 663 2,098 1,470 1,592 1,695 1,338 2,811 1,611 1,917 1,592 1,775 2,076 1,830 2,264 24,732

the situation at the field level. Besides, the local journalists at district level were assembled regularly focusing on success and learning of the programme intervention at the community level. As a result, a significant number of features and news on WatSan programme accomplishment, coverage, success, challenges, remarkable initiatives and other important WatSan issues were projected in print & electronic media. Civil society and mass people were sensitized through TV and Radio Programmes as a part of the Forums media advocacy. In line with the observance of 2008 as the International Year of Sanitation TV & Radio Programmes were made & broadcast while sanitation was defined and discussed relating with water, hygiene, health, culture and environment issues. Advocacy Campaign was also carried out through operation of an Audio-visual Mobile Unit at different parts of the country to sensitize the civil society and mass people to uphold WatSan and hygiene promotion. As part of its networking initiatives NGO Forum organized an international conference, 2nd International WASH Practitioners Marketplace and Fair 2008 at Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh jointly with the Streams of Knowledge. Focusing on 6 different

The mass media can sensitize different groups of people on WatSan from the grassroots to the policy-makers on different socio-economic issues. NGO Forum calls upon the positive action of the mass media for WatSan campaign. During this year, the Forum kept regular contact and collaboration with journalists from the print & electronic media at central and local levels organizing regular discussion and meetings with them. This year 14 Collaboration with Mass-media were organized in different districts where 140 journalists from different National dailies and electronic media participated and had a direct opportunity of observing and experiencing

themes in relation to WatSan, environment, health, etc the Fair provided the opportunity to collaborate and communicate with the representatives of other international sectoral organizations which helped to gather and share knowledge under the slogan Keep Sharing for Sustainable Sanitation. Sensitizing the important stakeholders ranging from the government organizations to civil society groups on WatSan and hygiene, NGO Forum organized WatSan Fair at district & upazila level. Representatives from administration, civil society, government and non-government agencies, the LGIs, mass-media and the grassroots community participated in the Fairs in a festive mode. The festive

16 Annual Report

WatSan Fair
Region Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail Total: No. of Programme 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 15 NGO Involved 10 14 32 15 10 18 19 23 18 16 20 13 12 15 235

atmosphere of the Fair helped to sensitize the opinion leaders and raise awareness of the mass people towards WatSan and hygiene promotion. Despite a significant achievement in water & sanitation coverage, alongside the experts, NGO Forum is seriously concerned over that it would never be possible to ensure safe WatSan facilities for all the people all over the country unless the people of hard-to-reach or pocket areas are addressed with special focus. Considering the WatSan, health, hygiene and environmental situation, NGO Forum started its advocacy initiatives targeting the hard-to-reach areas (e.g. Coastal belt, Haor, Hilly areas, etc.) and people (e.g. tea garden) taking into account the adverse effects of climate change in the sector and peoples right to safe water & sanitation. Being an active member of the Freshwater Action NetworkSouth Asian Region, NGO Forum organized & participated in its regular events on way to strengthen civil societys participation in international water policy-making and development initiatives to achieve the right to water and sanitation. The Forum also participated in the SACOSAN-III at Delhi, India as a member of Bangladesh delegates. As part of Participation in Sectoral Networking, NGO Forums contribution in the development process of the National Sanitation Communication Strategy, and participation in the Horizontal Learning Process in the WatSan Sector were unique & remarkable. NGO Forum observed Global Hand-washing Day along with DPHE, UNICEF, Uniliver Bangladesh & others focusing on the importance of hand-washing highlighted at educational institution and national media. NGO Forum conducted its advocacy role reinforced on various sectoral issues and events, maintained continuous interaction and dialogue with the important sector actors. The significant and spontaneous participation of NGO Forum in observing October as the Sanitation Month at different levels ranging from the central to the grassroots highlighted the Forums pledge and complementing efforts to the government initiative in fulfilling the national sanitation target especially in observance of the International Year of Sanitation. Focusing on different events and issues NGO Forum persisted its networking with the policy formulating authorities emphasizing on a favourable sectoral policy setting.

Information Services
Time-fitting, up-to-date and relevant information contributes as the basis of initiating effective and need-based services by optimum utilization of resources and avoidance of duplication of efforts. NGO Forum, therefore, maintains a dynamic Information Services combining sectoral and programmatic information of the most up-to-date, specific, need-based and relevant in nature. The Forum also maintains a regular sharing and dissemination of the relevant and important information among its partners, policy-makers, sector professionals and sectoral and trans-sectoral stakeholders as part of its advocacy & networking. This strengthens the communication and collaboration between partners and play a key role in awareness raising Annual Report 17

and sensitizing the stakeholders. Thus, by exploring the inter-personal, audio-visual and print-media, NGO Forum keeps its Information Services functional and upholds its apex role in the sector.

NGO Forum worked out some strategic directions in relation to mainstream the climate change issue in the WatSan sector. In observance of the World Water Day, launching ceremony for the International Year of Sanitation and National Hand Washing Campaign were organized at central level while 14 symposia were organized at the regional level titled Ensuring Total Sanitation for Sound Health on 22 March 2008. The events for the Day were jointly

Inter-personal Media
NGO Forum helps both-way sharing of information by organizing different events like workshop, seminar, symposium, meeting, discussion forum, etc. Since there is much scope of direct dealings with the participants in these events, the Inter-personal Media services are very effective to bring out positive result of any issue. The inter-personal events are organized on different instances to uphold the markable WatSan issues among the policy-makers, programme planners & implementers and other relevant stakeholders in the sector. During the year 2008, NGO Forum organized 4 workshops as strategic issues on different themes with the participation of representatives from NGO Forum, partner organizations, LGIs, local administration, national & international NGOs, media and the civil society. A workshop titled, Promotion of Total Sanitation in Tea Garden held in Srimongal, Moulvibazar. Another workshop on Monitoring & Evaluation System

organized with due significance by the LGD, WHO, DFID, UNICEF, DPHE and NGO Forum with the participation of representatives from national and international NGOs, government, UN-bodies, donor agencies, mass media and other stakeholders. Different other events like WatSan-based drama, cultural-show, TV Talk-show, rally, etc were organized highlighting the theme of the Day with due importance.
Symposium
Region Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail Total: No. of Programmes 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 14 Participant Female Male 130 20 122 25 140 20 110 25 123 27 110 30 125 30 150 30 120 25 145 35 120 25 104 35 110 11 135 215 1,744 553 Total 150 147 160 135 150 140 155 180 145 180 145 139 121 350 2,297

was organized at Central Office. This helped to a common understanding of the relevant personnel on NGO Forums existing development of M&E. The other two workshops titled, Implication of Climate Change and its Adaptation Strategy in Water & Sanitation Sector of Bangladesh, sensitized different stakeholders on the importance of ensuring safe water, sanitation and hygiene to combat the adverse effect of climate change. 18 Annual Report

Audio-visual Media
Audio-visual media is extensively popular as a means of disseminating relevant information and sensitizing & motivating the people of different segments for its easy-perceivable character. Therefore, NGO Forum explores this media and develops and disseminates radio and TV programmes, promotional films, documentary films, WatSan slide, audio-cassettes containing WatSan, hygiene and environment related messages. The audio-visual media package, for the year, included development and broadcasting Radio Programme of 25 episodes titled, Pani O Sanitation Samachar in Bangladesh Betar, development and telecasting of 5 TV Talk-shows titled, Pani, Paribesh O Amra through CHANNEL-1 to disseminate useful & sensitizing WatSan messages
Audio-visual Programme

Print Media
NGO Forum develops a number of print materials with a view to disseminating WatSan and organizational information effectively among a wider range of stakeholders. Under the provision, the Annual Report, 4 issues of the quarterly English Newsletter WatSan including a special one, 12 issues of the monthly Bangla newsletter Paniprobaha, 12 issues of WatSan Bulletin, the WatSan Information Pocket Book containing sensitizing messages on promotion of Total Sanitation in line with the National Sanitation Strategy 2005, a success story book titled Sustaining the Success, the WatSan Information Diary 2008, a booklet in Bengali titled Lets Ensure the Right to Water and Sanitation for the Hard-to-Reach People were published. Pertinent, time-fitting WatSan and hygiene information and messages, news and views on important WatSan, environment and hygiene issues, organizational, programmatic and sectoral issues, status and success, etc were highlighted in these print materials. NGO Forum disseminated information in the printed form that helped sensitizing various stakeholders including various sectoral and trans-sectoral organizations, policy-making authorities, donor community, mass media, local allies and so on for the sectoral development.

Programme Radio Programme Development of Video Film on WatSan Issues Advocacy Campaign through TV

No. of Programme 25 2

among a wide range of audience. A documentary film focusing mainly on ensuring safe water supply, sanitation and basic hygiene for the hard-to-reach areas and people has started to develop. The sectoral video films and audio cassettes were effectively used in different programmes of NGO Forum. With the support of the mobile audio-visual unit NGO Forum carried out 343 village-based film-shows covering the mass people who enjoyed the shows and got familiar with relevant WatSan and hygiene messages. The audio-visual media packages have been established to be a very useful tool for sensitizing the people at different level in an entertaining way throughout the year.

Annual Report 19

Information Processing & Dissemination

NGO Forum collects, develops and disseminates relevant and up-to-date WatSan information on a regular basis among & with different sectoral and trans-sectoral stakeholders including policy-makers, professionals and prospective information-seekers. This year NGO Forum kept information processing and dissemination continuing by collecting the relevant information from various sources, preserving and disseminating them among relevant stakeholders. Newspaper clippings on WatSan, environment, health and hygiene issues were preserved regularly and later disseminated among the relevant stakeholders. Different publications e.g. books, journals, documents as well as the internet were explored as vital source for relevant information. Updated information disseminated through web-site and e-mail all over the year. Thus provides an efficient way to contact a large number of people quickly & cheaply and contribute to a great potential for interaction. The organizational web-site was run containing important and updated information on organizational profile, on-going programmes and projects. The quarterly newsletter WatSan, monthly WatSan Bulletin, WatSan Pocket Book and all other regular publications & information were processed & disseminated through the internet as well.

20 Annual Report

Training

Knowledge on WatSan and health behaviour is recognized as essential in the promotion of WatSan and its sustainable development. The trained human can play a vital role in encouraging communities to better prepare for and mitigate the impact of worse sanitation situation. That is why, to enhance the vision for accomplishing competent Human Resource, training is an undeniable and indispensable tool. Now-a-days, training is the key component of capacity building worldwide. NGO Forums Training service is well-equipped with advanced training technologies. The Forum is delivering need-based and customized training on institutional capacity building, safe water supply, environmental sanitation facilities and hygiene promotional issues with an objective to motivate and build up the competence of its partners, LGIs, community allies, private sector operators, entrepreneurs and beneficiaries. NGO Forum delivers its training services in an efficient and structured mechanism. Considering the types and characteristics NGO Forum has divided its training into two clusters: Human Skill Development Training, and Technical Skill Development Training. After the completion of Training need assessment, trainings are segregated in line with the respective cluster and are delivered as per need of the skill and information for the target audience.

Human Skill Development Training

Human Skill Development Training aims at strengthening the human resource of the partner NGOs, CBOs, LGIs and relevant civil society groups for the effective implementation of WatSan programme. Planning, management, organizational development, communication, supervision, improvisation of leadership and groom up of trainers, etc are emphasized under the Human Skill Development Training courses. Cross-cutting issues like gender, good governance, environment, HIV-AIDS, human rights and poverty are also covered as part of the contents of the Human Skill Development Training.

Annual Report 21

Human Skill Development Training

Name of the Training Course No. of Course Participant Male Female Total

Training of Trainers on Sustainable WatSan Programme Training on Organizational Development and Management Training on PRA Tools for CAP & Hygiene Promotion Advocacy Training for FNGOs to Sensitize LGIs Training on Gender Issues in WatSan for FNGOs Teachers Training on Environmental Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion Training on Hygiene Promotion for Health Workers Training on Communication and Facilitation for WatSan Training on Participatory Hygiene Education & Promotion Training on CLTS and CAP Orientation of Core Groups Orientation on Different Cross-cutting Issues Related to WatSan Training on Popular Theatre and Culture for the Local Cultural Groups on WatSan Campaign Training of Community Health Promoter Training of Union/Ward WatSan Committee Members Training on Arsenic Awareness and Mitigation Ward/Union/Upazila Citizen Committee Orientation WatSan Policy Orientation for LGI Representatives Training on Basic Concept of CLTS, SHP & SWS for UP Chairmen Training on Participatory Monitoring Training on CAP and Hygiene Promotion Strategy for WWPC Training on Basic Concept of CLTS, SHP & SWS for UP Members Training on Gender issues in WatSan for UP Members CBO Advocacy and Leadership Training Community Volunteer Training Food Vendor Orientation Orientation on DAP for PNGO Staff Training on Income Generating Activities (IGA) & Support for Economic Empowerment Training on Developing the Institutional Capacity of Regional Training Centre Total:

23 5 7 4 5 39 18 3 2 3 2 2 7 6 191 11 193 16 7 28 89 79 1 233 127 5 3 6 1 1,117

327 87 101 82 88 805 228 57 41 54 33 38 114 24 1,750 175 1,766 196 97 356 1722 842 12 1,142 1,290 68 37 71 16 11,619

193 12 39 3 14 172 101 2 3 8 8 6 28 27 1,493 45 1,522 28 10 88 424 169 5 1,142 1,885 34 14 107 11 7,593

520 99 140 85 102 977 329 59 44 62 41 44 142 51 3,243 220 3,288 224 107 444 2146 1011 17 2,284 3,175 102 51 178 27 19,212

22 Annual Report

During the year 2008, under the cluster of Human Skill Development Training NGO Forum conducted several courses for the partner organization staff like Training of Trainers, Training on Organizational Development & Management, Advocacy Training, Training on Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) with special focus on WatSan, Training on Community-led Total Sanitation (CLTS) & Community Action Plan (CAP), Training of Trainers for Cultural Groups, Training on Participatory Monitoring, Orientation Workshop for Local Working NGOs, CBOs, CSOs, Different Women and Indigenous Groups on WatSan Issues, Orientation on Different Cross-cutting issues in relation to WatSan & hygiene, Programme Planning Management Workshop, etc. With a view to capacity building of the LGIs and different stakeholders, different trainings were imparted to mobilize and aware the Union Parishad Chairmen and Members. In line with it different trainings like Training on Participatory Monitoring of Hygiene Behavior, Training on CAP and Hygiene Promotion Strategy for WWPC and Training on Gender Issues in WatSan for UP Chairmen were organized for the Union Parishad Chairmen and Members. Moreover, NGO Forum integrated the social catalyst groups who are in position for playing a catalytic role in the society like teachers, Imams, health workers and so on with trainings i.e. Teachers Training on Environmental Sanitation & Hygiene Promotion, Training on Hygiene Promotion for Health Workers, Religious Leaders Orientation. NGO Forum has achieved a remarkable success in involving the Health Workers in the WatSan sector through its training courses where they participated effectively. The Human Skill Development Training courses facilitated greatly to increase the capacity of different catalyst groups in their respective fields of work. By conveying basic knowledge about the sector and the basic know-how and skills regarding programme planning, facilitation and management to the trainees, an expert work-force has been developed. They have proven to maneuver their training-earned knowledge and capability to the sector improvement in their respective fields.

