Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation, joined AzuKo’s Board of Trustees, bringing a wealth of experience in global philanthropy, strategy development, and sustainability. Read about her recent trip to Bangladesh, where she visited our work across Dinajpur district.
AzuKo's unwavering commitment to innovative architectural solutions for underserved communities has left a lasting impression on me. I wanted to share my personal insights and reflect on the significant impact AzuKo is making in Bangladesh, supported by compelling statistics that underscore the urgency of their mission.
Understanding the housing challenge in Bangladesh
To grasp the scale of the housing challenge faced by communities in Bangladesh, it is important to consider the following statistics:
Housing shortage – By 2030, UN-Habitat estimates that three billion people, about 40% of the world’s population, will need access to adequate housing. Within Bangladesh, millions are heading to cities to tap into economic opportunities, causing booming urban growth, which poses numerous challenges for families and individuals.
Informal settlements – Many people find themselves living in informal settlements with inadequate infrastructure and limited access to essential services. These settlements often lack basic amenities and fail to provide a secure and dignified living environment.
AzuKo's transformative architectural solutions
During my visit to Dinajpur, I had the privilege of witnessing AzuKo's transformative work first-hand, specifically their efforts to build houses and toilets for underserved communities.
Building safe and sustainable homes – AzuKo's architectural solutions prioritise safety and sustainability. Their focus on constructing structurally sound and environmentally friendly homes ensures that families have a secure place to live. It was inspiring to see how AzuKo's designs blend functionality with cultural sensitivity, creating spaces that resonate with the community's needs.
Addressing sanitation needs – Approximately 46% of the population in Bangladesh don’t have access to a clean, safe toilet of their own. AzuKo's efforts to build safe and hygienic toilets for marginalised communities not only improves health outcomes but also enables a cleaner environment for the communities they serve.
Collaborative approach – AzuKo's success lies in their collaborative approach. They actively engage community members throughout the entire process, ensuring that their voices are heard and their specific needs are met. By involving the community, AzuKo fosters a sense of ownership and empowers individuals to take charge of their own living conditions.
Personal reflections
This visit has been an eye-opening experience that has reaffirmed the importance of AzuKo’s mission. The statistics on the housing shortage and inadequate sanitation facilities emphasise the pressing need for organisations like AzuKo.
As a Trustee, I am more dedicated than ever to supporting AzuKo's transformative initiatives. By providing resources and spreading awareness, we can contribute to their efforts in building safe and sustainable homes, improving sanitation, and ultimately uplifting communities in need.
Huge thanks to the team, and fellow Trustees, for all the efforts made to drive forward the charity’s aims. Together, let us support AzuKo’s work towards sustainable change, ensuring that every individual has access to safe housing and amenities for a better future.
I urge you to donate and support AzuKo’ efforts.
Author: J. Rahman-Corey