Read our Annual Report, packed full of insights into our work to end housing poverty, in Bangladesh and the UK.
“AzuKo’s mission to build a fairer world, has never been more important. Our work is life-saving, and life-changing – rooted in the belief that given the opportunity and the right support people can rise above poverty.”
Sumita lives in a small rural village in northwest Bangladesh. It’s an agricultural area, most of her neighbours are farmers and the housing conditions are poor. She married young, and has dedicated her life to her family and three children. Now she wants to open her wings and fly.
Sumita joined AzuKo’s Build for safety training to learn how to improve her home. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but soon found out it was much more than a construction course – it was a door to opportunities. After she completed the training, she set her sights on improving her kitchen. She’s a talented cook, and spends much of her day preparing meals for her family. Along with women in her village, she formed a savings group to help each other access finance for home improvements.
She saved enough money to contribute 6,000 BDT (£45), approximately 20% of the build cost for her new kitchen, and we worked with her to design and build it. The kitchen is raised above flood waters with a brick plinth, and the once earthen floor is now cement reducing the need for maintenance and repairs. New walls and roof protect against the intense sun and monsoon rains, with lockable doors so she can safely store utensils. The design encourages cross ventilation, meaning it now doesn’t fill with thick black smoke... and her favourite feature, a kitchen table. She no longer needs to prepare meals hunched over the floor. This is the power of good design.
“Before my kitchen had no walls and a mud floor. It was difficult to keep the rats away. Now we have this kitchen. It’s so clean. I can store food, prepare and cook easily.”
Sumita loves her country of Bangladesh. She used to dream about joining the civil service, but when she became a mother her life took a different path. Now she sees new possibilities for her family, and also for herself.
“When I was young, I was like a bird. I was free. I want to fly. I think I can, I have hope again.”
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