Technical Skill Development Training

With a view to building technical skill regarding implementation, operation and maintenance of WatSan facilities different Technical Skill Development Training courses are facilitated covering the community people and the private sector service providers. Courses are also organized on installation, repairing and maintenance of different safe water supply technologies, production and installation of different latrine technologies. In the year 2008, trainings like Training on Low - cost Latrine Production, Training on Innovation & Production of Low-cost Technologies, Training on Alternative Safe Water Technology for Private Masons, Training on Arsenic Awareness & Water Quality and Training on Arsenic Awareness & Mitigation were imparted to develop the skills and knowledge of the target audience. On completion of the courses the participants have become enriched with basic skills on the relevant technical issues, and have been performing well extensively to the proper production, installation, operation and maintenance of the WatSan technologies as well as arsenic mitigation.

Annual Report 23

Technical Skill Development Training

Name of the Training Course No. of Course Participant Male Female Total

Caretakers Training for Water Options Caretakers Training for Sanitation Options Orientation to Hardware Management Committee on Operation and Maintenance Training on Arsenic Awareness & Water Quality Training on Innovation & Production of Low-cost Technologies Training on Alternative Safe Water Technology for Private Masons Tubewell Mechanics Training Total:

2,594 16 645 6 4 1 7 3,273

6,299 196 812 105 38 18 133 7,601

6,374 196 3,156 17 0 0 0 9,743

12,673 392 3,968 122 38 18 133 17,344

Post-training Activities In order to measure the effectiveness of the conducted training courses NGO Forum instigated post training activities like training follow-up, training monitoring and different refresher courses regularly. Through these activities NGO Forum assessed the performance and progress of the trained participants as well as the effectiveness of the training courses. Different techniques such as observation, interview, field visit, meeting, document review, etc were used for this purpose. Refresher courses were also organized to review and update the skill of the trainees and solve the problems they faced at the place of their work. Customized Training Courses NGO Forum conducts customized training courses for other organizations in WatSan sector which consists of course designing, developing and implementing according to the requirement and specifications of the request. During the year 2008, NGO Forum conducted training on different issues of WatSan like Training on Water & Sanitation Issues for Community People, Training on WatSan Issues for Teachers and Religious Leaders, Workshop on WatSan Issues for GO/NGOs and Local level Stakeholders, Workshop on WatSan Issues for Sectoral Stakeholders for Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS), Training on Communication and Facilitation, Training on 24 Annual Report

Community-managed WatSan Programme for Jibon-O-Jibika, Training on Technical Skill Development on Latrine Production, Training on Hygiene Promotion for Muslim Aid, Training on Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion, Training on Community-managed WatSan Programme for School Health and Nutrition (SHN) Project. Moreover, the experienced and skilled Training personnel of NGO Forum worked as guest facilitator to different organizations as well as developed training modules, manuals and materials according to the demand of different organizations. These training courses were organized by NGO Forum as the facilitating agency. The courses targeted to institutional capacity building of the field agencies or implementing agencies, and local government institutions, government staff, different catalytic groups, community allies and technical skill development of different groups of people of the sector.

Tailor Made Training Course

Name of the Training Course No. of Course Participant Male Female Total

Training on Technical Skill Development on Latrine Production Training on Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion Training on Arsenic and Bacteria Testing in Tubewell Training on Community-managed WatSan Programme Training on Water & Sanitation Issues for Community People Training on WatSan Issues for Teachers and Religious Leaders Workshop on WatSan Issues for GO/NGO and Local Level Stakeholders Workshop on WatSan Issues for Sectoral Stakeholders Training on Communication and Facilitation Total:

1 2 1 3 3 3 3 1 2 19

10 26 19 54 89 67 107 15 41 428

0 8 6 21 38 38 23 0 17 151

10 34 25 75 127 105 130 15 58 579

Annual Report 25

Development Communication
Development Communication is an organized effort to use communication processes and media to bring social and economic improvements. Based on this realization NGO Forums Development Communication plays a very significant role in communicating directly to the grassroots people and catalyzing in change of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of people towards sustainable development regarding WatSan and hygiene behaviour. The main objective of NGO Forums Development Communication is to contribute in the process of raising awareness and capacitate the target people towards positive changes in regard to WatSan and hygiene. The practice of NGO Forums Development Communication continues evolving with different approaches and perspectives unique to the WatSan development context. NGO Forum believes that to set a long-lasting effect in peoples mind visual or pictorial materials can communicate most effectively and easily among people in any environment and culture. Realizing the importance of this direction a wide range of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) materials have been being developed under NGO Forums Development Communication to support implementation of different activities under the components like Training, Promotional Activities, Advocacy & Information Services, etc. Different types of IEC & BCC materials are developed and distributed to contribute a lot promoting the knowledge, attitude and practices of the target people. Peoples culture, perception level, socio-economic status, age, education, practices, needs and problems, gender sensitivity, sustainable learning are strictly addressed during developing the materials and other communication tools. This process makes community people able to solve their problem by themselves contributing to health education in relation to safe water use, hygienic sanitation and hygiene practice. 26 Annual Report

NGO Forum always keeps in mind to avoid duplication regarding this field and maintains regular coordination with the relevant stakeholders which helps NGO Forum to develop and maintain its development communication issues fruitful and unique in WatSan sector. Before finalization of the products, the field testing of the materials and due sharing with the respective target groups are carried out. A systemic and well-organized distribution mechanism has been maintaining to reach these IEC & BCC materials to the target audiences which contributes in ensuring positive results. NGO Forums development communication materials are not only used in its own activities but also by other WatSan stakeholders.

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Annual Report 27

IEC/BCC Materials Developed & Distributed During 2008

Sl. No.
01. 02. 03. 04.

Name of Material
Poster on Tubewell Platform Poster on Hand Washing Poster on Sanitation Month WatSan Information Chart

Quantity
20,000 20,000 20,000 390

Objective
To provide and disseminate information on platform of Tubewell maintenance. To provide and disseminate information on hand washing To provide and disseminate information on sanitation. To sensitize Union Parishad & other LGIs and Health Department offices acquiring information on WatSan and hygiene from this Chart on way to play effective role in WatSan sector. To provide information on available WatSan Training courses to be conducted by NGO Forum and to share the information on the human resource development with the partner NGOs, CBOs and other stakeholders for effective implementation of the Training Programme. To make the people aware about healthcare, effective latrine use and proper hygiene behavior through illustration and messages. To create awareness among people on water, sanitation and personal hygiene. To disseminate messages on personal hygiene and sanitation for raising awareness of mass people. To disseminate necessary information on WatSan and Hygiene in large font with messages & colorful pictures so that all classes of people can easily understand the messages. To encourage the school students on hygiene behavior through enter-educate process. To raise awareness of the children and to motivate the community on safe water and hygienic sanitation through animation, cartoon drama. To encourage the school students & teachers on safe water, sanitation and hygiene behavior.

Target Audience
PNGO Staff, Community People PNGO Staff, Community People PNGO Staff, Community People Union Parishad, NGOs, LGIs and Health Department

05.

Training Calendar

1,000

PNGO Staff, Trainers

06.

Flip-chart on WatSan & Hygiene Tin-plate Repairing & Maintenance of Existing Billboard Wall Painting & Information Board

2,000

Social Workers, NGOs, Trainers, Community People Community People Community People Community People, School Students

07. 08. 09.

500 27 42

10. 11.

School Routine Animated Film for Children

110,000 1

School Students from Class IV X Students, Teachers, NGO Workers, Trainers Students, Teachers, NGO Workers

12.

BCC Materials for School Programme a) School WatSan Information Booklet b) Flyer on Teacher c) Flyer on Hand Washing WatSan Calendar

3,000 sets

13.

5,000

To sensitize all relevant organizations, partners and different sectoral stakeholders for active involvement in WatSan promotion as well as to complement them. To sensitize all relevant organizations, partners and different sectoral stakeholders for active involvement in WatSan promotion as well as to complement them.

UPs, PNGOs, PSOs, Stakeholders

14.

Year Planner

5,000

UPs, PNGOs, PSOs, NGOs, Stakeholders

28 Annual Report

Promotional Activities
The priority concern of NGO Forum is to create awareness among community people to change the behavioral pattern related to basic WatSan and hygiene practices. NGO Forum realizes that it is a challenge to change peoples long practiced behavior. But it has been proved that promotional activities held the potential to create a permanent impact in the target areas especially through its two very effective tools i.e. mass awareness & social mobilization components. NGO Forum facilitates a wide range of Promotional Activities through its partners since it believes that sustainable WatSan promotion can only be possible if changes come in peoples knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP). The community people are the ultimate target of the Promotional Activities of NGO Forum. Besides, the staff of the partner NGOs and CBOs, the key community allies like, religious leaders, school teachers, local opinion leaders, LGIs and other relevant stakeholders who can play effective and significant roles as catalysts are also the target groups of this component. NGO Forum facilitates the implementation of various

promotional activities with a view to building up capacity and raising awareness among its partners, community catalyst groups and the community people. NGO Forums Promotional Activities are carried out by applying media-mix aids like, communication materials, interpersonal communication activities, the mass-media channels and so on. NGO Forum plays the moderating role by providing the support regarding technical knowledge, promotional messages in different Behavior Change Communication (BCC) materials which have been proved very effective support aids for creating mass awareness and social mobilization. The Promotional Activities are implemented covering the following three clusters: 1. Capacity Building of Partners 2. Capacity Building of Community Allies, and 3. Hygiene Promotion & Mass Awareness

Annual Report 29

1. Capacity Building of Partners:

Partner NGO Staff Orientation: As the partner NGOs are the main actors to implement the development initiatives at the grassroots, it is a priority of NGO Forum to provide the required support to its partners to enhance their capacity on the relevant WatSan issues. As part of the process the staff of the partners were provided with orientation on the necessary issues relating to safe water, sanitation and hygiene so that they become conceptually sound and more capable to contribute in the concerned areas. In 2008, a total of 859 partner NGO staff were provided with orientation. Of them 606 male and 253 were female staff. They became benefited with the orientation as they could effectively utilize their knowledge in programme implementation which they gained from the orientation.
Region

Partner NGO Staff Orientation

No. of Course Participant Male Female Total

Barisal Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Total:

11 5 2 2 8 4 3 3 5 1 44

105 48 50 30 93 77 41 41 95 26 606

55 62 5 4 75 7 3 10 29 3 253

160 110 55 34 168 84 44 51 124 29 859

Formation & Mobilization of VDC & SDC: Without involving the people and without creating the feeling of ownership among them no development in the real sense is possible. It is the people, whose spontaneous effort can make the scenario changed positively. With this belief NGO Forum ensure peoples participation forming & mobilizing the Village Development Committee (VDC), a community-based group. The key members of this group are local elites, indigenous leaders, local influential people and the general people of the particular village with the participation of both male and female. Slum Development Committee (SDC) is also formed & mobilized to promote the WatSan, hygiene and health situation in urban slum areas. Both the Committees cooperate the respective partner NGOs in relation to the effective implementation of WatSan programme in their community. NGO Forum formed and mobilized 17,040 VDCs/SDCs engaging 2,38,560 community allies during the year 2008. They were found playing effective role in promoting WatSan issues at the grassroots level by ensuring the community participation from all corners.

