by MA Hakim

At present we are developing the Permaculture Training Centre of Bangladesh and urgently need financial support to complete the initial stage in renovating buildings, construction of a full solar display (solar cookers, solar hot/warm water heaters, solar driers) improved cooking stoves/ovens, simple water pump display and others. The aim is to build a Training Centre to train people in sustainable farming techniques. 85% of Bangladeshies are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. We feel that due to the enormous demand for firewood and the obvious destruction of the forests we would like to put funding towards a working display of solar alternatives.

The honorary founder chairman M A Hakim has donated 5.5 acres of land for the purpose of the permaculture training centre. A 8500 sq. ft construction has been done with the assistance of CEBEMO (Now renamed BILANCE) of The Netherlands.

The constructed human and skill development training centre (named Training and Resource Development Centre) is now conducting training on human development and non formal training in occupational skill development sector. We have already established a plant propagation nursery, and a small lake for fishery adjacent to the training centre. We would like to renovate the training centre as permaculture training centre to train people in sustainable farming techniques. We are now trying to establish eco-village and eco-tourism with various living displays/demonstrations so as visitors can understand concepts by observing the demonstration projects.

Our future plan is to establish an orphanage and abandoned girls' rehabilitation centre. We would greatly appreciate any technical and financial assistance in developing the Centre or networking with various permaculture groups and organisations. You can assist us in two ways, providing financial support or advisory/consultancy with technology and voluntary services. Both the assistances are necessary to achieve our vision:

1. safe world and self sustainable human being
2. environmental self-sustainable literate village

Our mission is:

1. Male and female equality based self controlled sustainable family formation
2. Environment consenting village modelling
3. Self controlled self sustainable DUS formation This is the outcome of our organisational vision, mission and strategic planning workshop. Your co-operation will be highly solicited in this regard.

Eco Village Training and Resource Development Centre Central Office
DUS-Bangladesh House No.706
Road No. 11 Bailtul Aman Housing Society Adabor
Shamoli Dhaka 1207 Bangladesh
Ph: 9119060
Fax: 880 2 819 460