Stories of impact: Humanitarian action that puts people first
Since its inception, the ToGETHER Project has been a beacon of inclusive and locally led humanitarian action in Bangladesh. One of its key components, the Flexible Funding for Humanitarian Operations and Innovation (HOIFA), has played a pivotal role in operationalizing localization. By streamlining funding and decision-making at the local level, HOIFA enables timely, effective, and people-centered responses led by local actors.
The ToGETHER Project is proudly implemented in partnership with the organizations AFAD, CDD, ERA, Mukti Foundation, and PHALS, whose collective efforts continue to restore dignity, resilience, and hope in communities across Bangladesh. Below are real stories of impact made possible through this collaboration and the financial support of Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) and the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO).
Turning emergency relief into a smart investment
In 2021, a flash flood devastated Jhakhupara village in Kurigram, leaving families like Anju Begum’s without shelter or food. Through our partner organization AFAD and the HOIFA mechanism under the ToGETHER Project, Anju received BDT 10,000 (~€100) in immediate assistance.
She used BDT 6,000 for survival essentials, such as food, water, medicine, and repairs, and invested the remaining BDT 4,000 in a goat. Over two years, her livestock multiplied, generating BDT 26,200 (~€262) and a steady monthly income of BDT 4,000–5,000 (~€35–40).
“The support after the flood helped me meet my family’s basic needs, and later I was able to invest and become self-reliant."
- Anju Begum
Bringing Taslima closer to clean water
“Every time I walked for water, I fought not just the distance. I fought fear, shame, and the feeling that life is always heavier for people like me.”
In Patharghata, Taslima lives with a visual disability. For years, she walked long miles every day to collect unsafe and salty water. The journey left her exhausted, vulnerable, and humiliated. Moreover, the water was contaminated and brought health risks for her and her community. Through the ToGETHER Project, our partner CDD placed persons with disabilities at the center of solutions, providing rainwater harvesters and safe, nearby water points. Today, Taslima no longer has to walk miles for water. Instead, she fetches clean water close to home.
“Before, I struggled for salty water. Now, I fetch clean water myself, and I feel peace in my heart."
- Taslima
Safer access to water, safer life
In Barman Para, Sunamganj, Julekha Barmon, 42, used to cross a river by boat just to collect water for her family of five - a risky and exhausting task.
Thanks to a nearby tube well installed through the ToGETHER Project, her family enjoys safe and easy access to clean water. Now, what was once the most difficult aspect of her day has become a simple and safe routine.
“We had to cross the river by boat just to collect water. Now, with this tube well nearby, my family and I can access clean water safely.”
- Julekha Barmon
A small structure with huge impact
In Porakatla village, Satkhira, a fragile bamboo footbridge had to be crossed in order to fetch water from a canal. This posed daily dangers: children often fell on their way to school, and for pregnant women, elderly, and people with disabilities, crossing the bridge was severely dangerous.
With support from Malteser International, Mukti Foundation built a sturdy wooden bridge under the ToGETHER Project. Now, children attend school without fear and villagers can cross safely. This small yet vital infrastructure ensures safe and easy access to clean water for all.
Support arrived at a critical moment
When a flash flood struck Gowakhali Tekpara in Cox’s Bazar, Jubaida Khanam lost her home and was left to care for six family members—including three school-aged children—without any resources. At the same time, she was giving birth to her youngest child.
Through the HOIFA ToGETHER Program, implemented by the partner organization PHALS, Jubaida received BDT 10,000 (~€100) in emergency cash assistance. The support arrived at a critical moment, helping her meet immediate needs for food, shelter, and care for her newborn. Today, Jubaida and her family are gradually rebuilding their lives, with improved stability and access to basic necessities.
“That money saved us. You didn’t just give us money - you gave us hope."
- Jubaida Khanam
(October 2025)