VDC/SDC Meeting
Region No. of Meetings Participant Male Female Total

Barisal 3,960 37,145 18,295 55,440 Chittagong 7,020 65,848 32,432 98,280 Comilla 648 6,078 2,994 9,072 Dinajpur 2,340 21,950 10,810 32,760 Mymensingh 3,072 23,816 19,192 43,008 Total: 17,040 154,837 83,723 238,560

30 Annual Report

2. Capacity Building of Community Allies:

Meeting with LGIs at Union Parishad & Ward level:
Putting high priority to promote WatSan situation at local level, the government has formed Union WatSan Committee under the leadership of UP Chairman, and Ward WatSan Committee under the leadership of UP Members. With the objective to speed up the initiatives of the local govt. bodies, NGO Forum orients them about the WatSan related issues through various meetings and orientations. Through this initiative the LGIs can make stronger strides to uphold the WatSan and hygiene related issues among the mass people. As they have high influence on the people they can easily motivate them to change their long-practiced behavior in relation to the use of safe water, hygienic sanitation facilities and maintaining hygiene habits. During the year 2008, NGO Forum organized 476 Meetings with LGIs with the participation of 7,285 LGI representatives. The Meeting proved very effective to sensitize the representatives for carrying out the WatSan promotion within the respective community with great zeal.

Meeting with LGIs at UP and Ward Level

Region No. of Program Participant Male Female Total

Barisal Comilla Jessore Total:

440 18 18 476

4,450 300 300 5,050

2,150 40 45 2,235

6,600 340 345 7,285

School WatSan Programme:

25000
School WatSan Programme
Participant Boy

20000

Girl

15000

10000

Childhood is the age to learn and carrying out the practices throughout the life tenure. At this very formative age children can be motivated easily. Specially teacher have strong influence on the students to form their mentality, and to incite them for starting good practices in life. Realizing this, NGO Forum organizes School WatSan Programme in collaboration with the partner organizations with the aim to orient the school teachers and to educate the students to ensure safe WatSan and hygiene practice in their life. They are also the good agent for advocating the WatSan messages in their family and respective community as the catalyst. During the year, 2,579 School WatSan Programmes were organized and 247,439 school students covering 125,582 male 121,857 female and the teachers were participated. After getting oriented and motivated the students involved themselves in disseminating the safe WatSan and hygiene messages in their family and community level.

5000

Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail

Annual Report 31

Religious Leaders Orientation:

In our society, Religious leaders are very important segment who play key roles providing directions to peoples life. Realizing the fact that the religious leaders could play an effective role in the promotion of WatSan and hygiene, NGO Forum arranges orientation targeting them. As the people generally tends to respect them and obey their directions in their life, during the orientation NGO Forum puts emphasis on issues highlighting the religious messages in relation to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in day to day life. In 2008, a total of 241 Religious Leaders Orientations were conducted by the partner organizations. Their preaching on different religious events regarding safe WatSan and hygiene issues proved very effective among the religious-minded community people.

Religious Leaders' Orientation

Region Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail Total: No. of Course 124 2 2 30 17 2 14 15 18 2 8 3 2 2 241 Participant 440 24 30 584 320 25 264 304 344 20 138 100 24 24 2,641

3. Hygiene Promotion & Mass Awareness:

Hygiene Session with Female:
Being the mainstream beneficiary women collect water for drinking and other domestic uses and maintain the cleanliness and hygiene at their household. So it is very important for them to have knowledge enough on WatSan and hygiene practices as the entire families rely on them in relation to hygiene practices. Considering the fact NGO Forum puts extra emphasis to orient the female members of the family on the WatSan and hygiene promotion. NGO Forum arranges Hygiene Session with Female at the courtyards at the community level to make them well-aware and oriented about the hygiene issues and solicit their cooperation to maintain the cleanliness in their day to day life with a view to preventing them from diseases. Emphasis is also given in the orientation sessions to disseminate their knowledge with the other community members as well as to ensure better behavior practices regarding the WatSan and hygiene issues. Again targeting the adolescent girls the courtyard meeting is organized for discussing about the importance of maintaining the personal and menstrual hygiene messages to be maintained in their personal life. In this year 43,263 Hygiene Sessions were conducted with the involvement of 725,097 female members. The sessions were found much effective for the adolescent girls and the female as well to make them aware to practice cleanliness in their personal life.

Hygiene Session with Female Region No. of Participant Session

Barisal 13,795 Bogra 1,082 Chittagong 1,351 Comilla 2,330 Dhaka 990 Dinajpur 9,394 Faridpur 1,075 Jessore 2,015 Khulna 1,465 Mymensingh 5,873 Rajshahi 1,070 Rangpur 877 Sylhet 1,046 Tangail 900
Total: 43,263

221,056 24,190 24,683 41,123 11,964 154,016 17,980 31,902 29,174 104,344 20,614 15,762 14,269 14,020
725,097

32 Annual Report

Hygiene Session with Male:

As Males are the key decision-makers in the existing family pattern, NGO Forum arranges Hygiene Session with Male at community level to orient them about the importance of safe WatSan and hygiene practice with the objective that by practicing it in their life they will also disseminate the messages to their family and community as well. Their leadership role could create significant impact by providing directions to change the behavior practices of their family members on WatSan and hygiene issues. In the year 2008, a total of Hygiene Sessions with Male were organized with participation of 247,028 males. The Sessions effectively contributed to motivate them about safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices in their day to day life.

Hygiene Session with Male Region No. of Participant Session

Household Visit:
With the objective to make more effective and direct communication with the people Household Visit is one of the most widely used tools in the development arena for community mobilization. To create more awareness about WatSan and hygiene practices among people and to witness the changes physically, NGO Forum organizes Household Visits in some selected areas through the staff of the respective partner organization. A total of 656 household were visited in some selected areas during the reporting year. The Visits created significant impact to raise peoples awareness and spread out the important messages related to WatSan and hygiene practice.

Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail
Total:

4,324 811 524 1,561 673 963 810 937 1,011 784 572 704 728 675
15,077

60,411 16,925 7,550 29,444 10,190 19,670 11,417 16,229 17,806 16,477 11,415 10,877 9,476 9,141
247,028

Mosque-based Discussion:
The Muslim devotees in Bangladesh usually attend the Jum-ma prayer at the mosque where the Khutba, preached by the Imam, is listened by the religious-minded people very respectfully. Realizing the strong influence of the Imams sermon on peoples mind NGO Forum organizes Mosque-based Discussion through the Imam after the Jum-ma prayers at the community level upholding the importance of safe water, hygienic sanitation and hygienic behavior as part of religious practice. During the year, a total of 100 Mosque-based Discussions were organized and the important issues regarding WatSan and hygiene were discussed by the oriented Imams. It was found that the discussions created profound impact to change peoples behavior that had been practiced for long regarding safe WatSan, hygiene and cleanliness.

Annual Report 33

Popular Theatre & Folk-song:

Any message thrown in a recreational manner deeply moves people and leaves everlasting influence on peoples mind-set. Knowing the fact NGO Forum, therefore, uses this entertaining tool to sensitize people regarding WatSan and hygiene practices through Popular Theatre & Folk-song based on the theme on WatSan and hygiene issues which portray the real life situation on stage. While staging the crisis issues people can understand the nature of problem regarding safe water, sanitation and hygiene practices and also the ways out of it. During the year, NGO Forum arranged 528 Popular Theatre and Folk-songs in its working areas. It was found that the messages of these events were widely accepted among the rural people and a very positive impact found on them as regard of changing WatSan & hygiene behavior pattern of the target people.

50000

Popular Theatre & Folk-song

40000
Participant Male

30000

Female

20000

10000

Bogra

Rangpur

Barisal

Comilla

Dhaka

Dinajpur

Faridpur

Chittagong

Khulna

Mymensingh

Rajshahi

Sylhet

Rally, Miking & Film-show

Region No. of Activity

Rally, Miking & Film-show: Any visual arrangement like, rally holding banners, placard, festoon and chanting catchy slogans along with miking seize peoples attention very quickly. Also documentary film-show on the related issue plays very effective role to move people with the subject. So dissemination of important messages through these events always brings good result for NGO Forum to raise awareness about the WatSan and hygiene issues at the community level. During 2008, 683 Rally, Miking and film-shows were organized to promote WatSan and hygiene in the target community.

Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Sylhet Tangail
Total:

146 10 12 171 45 19 36 123 45 34 22 11 9

683

34 Annual Report

Tangail

Jessore

Child to Child Approach:

It is the children who suffer the most from water and excreta-born diseases and unhealthy environment. But if the children themselves could learn about maintaining hygiene practice in their life rather than depending on others then the sufferings will be reduced. Based on this NGO Forum emphasizes to organize the events Child to Child approach to educate them on WatSan and hygiene messages and also encourages them to disseminate the messages with their family members, friends and so on to motivate them to keep the practice continued in their life. This year, a total of 6,607 events of Child to Child Approach were taken place in the community level. It was observed that the oriented children were very much enthusiastic to share the WatSan & hygiene messages with others and also practice it in their life.

Observance of National & International Days: Upholding its apex image every year NGO Forum in collaboration with its partner organizations and various sectoral and trans-sectoral stakeholders observes important National & International Days in relation to safe water, hygienic sanitation, health and environmental issues. Seminar, symposium, rally, discussion meeting, cultural programme, exhibition, art competition, etc are organized regularly to mark the Days with due importance.

FGD on Hygiene Promotion: One of the most effective tools of community participatory method is Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to create awareness among the target audiences on promoting issues like safe water supply and sanitation and relevant hygiene issues. Through an informal discussion the participants themselves identify the problem regarding WatSan and hygiene issues and also try to find out the answers. This informal nature of discussion plays very effective role to remove their orthodox beliefs to bring in change to the long-practiced behavior pattern of the participants. During the year, a total of 135 FGDs were conducted involving the community people. The FGDs were proved much effective to promote WatSan & hygiene issues making them sensitized.

During 2008, NGO Forum observed different National & International Days/ Month with specific themes at central and regional level. Peoples from all walks of life took part in these events and became aware on WatSan, health, hygiene & environmental issues.

Annual Report 35

Exchange Visit for LGIs:

To promote the promotional activities of NGO Forum related to WatSan and hygiene issues among the LGIs, a special drive is taken for the Union Parishad chairmen and members by arranging Exchange Visit for them to the 100% coverage union. This Exchange Visit acts as stimulation for them to become more eager to bring positive changes in their respective unions as regards to WatSan and hygiene situation as a part of the National Sanitation Campaign Sanitation for all. While visiting the LGIs witnessed the different aspects of the successful unions about Total Sanitation and also gathered practical knowledge.

Community Meeting at Village/Ward Level:

To create more sensitization among the community people regarding the WatSan and hygiene issues, Community Meetings are arranged at the village or ward level in participation with various classes of community people, like the LGIs, the local influentials, the VDC members and the slum dwellers, city corporation commissioner, city corporation cleaners of the respective urban communities and so on. Mainly the motivational messages on safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene, institutional capacity building, need assessment of water supply and sanitation, preparation of community action plan and so on are the discussion points of these meetings. During the year, 863 Community Meetings at Village/Ward level were organized where 63,018 community people both male and female participated. They themselves involved in promotion of WatSan issues at their respective community.

Community Meeting at Village/Ward Level

Region No. of Meetings Participant Male Female Total

Comilla Dinajpur Jessore Mymensingh Total:

165 313 261 97 836

2,625 7,605 27,000 2,188

18,000 5,600

20,625 7,605 32,600 2,188 63,018

39,418 23,600

36 Annual Report

Arsenic Mitigation
Arsenic intrusion in groundwater is a great devastation for safe drinking water supply in Bangladesh. Thousands of people are exposed to the arsenic problem and face health hazards. With a view to addressing the problem NGO Forum has been implementing various programmes throughout the country with emphasis on the vulnerable areas. In relation to this, different activities like screening of Tubewells, distribution of arsenic removal filters, information dissemination on awareness raising, patient management, technical supports, capacity building of partners & stakeholders etc. is widely known as contaminated by arsenic. Therefore, in order to detect arsenic NGO Forum has been testing Tubewells regularly. As a part of it, using comparatively reliable Hach Kit and Wagtech Kit Tubewell water has been being tested. During the year, a number of 76 Tubewells were found arsenic contaminated beyond permissible level out of 5,481 tested Tubewells. Arsenic tests were conducted in 317 villages/slums under 33 upazilas and some slums of 22 districts countrywide.

Arsenic Removal Filter

With a view to providing safe water supply to the community people different type of arsenic removal filters were introduced. The introduced filters include Alcan Filter, Read-F Filter, SIDKO Filter, Sono Filter, etc. The water discharged from these filters was found arsenic-free and safe for drinking. During the year, a good number of people were provided with arsenic-free safe water by setting-up 41 Alcan Filters, 37 Read-F Filters, 15 SIDKO Filters and 216 Sono Filters.
Arsenic Field Testing

Screening of Tubewells
In the most areas of the country Tubewells are used for withdrawal of drinking water from shallow aquifer of groundwater which

Region

No. of District Screened

No. of Upazila Screened

No. of Union Screened

No. of Village/ Slum Screened

No. of Tube-well Tested

No. of Arsenic Free TW

No. of Arsenic Contaminated TW

Barisal Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi
Total:

3 1 3 4 1 3 1 3 1 2
22

4 2 7 7 1 3 3 5 1 2
35

5 4 18 15 19 5 4 10 12 4
96

11 152 69 52 N/A 7 6 14 N/A 6

317

22 459 285 113 2,838 24 24 15 1,677 24

5,481

22 459 285 47 2,838 24 22 15 1,638 24

5,374

0 0 0 66 0 2 2 0 6 0
76

Annual Report 37

Water Quality Testing in Laboratory

NGO Forum has been running a Water Quality Testing Laboratory in order to support community people and other stakeholders getting quality water supply. The Water Quality Testing Laboratory has been equipped with a sophisticated instrument namely Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) by which comprehensive and reliable water quality testing services is ensured in a business venture. The AAS has the capacity to test as many as 38 water parameters. During the year, with the help of Laboratory facilities various organizations and individuals as well as NGO Forum itself tested a total of 7,382 water samples.

