Agargaon:Over three-fourths of the extremely poor households targeted by the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation's (PKSF) four-year project have risen above the extreme poverty line, with significant reductions in child stunting among participants. According to United News of Bangladesh, the Pathways to Prosperity for Extremely Poor People-European Union (PPEPP-EU) project has achieved substantial improvements in income, assets, nutrition, financial inclusion, and resilience for 215,000 families residing in climate-vulnerable and inaccessible regions. The project, financed by the European Union, spanned from October 2022 to September 2026. At the project's closing ceremony, it was revealed that integrated services reached approximately 860,000 individuals from 215,000 extremely poor households through 19 Partner Organizations operating in 145 unions across 34 upazilas in 12 districts. The proportion of extremely poor households in the project dropped from 62.7 percent to about 22 percent. Child stunting rates fe ll from 48 percent to 22.8 percent, and wasting decreased from 17 percent to 12.4 percent, bringing stunting rates below the national average. The project was supported by a EUR 22.81 million grant from the European Union, supplemented by approximately Tk 3,217 crore in affordable loans disbursed to households through PKSF and its Partner Organizations. PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader emphasized the transformation of families into microentrepreneurs, highlighting the sustainable impact of building capabilities rather than temporary assistance. Financial Institutions Division Secretary Nazma Mobarek, whose remarks were delivered at the event, noted that extreme poverty encompasses more than income or assets. The key takeaway from PPEPP-EU is fostering capability and self-reliance rather than dependency on aid. Michal Krejza, Head of Development Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Bangladesh, underscored the importance of sustaining project gains, advocating for the continued growth and no urishment of participating households. He praised PKSF's initiative to integrate PPEPP participants into regular credit programs. PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan highlighted the project's success in enabling extremely poor individuals to access and effectively utilize credit, contributing to long-term poverty alleviation. The closing ceremony, held at PKSF Bhaban, was attended by around 400 participants, including representatives from PKSF, the European Union, government departments, and other stakeholders. PKSF General Manager and PPEPP-EU Project Director Salina Sharif provided a project overview, and PKSF Managing Director Md Fazlul Kader delivered the welcome address.