Hospital & Patient Management

To mobilize the government counterpart for ensuring the treatment of arsenicosis patients and to sensitize the hospital management, NGO Forum continued its patient management initiative during 2008. With the request from hospital management of Upazila Health Complex, NGO Forum supported for the treatment of the arsenicosis patients since the doctors and researchers have suggested to continue the treatment for a long period of time to cure the patient, because 2-3 years long treatment support is not enough to cure arsenicosis disease. Moreover, there are no supplies of necessary medicines from government in some of the areas. In this situation, NGO Forum organized Health Camps in collaboration with LGIs to provide treatment supports to the arsenicosis patients. In the camps, treatment was continued with close follow-up and by providing necessary medicines. GoB protocol was followed to treat the patient. Some symptomatic treatment was also provided to improve the general health status of the patient to make the arsenicosis treatment effective.
Water Quality Testing in Laboratory
Name of Parameter
Arsenic TC FC Iron Manganese Chloride Fluoride Salinity Turbidity Hardness TDS pH Alkalinity Phosphate TSS Nitrate COD BOD DO Calcium Lead Magnesium Conductivity Total:

Information Dissemination & Awareness Raising

On a regular basis NGO Forum has been disseminating important, striking, necessary messages and updated information on arsenic problem to make the community people aware of health hazards due to arsenic problem. During the year, as a means of information dissemination the Forum used different publications, periodicals, IEC materials and interpersonal activities. The quarterly Bangla bulletin Arsenic Math Barta exclusively focused on arsenic issues, its hazards and remedies. The monthly WatSan Bulletin particularly focused on arsenic related news, the quarterly English newsletter WatSan upheld the arsenic issues, while the monthly Bangla newsletter Pani Probaho maintained a regular column namely Arsenic Column. A number of Radio Programmes, Video-shows, Popular-theatre/Cultural-shows, etc were organized in order to make the community people aware on the adverse effects of arsenic in human health. Different promotional activities like Courtyard Session with Female, Community Meeting with Male, Religious Institution-based Discussion, School Programme, Rally, Miking, etc were conducted to sensitize the grassroots people on arsenic problem and its mitigation. Different communication materials like banner, festoon, placard, poster, etc were developed to use in the implementation of promotional activities effectively. Billboards were established comprising of messages on arsenic issues. Training manuals were developed and different groups at the community were capacitated through imparting capacity building training. 38 Annual Report

Total Number of Sample Received

3,230 186 370 1,151 570 321 218 701 6 34 43 354 2 33 27 39 15 18 14 15 7 14 14 7,382

Inter-agency & Trans-sectoral Collaboration

Being an apex body, NGO Forum maintains close collaboration with relevant government agencies, UN-bodies, donors, NGOs, universities as well as with other stakeholders with a view to sharing findings and experiences on arsenic issues under its programme interventions. In relation to this, during the year various interpersonal events like seminar, workshop, meeting, sharing session, etc were organized.

Research
Research is defined as human activity based on intellectual application in the investigation of matter. NGO Forum conducts researches with a view to discovering, interpreting, development of methods and understanding the facts, and sharing the lessons-learnt among the stakeholders as a part of its commitment to contribute in the sector promotion. The Forums researchers contribute in monitoring the impact and effects of its programme. Moreover, the Forum directs ways and means for regular improvement of the programme and to extend innovative ideas that can help the sector to develop its programmatic dimension towards various emerging requirements. Following are some of the Researches conducted during the year 2008: patients who do not know what to do with arsenicosis symptoms.

Association between Chronic Arsenic Exposure and Nutritional Status among the Women of Child-bearing Age: A Case-control Study in Bangladesh
NGO Forum has conducted the Case-control Study on Association between Chronic Arsenic Exposure and Nutritional Status among the Women of Child-bearing Age in Bangladesh Since August 2005 in collaboration with the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics (CCEB), the University of Newcastle, Australia, and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria. The Study is being conducted in all the villages of the Nezamkandi union of Kashiani upazila of the Gopalgonj district of Bangladesh. The major objective of the Project is to determine the association between chronic arsenic exposure and nutritional status in women of child-bearing age. The Study has depicted that undernourished women are potentially more vulnerable to exposure to toxic elements like arsenic as the negative effects on health might be aggravated by poor nutritional status. Moreover, chronic exposure to high arsenic (> 50 g/L) through drinking water also increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. The study findings ultimately will have important programmatic implications in the context of providing alternative arsenic free water supplies in Bangladesh with special emphasis on the arsenic exposed women of child-bearing age.

Arsenicosis and Its Health Seeking Behaviours in Rural Bangladesh

NGO Forum conducted the research titled Arsenicosis and Its Health Seeking Behaviours in Rural Bangladesh during 2008. The Study Area was Barobazar union of Kaliganj upazila under Jhenidah district, Ruppur & Masumdia unions of Bera upazila under Pabna district and Kandirpar union of Laksham upazila under Comilla district. The objectives of the research were to know the socio-demographic status of the arsenicosis patients; to identify the perception about arsenicosis disease among the rural people of Bangladesh; to identify the traditional practices they follow to manage the diseases; and to find out the loopholes of existing medical facilities for arsenicosis patients in rural area. The Study focused on the arsenicosis patients who are potentially more vulnerable because of the loopholes of existing medical facilities for arsenicosis patients in rural area. The study findings are expected to have important programmatic implications in the context of building awareness among the arsenicosis

Study on Utilization of ADP Allocation Money towards Achieving Sustainable Sanitation Coverage in Bangladesh.
NGO Forum conducted a research titled Annual Report 39

Utilization of ADP Allocation Money towards Achieving Sustainable Sanitation Coverage in Bangladesh. The Study was conducted in some 12 selected districts of Bangladesh. NGO Forum conducted the Study mainly for assessment of the overall process of ADP allocated money distribution by identifying the actual usage of it. It was recommended from the Study that prioritization of hardware sector may not be the ultimate goal to achieve sanitation target because transformation of peoples behavior in practice is essential firstly and government should promote the monitoring of total sanitation activities otherwise appeared mismanagement would be spread out finally.

options; and to develop a sustainable option for safe drinking water for rural and disadvantaged community through targeting safe aquifers in regions with elevated arsenic-enriched groundwater of geogenic origin for installation of community hand Tubewells.

Impact Assessment Study of the Communitymanaged Water and Sanitation Programme (CMWSP) for the Rural Poor in the CHT
NGO Forum conducted a Study during 2008 to review the impact of the Community-managed Water and Sanitation Programme (CMWSP) for the Rural Poor of the CHT. The objectives of the study were to assess: 1) the contribution of increased community awareness and improved practices in school and communities of selected 72 villages under the Programme on hygiene, environmental sanitation and water-related issues; 2) the status, usage and maintenance of WatSan facilities provided in target areas of CHT; 3) the appropriateness & impact of different training programmes imparted to the local partner NGOs under the intervened programme; 4) the level of improvement that the project has brought to sanitation promotion of hardcore poor; 5) impact in improving coordination and collaboration with other actors working in CHT WatSan sector. The Study was conducted selecting 26 villages through purposive sampling process from the total 72 intervened villages of CHT. The Study depicted the current WatSan status in comparison to the Baseline (2004) and Evaluation Report (2007). Use of safe water for drinking among the target beneficiaries has risen to 96.56% which was found 95% during Evaluation and only 45.8% during Baseline. The use of hygienic sanitary latrine has been found 64% which was 60% in Evaluation. The Study finds that 19% people use hanging/open latrine now which was 48.2% during Baseline. Increased level of hygiene practice has improved environmental cleanliness in intervened areas. The Study also reveals that all 12 Implementing local Partner NGOs are significantly benefited through implementing the Programme.

Study on WatSan Contribution in Poverty Reduction

NGO Forum conducted a research titled WatSan Contribution in poverty reduction towards measuring the contribution of WatSan in Poverty Reduction. The main objective of the research was to asses the contribution of WatSan in poverty reduction through development outcomes in the selected areas of Bangladesh. More specifically the objectives were to understand the processes (improved incomes, assets for the poor); and to understand the behavior change (functioning and more inclusive basic services). The Study was conducted in 16 selected districts of four different geo-hydrological areas: Hilly and Stony area, Coastal belt, Shallow-water Table Area (SWTA), Low-water Table Area (LWTA).

Sustainable Arsenic Mitigation (SAsMit)

Sustainable Arsenic Mitigation (SAsMit) is an action research project which aims to find the validity of the Tubewell lowering technique. The Project is jointly implemented by NGO Forum, Geology Department of the Dhaka University in Bangladesh and KTH and Ramboll in Sweden. The Project has been under implementation in Matlab upazila of Chandpur district, Bangladesh for the period of April 2008-March 2012. The goal of the Project is to provide safe drinking water in regions with elevated-arsenic enriched groundwater for rural and disadvantaged community in Bangladesh. The objectives of this Project are to increase global awareness of the problems associated with high arsenic groundwater of geogenic origin; to exchange experiences regarding feasibility of mitigation 40 Annual Report

Finding out the Most Suitable Alternative Water Options in the Project Area of Integrated Community-based Arsenic Mitigation (ICBAM) Project and Approach for Mitigation
NGO Forum conducted the Study during September 2007 - August 2008 to find out the Most Suitable Alternative Water Options in the Integrated Community-based Arsenic Mitigation Project area. The Study areas were Comilla, Bagerhat, Faridpur, Gopalganj, Khulna, Munshiganj, Mehendiganj,

Narayanganj, Satkhira, Pabna and Barisal district. The objectives of the study were to find out the most suitable alternative water option in the project area; to identify the influential factors, which impacted on the functional status of the water option; and to prepare a guideline for selecting the most appropriate alternative water option. The Study has identified area-based suitable water technologies. It is expected that through implementation of the Project people will have the most suitable alternative water technologies in their respective area.

were to improve level of awareness among arsenic-affected population regarding the impact of ingestion of arsenic contaminated water; to strengthen capacity and enhance knowledge of partners and societal groups including target communities to deal effectively with the arsenic crisis; to increase coverage with fully accessible and functional alternative arsenic-free safe water options; and to ensure provisions for appropriate diagnosis, management and rehabilitation of arsenicosis patients. Through this Study, it was found that there were 7,557 households and 3,030 Tubewells in these selected villages. According to Bangladesh drinking water standard, about 98% Tubewells were found as arsenic-contaminated in these villages. It was estimated that the project would cover the installation cost of 71 Deep Tubewells and 1 piped-water scheme in this locality. Through different activities of the project, management and rehabilitation of arsenicosis patients were properly done.

Distribution of Arsenic Concentration in Tubewell Water in 100 Arsenic Contaminated Unions of Bangladesh
NGO Forum conducted the Study during July 2007 June 2008 in 100 Unions of 35 upazilas under 20 districts under its Integrated Community-based Arsenic Mitigation Project (ICBAMP). The objectives of the research were to determine the distribution of arsenic concentration in green-marked Tubewells, Tubewells those were tested previously but not marked, Tubewells not tested at all and Tubewells those were tested once but at present no mark is seen in 100 selected unions of Bangladesh; to know the number of families and persons using arsenic-contaminated water knowing as safe in the study area; and to identify the upazilas in those previously green-marked Tubewells are more contaminated by arsenic at present in the study area. In the study area most of the previously green-marked Tubewells were then found arsenic-contaminated which had been using by the rural community people knowing as safe. About 41.1% Tubewells (both shallow and deep) were now red-marked which had previously green-marked (9,929 Tubewells out of 25,157 Tubewells) and 47,690 families were using this arseniccontaminated unsafe water which was found as a great health hazard for them and it was a terrible situation for those arsenic-prone rural communities.

Decentralization and Local Public Goods: How does Allocation of Decision-making Authority Affect Provision?
The Project was initiated in May 2007 and being implemented in the Gopalganj Sadar upazila and Matlab upazila of Chandpur district. In order to assess the baseline household structure of different community including health, information about arsenic, source of water for drinking & cooking, networks & community and income & assets in the selected 250 villages of 30 unions were identified. A total number of 10,000 households were selected for baseline survey. The Project will be continued up to April 2010.The objectives of this Project are to determine what allocation of decision-making authority maximizes social welfare in a problem of providing a local public good; to collect original data generated by an organizational experiment to test and revise the theory and distill policy implications. In the empirical context, the organizational change which is to be observed will be due to a natural disaster, the natural occurrence of high concentrations of arsenic in groundwater in Bangladesh.

Implementation of Arsenic-free Safe Water in Selected Villages of Jhikorgacha Upazila in Jessore, Bangladesh (IAFSW)
NGO Forum conducted the Project during July 2006 to March 2008 in the Jhikorgacha upazila of Jessore district. The goal was to ensure safe water, clean and healthy environment and to enhance well-being and quality of life for the people of 20 selected villages of Jhikorgacha upazila. The objectives of the project

Wastewater, Agriculture and Sanitation for Poverty Alleviation (WASPA) in Asia

Introduction With a view to meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to Eradicate Annual Report 41

extreme poverty and hunger and Ensure environmental sustainability, the use of wastewater in agriculture is now strongly promoted as a way to help communities grow more food and conserve water and nutrient resources. In Bangladesh, wastewater management is a relatively new concept. Wastewater, Agriculture and Sanitation for Poverty Alleviation (WASPA) in Asia project has been undertaken by NGO Forum in collaboration with International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Sri Lanka; COSI, Sri Lanka; International Water and Sanitation Centre (IRC), the Netherlands; and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Sweden. The objective of WASPA was to develop and test solutions for wastewater management and sanitation in order to reduce risks and improve the livelihoods of peri-urban and urban farmers using wastewater in agriculture, the communities responsible for producing the wastewater and also those consuming the agricultural products. The project period was from January 2006 to December 2008 and was undertaken at two different sites, Rajshahi in Bangladesh and Kurunegala in Sri Lanka. Background Many households in Rajshahi City use settlement tanks to collect their domestic wastewater and although they are mostly referred to as septic tanks, they are usually not properly designed and provide little treatment apart from the settlement of solids prior to the wastewater being discharged into the drains. The drains are mainly uncovered and as a result they collect large amounts solid waste. The farmers in this area use the urban wastewater for irrigation. In addition to its agriculture end-use, observations have also been made of people bathing and washing household items in drains on the outer edges of the city. Due to the complex network of drains and the locations where wastewater agriculture is practiced around the Rajshahi city, the area selected for project implementation is irrigated by two main drains. Learning Alliance and Participatory Action Plans To ensure the sustainability of the measures taken to improve the wastewater management and sanitation issues associated with wastewater agriculture, a participatory approach was adopted whereby relevant stakeholders were included in the decision-making, planning and implementation processes through the establishment of a local Learning Alliance (LA). The LA formed included representatives from the community, local government, private sector and NGOs. 42 Annual Report

Based on the increased knowledge and shared understanding the LA members worked together to define the local priorities for managing the urban wastewater for agricultural production and jointly developed Participatory Action Plans (PAPs) that were prioritized and undertaken in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders. The PAPs included construction of garbage traps along the drains; training for farmers using wastewater; community awareness of hygiene practices, sanitation and handling of wastewater crops; review of regulations and their implementation; feasibility study of small-bore sewage system; investigation of cleaner production options for the local industries; investigation of appropriate natural wastewater treatment options for Basuar Beel. Lessons Learnt The project has demonstrated the value of involving all stakeholders in the planning, assessment and implementation phases as it helps to ensure that the activities undertaken are realistic and accepted by the community. It also has increased the ownership, accountability and responsibility of the stakeholders in relation to the actions taken. More importantly, the approach adopted has built capacity, increased awareness and strengthened relationships between the stakeholders and this is essential for ensuring the sustainability of the solutions implemented and that wastewater and sanitation issues associated with the use of wastewater in agriculture will continue to be addressed beyond the project period. In testing this participatory approach, however, a number of valuable lessons have been learnt that could be significant in replicating the similar projects to other cities. Fostering good relations between the LA members is also crucial because improving collaboration between stakeholders and ensuring this cooperation continues after the project period is essential if the solutions implemented are to be sustainable. The implementation of some of the PAPs required significant stakeholder involvement, commitment and time and therefore maintaining momentum and motivation is crucial. Evidently there are numerous obvious benefits of adopting a participatory approach including capacity building of stakeholders, increased collaboration and ownership of solutions. For the community it provides a means for them to articulate their needs and for these needs to be addressed in more socially acceptable and sustainable ways.

National Resource Centre

The National Resource Centre (NRC) has been working under the umbrella of NGO Forum for Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation as the Centre of Excellence in the WatSan sector of Bangladesh. It addresses the need for knowledge and information on all aspects of water supply and sanitation covering the relevant hygiene, health and environmental components. This is because the lessons we have learned, and the new knowledge and experience that is developing all the time, are useless until those are in the hands of the professionals and people who maintain an important stake in the field of development. The NRC focuses on ensuring that all those involved in researching, planning, building, maintaining and using the WatSan and relevant systems of tomorrow can benefit from the lessons of yesterday and the experiences of those involved in similar projects today. So the necessity of a Resource Centre focusing on the WatSan sector in a sense is indispensable in the context of Bangladesh where the cry for pure drinking water and the urge for total sanitation are the lament needs. NGO Forum has established the NRC for consolidating information and knowledge based on WatSan and other relevant achievements, and dissemination of those among sectoral & trans-sectoral agencies and individual in Bangladesh. The NRC is the body vested with the task to function as a self-sustainable centre of excellence and act as a knowledge broker as well as a booster in the WatSan sector. Following are the services NGO Forum provided in 2008 under its NRC:

MS Students Support
NGO Forum considers development of human capital as an asset, and it should be an endeavour for all to support the deserving students in any concern, if they need. The MS students are offered financial and technical assistance to conduct research studies on WatSan with linkage to relevant cross-cutting issues under the supervision of the NRC. It is a two-edged programme that explores the students zeal in conducting research and brings out potential research topics for further study. In 2008, two research projects were facilitated in collaboration with the Masters Students of Environmental Science and Geography background from the Jahangirnagar University and Khulna University. The research topics were on Analysis of Surface Water Quality of the Cyclone SIDR Affected South-Western Coastal Region of Bangladesh; and Surface Water Quality of Dhaka City and its Environmental Impacts. The findings that have come out would help the relevant sector and academia. These have enriched NRC to move ahead with the programme for contributing to the sector development having scopes for further investigation.

Internship Programme
The NRC extends support through creating an avenue of a well arranged internship for the university graduates. It is not only an important part of professional education but, at its best, also a means of personal development and growth. As the NRC is committed to extend its horizons with innovative and necessary programmes, beside the on-going programme, it has initiated the Internship Programme with the aim to impart practical experiences to students, complementing their university course and Annual Report 43

enhancing their abilities to enter in the professional arena. These pragmatic capacity building efforts are unique in the sector, and the NRC has been experiencing an exciting service delivery through its limited resource. Two BBA students from BRAC University and East West University worked as intern in the NRC in 2008.

AYAD Programme
The Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) Programme funded by the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) aims to strengthen mutual understanding between Australia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region while making a positive and sustainable contribution to development. As a part of knowledge sharing and capacity development, the NRC seeks contribution from the young Australians aged 18 30 under the programme where they work to transfer their skills and gain hands-on field experience in Bangladesh. In 2008, a young Australian having environmental engineering background has worked with NRC under the Programme. with different kinds of publications, books and reports particularly on WatSan, environment, and health related issues that are capable enough to meet the sectoral thirst and the academic as well. The rationale of the NRC library is to provide any relevant and necessary information to its important seekers. A library with a collection of more than 4,000 books and a modern Library Information System (LIS) have been representing the NRC in the WatSan sector of Bangladesh as an exclusive centre of knowledge management and centre of excellence while Library Users Forum of NRC has been playing an active role in expanding its user and dissemination of NRC information. In addition, a significant number of relevant photographs have been produced and put on display at the photo gallery located at the NRC library.

Call Centre
Call Centre has been making waves worldwide in the service delivery stance of different sectors. Even in Bangladesh it has already been flourishing and the NRC being a sectoral Resource Centre has been meeting the queries of relevant organisations and individuals through its Call Centre. NGO Forum is optimistic to make this Call Centre an effective one meeting loads of queries in the near future through the NRC. NRC Website The NRC website has been restructured radically, keeping similarity with the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre website. All the necessary information regarding NRC activities, programmes and projects have been uploaded on the website, and it could be accessible for any people from any corner of the world to get the information of NRC through it. The NRC website symbolises the Centre as a complete one with variation in its capacity and services.

WatSan Database
NRC always does its utmost to present information through avenue that provides accelerated information flow for the stakeholders, different institutions and individuals. The WatSan Database developed by NRC in 2005, was only used internally by the staff of NGO Forum and by visitors to NRC. Now the WatSan Database has been made online in a comprehensive and updated form with the objective of making information flow wider and accessible to all stakeholders.

NRC Library
As a knowledge management approach the NRC has established a well-organized library enriched 44 Annual Report

NRC Newsletter
The efficient and effective transfer of experiences, insights and know-how among different experts and decision-makers is a prerequisite for high-quality decision-making and coordinated organisational action. The NRC has been doing this for the WatSan sector transferring and sharing its generated knowledge through different angles. The NRC brings out bi-annual newsletter based on the knowledge of NGO Forum as well as of other sectoral agencies containing exclusive news and information of the WatSan sector. For every issue a total of 1,000 copies are printed and distributed among the local and national stakeholders. Two issues of the NRC Newsletter have been published in 2008 highlighting mainly NRC activities, national and international events relating to water, sanitation and hygiene issues.

Centre. The Brochure explores the idea and necessity of resource centre incorporating the role of the NRC in this dynamic era of knowledge sharing and management.

Sale of IRC Publications

As part of its Resource Centre Services, the NRC of NGO Forum has been continuing as the sole distributor of IRC publications within South Asia, selling publications to organisations in the WatSan sector. In Bangladesh, many of the IRC publications have been made available for sale at 50% discount. New books on innovative cutting edge technology and successes have also been made available to the sector professionals.

Knowledge Sharing Fair

To mark the observance of the International Year of Sanitation 2008, a three-day long Knowledge Sharing Fair was organized for the first time in Khagrachari from 28 February to 1 March 2008 involving the local administration, relevant government agencies, and partner NGOs. The theme for the Fair was Total Sanitation for Sound Health and Safer Environment. There were stalls in the Fair which had displayed models and information about different alternative safe water supply and sanitation technologies. Besides, there were publications on different WatSan related issues together with posters, stickers, leaflets and so on, and they were displayed and distributed among the interested individuals. Apart from these, rallies, film-shows and drama were also organized before and during the Fair for sensitizing the people towards the use of safe water and environmental sanitation and practicing good hygiene habits.

Resource Centre Development Programme

The IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre the Netherlands has been supporting the NRC in various manners ever since its inception. In June 2008, NRC has completed the Resource Centre Development Programme (RCD) phase II supported by IRC wherein a number of activities have been carried out. Under this programme the NRC has developed its own Business Plan for the 5-year period (2008-2012) focusing all the necessary strategies to steer the Centre in a right and comprehensive direction in achieving its goals. Moreover, this Programme has contributed in acquiring books and reports, producing photographs, development of WatSan database, restructuring of the NRC web-site, up-gradation of on-line Library Information System (LIS), development of NRC Brochure, and reproduction and distribution of IRC Source Bulletin.

NRC Brochure
The NRC Brochure has been developed and published with the furnishing of all the necessary information highlighting the Philosophy, present programmes and activities undertaken by the

HARDWARE SUPPORTS
Improved Public Health is dependent on the availability of safe water supply and hygienic sanitation facilities. But still the overall scenario of safe water supply is quite frustrating due to many existing realities. Some of these are groundwater table declination, arsenic concentration beyond permissible level, high concentration of salinity, surface water pollution, etc. With a view to combating these challenges, as an apex body in the WatSan sector, NGO Forum has been implementing various programmes with special focus on the disadvantaged sections countrywide. For ensuring safe water supply the Forum has been delivering various type of hardware facilities responding to the demand raised after facilitation of the Software Services. Under the Hardware Supports the respective community is provided with demand-responsive, cost-effective, affordable, appropriate and viable alternate water supply technologies. In order to ensure proper functioning of the water technologies the respective community groups are provided with technical know-how. For ensuring sustainability of the services the Forum also transfers the ownership over the installed technologies to the respective community. On the other hand, sanitation is still remaining in dire situation than safe water supply. The reasons behind the undesired sanitation situation are low-coverage of sanitation, lack of feasible sanitation technologies in consideration of geophysical situations of the country. In order to combat the challenges, NGO Forum has been providing hardware supports to the community people. With a view to ensuring availability of low-cost sanitary latrines Village Sanitation Centres (VSCs) are being operated countrywide through its partner NGOs, CBOs and private sector operators.

46 Annual Report

Safe Water Supply

Despite significant coverage in safe water supply, still many people in Bangladesh suffer from acute water crisis. There are many causes behind the safe water scarcity. For instance the causes include excessive arsenic concentration in underground water source, increase of salinity in coastal belt, water table declination, surface water pollution, indiscriminate waste disposal, climate change, drought, etc. NGO Forum has been striving towards ensuring safe water supply to the community people. As a part of ensuring safe water supply, the Forum has been providing various water supply technologies which include Rain-water Harvesting System, Pond Sand Filter, Deep-set Pump/Deep Tubewell, Dug-well/Ring-well, Arsenic-iron Removal Plant, Arsenic Removal Filter, etc.

respective pond is kept restrained from bathing, washing utensils and other domestic uses. The pond is also kept protected from any canal and drainage connection. During the year, a total of 52 Pond Sand Filters were installed by which 1,560 households were benefited.

Rain-water Harvesting System (RWHS)

In order to meet the growing pressure on safe water supply, the Rain-water Harvesting System is being used as an alternate water technology. During rainy season, the average rainfall all over the country is quite remarkable. Therefore, the RWHS is almost feasible throughout the country though the coastal belt and the hilly areas are the most suitable locations for rain-water harvesting. The water from this technology is safe. Besides, the technology is easy operable and maintainable since it is installed at closer to doorsteps. During the year, a total of 174 RWHSs were installed which benefited the community people of 2,561 households.

Deep-set Pump & Deep Tubewells (DSP & DTW)

It is widely known that the shallow layer is contaminated by arsenic. The people of some of the areas face water scarcity due to declination of water table. In order to face these challenges, the Deep-set Pump & Deep Tubewells are promoted in different parts of the country since water from these technologies is found safe. These options can discharge water round the year. During the year a number of 716 Deep-set Pumps and 952 Deep Tubewells were installed particularly in arsenic-prone areas, low-water table areas and coastal belt. A total of 19,475 community people were benefited by those technologies. Annual Report 47

Pond Sand Filter (PSF)

Pond Sand Filter is a technology by which the pond water is made purified and rectified through filtration. Water from this technology is safe for drinking since the

Shallow Pump
Despite the remarkable coverage in the rural water supply sector, especially in the shallow-water table area, where groundwater extraction is an easy job due to the availability of water at the shallow aquifer, there are many pockets which are still unserved. Especially the poor in these areas do not have adequate safe water. Furthermore, for some areas of the coastal belt, the shallow pump is still a feasible technology which can ease the supply of safe and fresh drinking water especially in the crisis situations. In contrast to this wide acceptability, the presence of arsenic in the shallow aquifer somewhat strains the popularity of this technology. Considering this reality in 2008 NGO Forum installed 126 Tubewells in the unserved and underserved

pocket areas within the shallow water table areas and in coastal belt in the sites safe from arsenic contamination. Installation of Tubewells was ensured through testing of arsenic while selecting the sites.

Dug-well & Ring-well

In the hilly areas the hydro-geological formation is rocky and stony. The conventional hand pumps and Tubewells are not feasible in these areas. Hence, Dug-well and Ring-well are promoted in the hilly areas as safe water supply options. Water from these options is safe since Dug-well and Ring-well are protected by covering with the head of No. 6 Pump. These options are also being promoted in arsenic-prone areas. During the year, 5 Dug-wells and Ring-wells were promoted by which 150 households were provided with safe water supply.

Arsenic-iron Removal Plant (AIRP)

Water discharged by Tubewells in many parts of the country contains high concentration of arsenic and iron. Arsenic-iron Removal Plant (AIRP) is used for removal of arsenic and iron contents from Tubewell water. Water from this technology is safe, fresh-taste, free from stain-creating and bad smelling components. Usually AIRP is promoted in arsenic and iron-prone areas for ensuring safe drinking water supply. During the year, a total of 40 AIRPs were installed to benefit 1,800 households with safe water supply.

Safe Water Supply

Region PSF RWHS CB Deep RW/ Deep- DTW Shallow AIRP set with RWHS TW DW TW Pump DSP

Barisal 22 1 Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore 30 141 Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail
Total: 52 142

359 45 150 57 10 140 27 178 18 3 5

32 40 952 5

15 150 4 49

30 35 2 28

25 46

30

346 7 45 9 30
651 65

25

126

48 Annual Report

Bhobesh Finds the Option Feasible

Bhobesh, son of Upen Bormon is living at the Bat Para Pania Para of Kumarpur village under Balia Union of Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila. He was born with a good health and physically fit condition, but at his three, his leg was seriously injured by an accident. Now, Bhobesh is married and father of two little kids. Collection of water for drinking, bathing and defecation purpose with self-help manner was a crisis for Bhobesh. Being a Differently Able Person, most of the time he had to depend on others for this. In September 2005, when NGO Forum started its work in Kumarpur village under Balia Union with the facilitation of Samajik Kallyan Sangstha (SKS), local partner of NGO Forum, Bhobesh actively involved in Community Situation Analysis (CSA) for social mapping and identifying the WatSan situation of his village. Bhobesh said, I have no mental and physical peace due to my water and sanitation situation. I cant collect water for drinking purpose by my own and cant use water after defecation. This is very much painful to me. I need such a water option that can be user friendly for me. Listening to this, Nurun Nahar, Union Supervisor of SKS met the concerned CBO members, WSTF, USTF and SKS management to consult for establishing physically-disabled friendly Tubewell. As situation of Bhobesh among the inhabitants was more sensitive so the initiative was taken to facilitate appropriate water supply technology for him. Technical persons from NGO Forum and SKS visited the area, identified the need of Bhobesh and installed a special designed Tubewell (at the height of dwarf man) with platform, which is now user-friendly for Bhobesh. Now he can use water easily for his daily life and thus his suffering has been removed.

Annual Report 49

Hygienic Sanitation
The concerted efforts of all concerned along with the government led the national sanitation coverage to a satisfactory level. Nevertheless, a good number of people are remaining untouched from sanitation facilities due to some realities. The realities are unavailability of appropriate and affordable sanitary options, the mind-set of people about necessity of sanitation facilities, difficult areas in different parts of the country known as hard-to-reach areas, etc. With a view to ensuring sanitary latrines at the door-steps of the community people NGO Forum has been operating Village Sanitation Centres through its partner NGOs and private producers throughout the country. The Forum has also been giving its continued efforts of mobilizing community people towards installation and using hygienic sanitation facilities in collaboration with the LGIs, NGOs and other relevant groups of the civil society.

Union-based Total Sanitation

NGO Forum has been providing a great attention on the improvement of national sanitation situation. In
Sanitation Status in Coverage Union
Region
Status Status Total Union Village Total after Household before Inter Inter Covered Covered Household Covered vention (%) vention (%)

Barisal 138 725 786,779 669,779 Bogra 30 766 153,699 128,956 Chittagong 20 220 88,058 68,934 Comilla 25 460 110,205 83,742 Dhaka 25 618 137,394 125,921 Dinajpur 23 514 104,155 86,261 Faridpur 30 633 125,444 104,921 Jessore 25 450 134,788 123,890 Khulna 31 494 142,547 135,547 Mymensingh 25 509 138,905 109,545 Rajshahi 29 583 97,030 74,937 Rangpur 20 452 160,610 111,142 Sylhet 28 1019 151,148 106,382 Tangail 25 646 142,797 97,745 Total: 474 8,089 2,473,559 2,027,703

23 34 27 30 49 26 49 77 82 30 41 31 40 27

85 84 78 76 92 83 84 92 95 79 77 69 70 68

this regard, for ensuring faster sanitation coverage in a wider range the Forum has been working on innovative approach, union-based sanitation coverage, where all households of a total union is targeted for 100% coverage of sanitation. Through implementation of this approach the Forum is complementing achieving the national sanitation goal of Sanitation for All. Under this approach during the year the Local Government Institutions (LGIs) played a decisive role in community awareness, mobilization, promotional campaigns, ensuring availability of sanitary materials for the community people, exploring the safety-net for availability of the latrine sets to the hard core poor and took the lead role in

50 Annual Report

motivating the community towards using sanitary latrine and maintaining improved hygiene practices. Under the Union-based Total Sanitation Programme the hardcore poor group was paid special attention through allocation of 20% of the Annual Development Programme Funds of the Upazila Parishad for sanitation promotion in each of the unions. During 2008, a total of 516 unions were covered under the Union-based Total Sanitation Programme whereas 42 unions under 12 districts were brought under 100% sanitation coverage.

Union-based Total Sanitation

Region Total No. of No. of No. of No. of District Upazila Union Village Household Latrines Status Present Installed before Status (%) after Intervention (%) Intervention

Barisal Bogra Dhaka Dinajpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Total:

1 3 1 2 3 1 1 1 13

3 2 3 2 5 2 1 1 19

5 3 7 6 16 2 2 1 42

66 86 175 102 300 25 31 28 813

23,525 14,878 32,676 20,872 86,600 13,160 7,448 3,282 202,441

59% 37% 62% 29% 55% 36% 32% 48%

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

9,645 9,373 12,416 14,189 38,970 8,422 5,064 1,706 99,785

Sanitation Facilities for the Urban Slums

NGO Forum has been dealing the sanitation problem of urban slums in a limited scale. In order to ensure basic sanitation facilities of the urban slums, the Forum has been providing three types of latrine support, which include construction and renovation of cluster latrine, single pit latrine and twin pit latrine. Sanitation facilities in urban slums are to some extent ensured through networking and collaboration with the concerned authorities of the City Corporation. During the year 2008, as a part of sanitation promotion in the urban slums the developed community-based solid waste management system was carried out in close collaboration with Chittagong City Corporation authority.

six boys. One factor accounting for this difference is the lack of sanitation facilities for girls reaching puberty. Taking this into consideration NGO Forum contributes in the installation of toilets and latrines which enable school children, especially menstruating girls, to further their education by remaining in the school system. During the reporting year, NGO Forum installed 1,938 latrines in 1,938 schools with the separate chamber for boys and girls in the intervention areas. All of the latrines were installed according to set standard. School authority paid contribution money as per proportion of 10 13 % of total installation cost.

School Latrine Installation

Region Target Student Covered Achieve District Upazila Union Village ment Boys Girls Total

Installation of School Latrine

Proper sanitation facilities (e.g., toilets and latrines) promote health because they allow people to dispose of their waste appropriately. Without sanitation facilities, waste from infected individuals can contaminate a community's land and water increasing the risk of infection for other individuals, especially the children. According to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals Report, one in five girls of primary-school age are not in school, compared to one in

Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail Total:

96 4 4 8 33 4 42 4 4 4 2 4 4 4 217

96 3 4 8 33 4 42 5 4 4 2 4 4 4 217

3 1 1 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 35

7 2 2 4 4 4 10 3 3 4 2 3 4 4 56

18 3 4 6 17 4 33 5 4 4 2 4 4 4 112

96 3 4 8 33 4 42 5 4 4 2 4 4 4 217

13,756 10,183 23,339 225 512 737 814 970 1,784 1,061 1,191 1,052 4,869 5,343 10,212 398 372 770 5,852 6,522 12,374 120 1,035 1,155 535 553 1,088 598 823 1,421 283 369 652 755 898 1,653 689 711 1,400 548 728 1,276 30,503 30,210 58,913

Annual Report 51

Village Sanitation Centre (VSC)

NGO Forum through its partner NGOs and private latrine producers has been operating Village Sanitation Centres all over the country. The Forum particularly emphasizes on the unserved and underserved areas of remote unions to select the partner NGOs and private latrine producers for running VSCs. Village Sanitation Centres have been usually established in those areas where demand is high or has prospects to increase demand because of lack or absence of VSCs of DPHE, NGO or private entrepreneur. For consumers convenience, demonstration is made in each of the VSCs with needed details like price, suitability as per soil condition, installation techniques, advantages in social life due to installation of sanitary latrine, etc. The different varieties of the latrine technology options are home-made pit, water-seal, offset, san-plat,
Region Barisal Bogra Chittagong Comilla Dhaka Dinajpur Faridpur Jessore Khulna Mymensingh Rajshahi Rangpur Sylhet Tangail Total:

VSC Performance at a Glance

Total Private VSC Operated in 2008
VSC Latrine Set Sold

Total PNGO VSC Operated in 2008

VSC Latrine Set Sold

85 48 40 40 35 38 40 40 33 29 38 34 44 40 584

10,414 7,996 6,047 7,042 6,027 6,670 8,023 7,306 6,120 5,020 5,799 4,834 6,493 6,041 93,832

47 33 51 52 43 31 42 61 47 32 30 27 23 20 539

7,935 3,294 4,393 6,390 4,377 4,418 5,617 10,298 5,775 4,514 5,098 4,558 3,295 3,376 73,338

a sense of its durability which is more than 20 years. In the hard-to-reach areas, concrete made latrine components are less durable due to transportation problems in hilly areas, salinity problem in coastal belt and water logging in haor areas. So the plastic pans were distributed in the CHT, Off-shore Islands of Barisal, Char Islands and in coastal belt in experimental basis for assessment. Different International organizations like UNDP, Unicef, Save the Children - USA have showed their interest to buy the plastic pans for its longevity. twin pit, etc. A total of 26 new VSCs were set-up during the year. During the period, all the running VSCs facilitated to raise the sanitation coverage in the selected villages as well as unions by selling a total of 167,170 latrine sets. Besides, in order to carry out proper operation of the VSC a regular coordination and collaboration was maintained with DPHE and VDC on behalf of the respective partner NGOs and private latrine producers.

Production of Plastic Latrine Components

In July 2008, NGO Forum established a Plastic Latrine Component Production Centre at Bahaddarhat, Chittagong. The Forum has completed the production of 1,000 plastic latrine set consisting 1 slab with a pan & water seal and 1 ring by November 2008. This plastic pan costs about 2,000 taka that is affordable in 52 Annual Report

Rehabilitating the Disaster Victims

flood-hit rural people regarding safe water supply, sanitation and hygiene facilities. During the flood NGO Forum distributed 25 drums of bleaching powder, 400,000 packets of oral rehydration salt (ORS), 225,000 water purification tablets among the flood affected people. To rehabilitate the flood victims, NGO Forum provided the post flood rehabilitation supports ensuring safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene facilities at their doorstep. Since the unhealthy and unhygienic surroundings of the flood victims, the community people were made aware on hazards due to flood and mobilized towards safe WatSan and hygiene on emergency basis through organizing various promotional activities. During the post flood period, 182 Hygiene Session with Female, 70 School WatSan Programmes and 182 Child to Child Approach programmes were organized to make the people aware on post-flood health hazards. Besides, a number of BCC materials of different types were developed and distributed among the community people to make them aware on safe WatSan and hygiene practices. The flood victims were relieved from the sufferings to a great extent through NGO Forums rehabilitation services.

Bangladesh is a country where natural calamities like cyclone, flood, tornado, drought, tidal surge, etc have become a regular phenomenon and part of peoples life. People of Bangladesh used to fight and survive with these natural calamities. Especially the occurrence of flood is very frequent in Bangladesh. During the year 2008, many areas of northern and central districts out of total 64 districts in the country were badly affected caused by prolonged flood emerged during the end of the year 2007. Significant damages i.e. loss of lives, destroyed crops, homes, properties, infrastructures were noticed during this devastating flood. People of flood affected areas were facing severe drinking water crisis and sanitation issues. The poor and vulnerable rural people were the main victims of this devastating flood. The condition of the flood shelters and houses of the flood victims were turned into unhealthy and unhygienic. Diarrhoeal and other water-borne diseases broke-out in the flood affected areas caused by these unhealthy and unhygienic situation. Being the apex networking body in WatSan sector NGO Forum provided different emergency initiatives to address the

Post-flood Rehabilitation Programme

Sl.No. Name of Activity Achievement Male Female Total

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Installation of Tubewell Repairing of Tubewell Construction of TW Platform Reconstruction of TW Platform Raising of TW by Nipple Construction of Latrine Construction of School Latrine Repairing of School Latrine Repairing of Latrine Water Quality Testing Distribution of Bleaching Powder Tin-plate (visibility mark) for School Latrine

25 1,428 168 1,912 76 2,140 70 273 4,280 136 83 Drums 70

3,095 27,821 22,409 8,437 10,523 6,586 9,990 38,508 11,350 19,445 16,974 9,898

3,255 29,959 23,980 9,325 11,501 6,934 10,313 39,931 11,940 20,349 18,202 10,225

6,350 57,780 46,389 17,762 22,024 13,520 20,303 78,439 23,290 39,794 35,176 20,123

Annual Report 53

Beside sensitization, NGO Forum also provided some hardware supports to the flood victims. To ensure safe drinking water to the community people 1,428 partially-damaged Tubewells were repaired, 944 partially-damaged platforms of Tubewells were repaired, 968 damaged platforms were reconstructed, 25 Tubewells were installed, 76 Tubewells were raised, 136 water sample of flood affected Tubewells were tested, and 70 sets of maintenance tools for damaged-Tubewells were distributed. Along with the safe drinking water support the sanitation support were also provided to the flood victims for ensuring their health & hygiene. Regarding this 4,280 damaged-latrines were repaired, 273 school latrines were repaired and 70 school latrines were newly constructed. Cyclone Sidr on the 15 November 2007 caused nightmare in Bangladesh. The cyclone first hit the off-shore islands and then swept across the southern coast east to west reaching wind speeds up to 240 kilometers per hour. The total affected districts were around 30. Among which 4 districts were seriously affected and 8 districts were badly affected. 200 upazilas were affected while the number of affected union and municipality stood around 1,950. The total affected families were around 2,000,000 while the number of affected persons reached to around 8,900,000. Hardware Support
Name of Activity Disinfecting / Cleaning Ponds Repairing of School Latrine Repairing of Tubewell Platform Construction of Platform (DTW/STW) Installation of New Latrine Repairing of Latrine Installation of RWHS Installation of PSF Installation of DTW/STW School Latrine Installation Repairing of Water Supply Options (TW/PSF/RWHS) Water Quality Testing Achievement 750 261 1,000 600 2,030 7,105 170 37 142 91 2,100 Beneficiary Male Female 46,568 35,250 135,000 74,207 6,105 20,378 1,190 610 1,890 13,223 131,758 44,182 30,000 115,000 67,293 5,060 18,700 1,030 530 1,780 9,527 132,532 Total 90,750 65,250 250,000 141,500 11,165 39,078 2,220 1,140 3,670 22,750 264,290

The Sidr destroyed the safe water supply and hygienic latrine facilities totally. The tidal surge inundated the surface drinking water sources of drinking water in the saline-prone coastal areas. The Sidr left its marks of devastation as many areas were turned into hard-to-reach and those people were facing acute crisis of food, fresh drinking water and sanitation facilities. NGO Forum responded with the emergency facilities and early recovery activities with the support from different development partners. NGO Forum considered that the hardware installation was very important, but at the same time proper concentration should also be given in the community mobilization activities as well as proper operation and maintenance of the physical facilities and hygiene promotion. NGO Forum, therefore, provided an integrated emergency and rehabilitation support to the severely affected and extremely poor families keeping in mind the need to avoid duplication with relief operations by other agencies. NGO Forum provided emergency and rehabilitation supports to the severely affected 62 unions under 13 upazilas of 3 districts namely Patuakhali, Barguna and Bagerhat. Emergency support to the Sidr affected areas were consisting of distribution of water bottles, bleaching powder, lime for ponds/PSF cleaning, clotech bottles, water containers, ORS, water purifying tablets, hygiene kits (soap and cotton napkin), dewatering and refilling of ponds, disinfecting of ponds and water reservoirs.

100

1,453

1,545

2,998

54 Annual Report

Distribution of Hygiene Aids

Name of Activity Achievement Beneficiary Male Female Total

Distribution of Maintenance Kits Distribution of Hygiene Kits Distribution of ORS Distribution of Bleaching Powder Distribution of Laundry Bath Soap Distribution of Sanitary Napkin Distribution of Water Container Water Purification Tablet Distribution of Clotech Distribution of Lime

2,000 10,000 350,000 120 Drums 30,570 5,400 19,500 225,000 9,200 200 Bags

138,000 0 34,199 17,620 84,600 39,076 10,614 12,592 2,800

137,000 55,000 28,261 16,540 83,400 5,400 31,533 11,056 13,412 1,450

275,000 55,000 62,460 34,160 168,000 5,400 70,609 21,670 26,004 4,250

Alongside the emergency supports NGO Forum gave more emphasis on rehabilitation supports to the Sidr-hit areas. Under rehabilitation supports 1,900 partially-damaged Tubewells were repaired, 1,000 damaged Tubewell platforms were repaired, 100 partially damaged Rain-water Harvesting Systems were repaired, 100 damaged-Pond Sand Filters (PSF) were repaired, 112 Deep Tubewells were installed, 30 Shallow Tubewells were installed, 37 PSF were installed, 140 household-based Rain-water Harvesting Systems were installed, 30 Community-based Rain-water

Harvesting Systems were installed for ensuring safe drinking water to the distressed community. To ensure the sanitation facilities and hygiene promotion of Sidr-affected people 261 partially-damaged school latrines were repaired, 91 latrines were installed especially for the hardcore poor, 2,000 maintenance tools were distributed and 100 water samples were tested under NGO Forums rehabilitation support. Alongside, to capacitate the community people some mobilization activities and trainings were also conducted to make the Sidr-affected people aware on safe WatSan and hygiene.

Annual Report 55

CHAPTER

Monitoring and Evaluation

56 Annual Report

NGO Forums monitoring is a hardware-software balanced package. The operation of monitoring activities follows a participatory mechanism. Both qualitative and quantitative methods are followed for collection of data in the field level while different participatory methods are applied. The monitoring is conducted quarterly at three levels:

Monitoring is a basic and universal tool used by an organization to periodically assess the programme performance through collecting and processing certain programme indicators. Well-designed monitoring systems provide an indispensable management tool, permitting on-going assessment of programme implementation and timely adjustment to programming. Monitoring, under different programmes & projects of NGO Forum, is a continuous process to assess whether the programme is being implemented as planned, is making good progress, and facing any problems with the consideration to solve those problems. Monitoring plays an important role to ensure that activities are performed on schedule. It ensures more responsive, accountable and transparent system of programme operation. The key purpose of NGO Forums programme monitoring is to provide the following information to the management regularly for decision-making during programme implementation:

Monitoring by the beneficiaries Monitoring by the partners Monitoring by NGO Forum

In the year 2008, data were collected by the Regional Offices with the assistance of respective staff and the members of WWPCs. Members of LGIs also monitored the activities undertaken in their respective wards on a regular basis being assisted by the partner NGOs. Capability of PNGO, WWPC and Union Parishad in implementing WatSan programme; O&M status of water points; performance of PSOs & Village Sanitation Centers (VSCs); establishment and O&M of school latrines; access to safe water and latrine facilities; and hygiene behavior of the community people were the main components covered under regular monitoring.

Major Findings
Capacity of PNGO & WWPC Capacity building of the staff of partner NGOs and members of WWPCs were assessed based on their performance in relation to implementation of WatSan activities, hygiene session, participation in WWPC meetings, liaison & networking with government organizations, NGOs and local allies, programme management & sustainability and so on. Through monitoring it was assessed that 61% partner NGOs were having capability to administer organization as well as programme. About 56% staff of different partner NGOs were found skilled fully. About 36% WatSan staff were found partially skilled. Remaining 8% staff were found less skilled for implementation of WatSan activities. Based on the assessment in line with the relevant criteria it was found that 59% WWPCs were functional & skilled fully. As many as 39% WWPCs were found partly functional & very close to the expected level of their skill development. The remaining 2% were found less functional & less capable for performing WatSan activities. Annual Report 57

Information on current situation Problem identification and possible solution Information on trends and pattern of programme implementation Information on whether the activities on schedule Measure progress towards objectives
Under the monitoring system, data is collected periodically from the field through structured formats. The collected data are processed and analyzed and finally report is prepared for the management. Regular monitoring focuses on the following areas of programmatic interventions:

Capacity Building of Partners & Community Installation, Maintenance and Use of Water Supply System Construction, Maintenance and Use of Sanitary Latrine Safe Personal Hygiene Practices

Capability of Private Sector Operator (PSO) The skill of Private Sector Operators (PSOs) was assessed through routine monitoring which eventually contributed to make the existing PSO more effective. Capacity was assessed based on their existing management system, last one-year production ability, consistency between the production and selling status, production quality and skill of masons. It was found that about 44% PSOs were fully skilled to perform WatSan activities. About 35% PSOs were found functional & skilled partly to administer WatSan activities. Another 13% PSOs were found less functional & less skilled to accomplish WatSan activities. The remaining 8% PSOs were found non-functional & unskilled for performing WatSan activities. Capability of Union Parishad The Union Parishads under programme intervention were visited regularly with a view to assessing their capacity on performance of WatSan activities. The Union Parishad capacity assessment was done based on 16 performance indicators. Indicator-wise data were recorded & processed based on document review, performance observation and perception of the community regarding their roles and responsibilities in relation to WatSan promotion. Based on monitoring analysis, it was observed that 50% Union Parishads were capable to lead the implementation of WatSan activities satisfactorily. Another 35% Union Parishads were found partly capable to lead WatSan activities. And the remaining 15% were found less capable for leading the implementation of WatSan activities. Operation & Maintenance of Water Points In relation to the operation & maintenance of the water supply technologies, it was observed that 91% pumps/plants were in operative condition and the remaining 9% pumps/ plants were in non-operative condition. Among the operative water points 30% became out of order for a short period while at about 84% cases the caretakers came up repairing those by their own technical know-how. Among the total functional water supply technologies 85% water points were found functioning well and the users were getting sufficient water from those throughout the year. 58 Annual Report

The processed data reflected that about 95% water technologies were found with clean platform and surrounding. All the tested water points were found free from unacceptable level of arsenic, iron & saline contamination and free from bacteria or worm/ insect or turbidity or foul odour. Performance of Village Sanitation Centres (VSCs) It was found that 77,364 slabs and 242,446 rings were produced during the year. A total of 61,470 slabs and 201,484 rings were sold from the VSCs throughout the year. It was also observed that over 96% of manufactured goods (water-seal, slab and ring) were found of good quality. Around 400 formal trained masons including 50% female were working in the functional VSCs run by PNGOs and PSOs. Operation & Maintenance of School Latrines During the year, NGO Forum installed 217 latrines in 217 schools in the intervention areas. All of the latrines were installed according to set criteria. The respective school authority shared 10-13% as the contribution money of the total installation cost. It was found that all latrines were being utilized by the respective school students. On an average 74,227 students (37,088 boys and 37,139 girls) had been using these latrines regularly. Among the total school latrines 94% were found clean regularly. Access to Safe Water and Latrine Coverage It was observed that 81% households of the intervention areas had easy access to safe water within 50 meter distance. On an average 11 persons were found depending on a single improved functional water point. In the case of hygienic latrine coverage, the monitoring findings confirmed that 70% households were the owner of hygienic latrine. It was also seen about 78% households in the intervention areas were having access to and using hygienic sanitation facilities. On an average 51% hardcore poor households in the intervention areas were found having access to and using hygienic sanitation facilities, while the rate of it before programme intervention was 10%. Hygiene Behaviour of the Community People The monitoring findings indicated that 83% households were keeping drinking water pot covered (among them who preserve water) and 94%

households were keeping food covered (among them who preserve food). The practice of keeping drinking pot covered has increased compared to the baseline status. The members of 73% households were found washing both hands after defecation with appropriate agent. On the other hand it was observed that the members of 51% households were washing both hands before taking meal with proper agent. In the case of these habits baseline status were 43% and 7% respectively. Around 61% households were found washing both hands with appropriate agent (soap/ ash) after cleaning

childrens buttock. In the case of the personal hygiene practices it was observed that around 79% households were using slipper/ sandals during latrine visit. It was found that on an average 60% households were disposing garbage in a fixed place/hole. Around 52% households were found keeping soap/ ash and water beside the latrine. In the case of this habit baseline status was 30%. As many as 42% of the total households (who have under five aged children) were found disposing childrens feces in a hygienic way.

Annual Report 59

CHAPTER

Resource Generation & Mobilization

60 Annual Report

Human Resource
Staff Development:
NGO Forums most valuable asset is its competent and skilled staff which is the driving force of the organization. To enhance the competency and skill of its working force with outstanding performances, NGO Forum takes different initiatives. As part of its staff development process different trainings, workshops, conferences and exchange visits are organized taking into account the professional concern of its staff. To strengthen the competence and commitment of the staff, NGO Forum always considers and prioritizes staff development plan in consistent with the emerging challenges of the organization & its personnel to ensure the quality and quantity service from its human resources. As part of its constant endeavors, during the year 2008, on the basis of the organizational need assessment, personnel of NGO Forum attended different events in the areas of water safety plan, effective and participatory management, qualitative research methodology, NGO management, accounts & office management, cross-cutting issues in WatSan programme, computer skill, gender, budget, preparation & management, advocacy, climate change, integrated water resource management, participatory action planning, monitoring and evaluation of community-based project, integrated environment and water management, WASH floods learning

exchange, population science, participatory monitoring & impact evaluation of development, arsenic contamination and community-based mitigation & management, procurement, urban sanitation, MIS and so on. During the year, a total of 165 staff were imparted with various type of trainings to enhance their knowledge and competence. Among them 94 availed in-house training, 42 in-country training, 7 abroad training, 20 participated in exchange visit and 2 attended international conferences.

Staff Strength:
NGO Forums efficient staff force is its organizational strength. A total of 710 staff had been working with NGO Forum at the end of 2008. Among them 211 were regular staff, 499 were project staff while 106 were working in the Central Office and the rest 604 staff were working under the Regional Offices. Of the total staff, 148 were female, out of whom 21 were working in the Central Office and 127 in the Regional Offices.

Staff Recruitment:
A total of 80 personnel were appointed throughout the year. Among them 12 staff were recruited on regular basis, 62 staff were recruited as project staff and 6 were recruited as contractual staff. Among the recruited staff 24 were female and 56 were male.

Annual Report 61

Financial Resource
Chartered Accountants
BSRS Bhaban (13th Floor) 12 Kawran Bazar Commercial Area Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh.

ACNABIN

Telephone : (880-2) 8144347-52 Facsimile : (880-2) 8144353 E-mail : <acnabin@bangla.net> Web : www.acnabin-bd.com Branch Office : House # 734, Road # 26 CDA R/A, Chittagong.

Auditor's Report
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of NGO FORUM FOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION as of 31 December 2008 and the related consolidated statement of income and expenditure and consolidated receipts and payments for the year ended 31 December 2008 together with the notes 1-16 thereto. These financial statements are the responsibility of the management of NGO FORUM FOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. Scope We conducted our audit in accordance with the Bangladesh Standards on Auditing (BSA). Those Standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by the management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements, referred to above, give a true and fair view of the state of the organizations affairs as at 31 December 2008, and of the results of its operations for the year then ended. We also report that: a) we have obtained all the information and explanations which to the best of our knowledge and belief were necessary of our audit and made due verification thereof; b) in our opinion, proper books of account have been kept by the organization so far as it appeared from our examination of those books; c) the financial statements dealt with by the report are in agreement with the books of account.

Dated, Dhaka 31 May 2009 62 Annual Report

ACNABIN Chartered Accountants

Chartered Accountants

ACNABIN
NGO FORUM FOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

Consolidated Balance Sheet As on 31 December 2008

Particulars Notes 31. 12. 2008 Taka 179,670,231 64,479,260 115,190,971
8,855,666 5,266,121 1,477,555 2,277,200 15,529,537 236,661 5,824,500 130,001,797

31. 12 . 2007 Taka 166,698,247 56,747,165 109,951,082

10,433,674 4,548,886 413,329 860,200 1,145,171 5,824,500 107,631,739

A. Fixed assets: Property, plant and equipment Less: Accumulated depreciation

B. Current assets:
Accrued interest Advance deposits & prepayments Current account with PNGOs Outstanding loan Accounts receivable Provident fund Support to private producer Cash and bank balances 4 5 6 7 8

169,469,037

130,857,499
3,055,040 4,366,264 12,243,210 12,857,863 5,400,950 2,097,413

C. Current liabilities
Salary and benefits Accounts payable Gratuity fund Other fund RTC fund Other liabilities 10 11 12 13 3,551,107 6,473,590 13,025,929 12,067,997 5,400,950 7,964,545

48,484,118

40,020,740
90,836,759

Net Current assets (B-C) Total Financed by Capital Fund

Balance as on 01 January 2008 Add: Adjustment during the year Excess of Income Over Expenditure 14

120,984,919

236,175,890

200,787,841

200,787,841 9,121,574 26,266,475

157,142,827 11,060,420 32,584,594

Total

236,175,890

200,787,841

Chief Accountant Dated, Dhaka 31 May 2009

Executive Director

ACNABIN Chartered Accountants

Annual Report 63

Chartered Accountants

ACNABIN
NGO FORUM FOR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND SANITATION

Consolidated Statement of Income & Expenditure For the year ended 31 December 2008
Particulars
A. Income Grants Interest income Miscellaneous income Local contribution Total B. Expenditure Salaries and benefits TA/DA and local conveyance Program materials and training Staff development Medical support to arsenic affected patient Promotional expenses Advocacy expenses Information service expenses Publications of news letter Workshop, seminar, symposium and fair Development communication materials Development of business plan Annual report and brochure Research, monitoring and evaluation Field testing of development communication materials Organizational development Installation and maint. of TW and other tech. Testing water samples & laboratory Village sanitation centre and latrine Inst. Emergency support Stationeries, postage & material transport Office maintenance and utilities Fuel and maintenance Office rent Entertainment Repairs and maintenance Audit fees Miscellaneous expenses HO logistics expense Resource centre running cost Income tax Depreciation Up-gradation of online library Report & documentation Water safety plan Community empowerment and sustainability Advertisement Total C. Excess of Income Over Expenditure (A-B)

Note
15 16

2008 Taka
353,232,560 6,709,870 240,767 28,480,965 388,664,162 82,998,884 15,423,015 19,628,966 688,689 2,110,778 19,390,141 3,350,167 1,326,257 365,569 6,079,395 9,609,461 126,885 174,465 2,699,258 3,296,729 106,513,297 4,465,911 3,938,641 29,874,682 2,834,269 6,180,578 7,423,338 6,715,804 862,758 1,216,309 551,500 767,100 12,351,374 81,380 620,985 8,154,395 456,414 2,120,293 362,397,687 26,266,475

2007 Taka
244,158,719 7,110,361 465,298 251,734,378 74,894,085 12,547,471 11,006,103 289,138 1,563,977 16,017,384 2,303,103 1,477,024 387,166 944,844 5,257,775 120,471 3,625,500 15,000 737,388 32,713,188 3,514,805 15,514,883 3,573,444 3,044,117 5,306,698 5,168,117 6,092,765 557,514 801,385 339,085 3,005 90,270 24,066 8,392,774 31,098 25,000 2,740,618 30,523 219,149,784 32,584,594

Chief Accountant Dated, Dhaka 31 May 2009

Executive Director

ACNABIN Chartered Accountants

64 Annual Report

Donor Grants Received in 2008 Taka 353.23 Million (US$ 5.19 Million)

WaterAid 16.48% UNICEF 6.77% Others 1.60%

Save the Children USA 30.68%

DANIDA 20.88% STREAMS 0.62% OCETA 2.62% IWMI/EU 2.08%

Columbia University 1.32% TIDES Foundation 1.92% MISEREOR 13.27% SIDA 1.76%

Assets as on December 31, 2008

Other Receivable Cash & Bank Balance Fixed Assets

Accrued Interest Accounts Receivable Advance, Deposits & Prepayments

Annual Report 65

Projects Implemented during 2008

Sl.No.
1. 2. 3. 4.

Name of the Projects

NGO & Civil Society Networking Project (NCSNP) Advancing Sustainable Environmental Health in Urban Areas (ASEH) Advancing Sustainable Environmental Health in Rural Areas (ASEH) (ABCAN) -Association Between Chronic Arsenic Exposure and Nutritional Status Among the Women of Child Bearing AgeA Case Control Study in Bangladesh Wastewater Agriculture and Sanitation for Poverty Alleviation in Asia (WASPA) Project WATSAN Project for Community Component of School Health & Nutrition Program in Nasirnagar (SHN) (7 Unions) Integrated Community Based Arsenic Mitigation Programme in 100 Unions. (ICBAMP) Decentralization and local public goods: How does allocation of decision making authority affect provision?(DHB) A Research Project in Bangladesh The Household Food Security Programme Livelihood Project (Jibon-O-Jibika) Bangladesh Environmental Technology Verification Support to Arsenic Mitigation Project (BETV-SAM) Deployment of Arsenic Removal Technology (DART) Project Human Resource Development for Sustainable WATSAN and Hygiene Promotion Program (HRD) Emergency and Post Flood Water & Sanitation Activity-2007 Emergency and Post Flood Water & Sanitation Project -2007 Emergency Relief for Cyclone SIDR of Bagerhat District-2007 Emergency SIDR Response Activities on WASH-2007 Sustainable Arsenic Mitigation (SASMIT) Strategy Project Early Recovery Activities on WASH Emergency Water Supply & Sanitation Safe Water System (SWS)

Donors
Royal Danish Embassy WATER AID WATER AID IAEA Austria

5. 6. 7. 8.

IWMI Sri Lanka Save the Children-USA MISEREOR, Germany Columbia University

9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

Save the Children-USA OCETA, Canada UNICEF MISEREOR, Germany MISEREOR, Germany CAFOD-UK MISEREOR, Germany Save the Children USA Swedish SIDA UNICEF Bangladesh UNICEF Bangladesh WHO

66 Annual Report

Achievement so far
Year of Establishment
Programme Intervention Area Regional Office NGO & CBO Involved in Partnership Total District Total Upazila Total Union Total Village Total Household Water Supply Support to the Community Shallow Tubewell Deep-set Pump Deep Tubewell Pond Sand Filter Rain-water Harvesting System Arsenic-iron Removal Plant Ring-well Pipeline Water Supply/GFS Infiltration Gallery Different Type of Filters Tubewell Screening for Arsenic by Field Testing Kits Water Quality Testing in Laboratory Hygienic Sanitation Support to the Community VSC in Production through NGO & CBO VSC in Production through Private Producer Latrine Installed Training Provided Partner NGO Staff Community People Government Official Local Government Institution IEC/BCC Material Development Training Module IEC Material BCC Material Promotional Activity Conducted People Benefited

1982
14 857 64 394 3,406 22,032 5,252,700 40,097 3,340 1,820 282 2,592 1,381 557 09 02 1,248 224,841 59,508 549 608 6,407,618 32,936 218,824 5,603 15,387 56 Types 76 Types 70 Types 30 Types 32 million

Annual Report 67

The policy decisions of NGO Forum are made by a 7-member Executive Committee (EC) which is elected from & by the General Committee

POLICY FORMULATING STRUCTURE Executive Committee of NGO Forum

Chairperson Dr. Fazle Hasan Abed Founder Chairperson BRAC Tel: 8824180-7, 9881265-70

Vice-chairperson Mrs. Tahrunnesa Abdullah Freelance Consultant Tel: 8315460 Treasurer Mr. Anish K. Barua Executive Director, Communica Tel: 9677105 Member Mrs. Jowshan A. Rahman Former Chief, Programme Planning Section, UNICEF Tel: 8912142

Member Dr. Ainun Nishat Country Representative, IUCN Tel: 9890395, 9890423 Member Mr. Shaikh Abdul Halim Executive Director Village Education Resource Centre (VERC) Tel: 7710779, 7710412 Secretary (Ex-o cio) Mr. S.M.A. Rashid Executive Director, NGO Forum for DWSS Tel: 8154273-4, 8128258-9 Member Ms. Shireen S. Mainuddin Managing Director, ASAAN Tel: 9561361, 9554124

General Committee Members

Ms. Rasheda K. Chowdhury Director Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE) Tel: 8115769, 9130427 Mr. Jeffrey S. Pereira Former Executive Director, Caritas-BD Tel: 8829252 Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed Former Governor, Bangladesh Bank Tel : 8845340 Ms. Mufaweza Khan Executive Director Concern Women for Family Planning (CWFP) Tel: 7287116 Dr. K. S. Huda Development Consultant Tel: 8861006, 01711868178 Mr. Fariduddin Ahmed Mia Sector Specialist Water and Sanitation Tel: 8828774, 01711960527 Professor Dr. Sazzad Hossain Department of Geology Dhaka University Tel: 96612920 (Ext. 6019) Ms. Waheeda Hoque Programme O cer The World Bank Tel: 8159001-14 Mr. Syed Nurul Alam Executive Director South Asia Partnership-Bangladesh Tel: 8112103, 8114697 Dr. M. Feroze Ahmed Professor Department of Civil Engineering, BUET Tel: 9663963, 8614640 (Ext. 7181) Mr. Kamaluddin Akbar Executive Director Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS) Tel: 8954384-5 Mr. Abu Shah Jalal Azad Former Sr. Project O cer, UNICEF Tel: 9336701-20 (Ext. 438) Mr. Md. Shafiqul Haq Chowdhury President Association for Social Advancement(ASA) Tel: 9116375, 8110934-5 Mr. Kazi Rafiqul Alam Executive Director Dhaka Ahsania Mission (DAM) Tel: 8119521-22 Dr. Dibalok Singha Executive Director Dustha Shasthya Kendra (DSK) Tel: 8115764, 9128520 Dr. Benedict Alo D Rozario Executive Director CARITAS-Bangladesh Tel: 8315405-6 Mr. Haroon-Ur-Rashid Professor Department of Architecture North South University Tel: 8932927 Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET and Director, ITN-BUET Tel: 9665650, Ext. 7218(W), 7276(H) Dr. Profulla C. Sarker Professor Department of Social Work University of Rajshahi Tel: 01715-094773, 0721-750455

68 Annual Report