Bangladesh, due to its geographical positioning, is highly susceptible to cyclones, particularly in the coastal regions bordering the Bay of Bengal. One such area that has historically borne the brunt of these natural disasters is Jabusha, a small village located approximately 10 kilometers from the city of Khulna. This village was catastrophically affected by Cyclone Sidr in 2007, a devastating storm that resulted in significant loss of life and property.

Recognizing the dire need for community resilience and support structures, the Sabrina Memorial Foundation initiated a multi-faceted community development project in Jabusha. This project centered around the construction of a facility that would serve not only as a community health center but also as a storm shelter, providing a safe haven to the residents during cyclones.

The foundation embarked on this project in two phases. The first phase, completed in December 2013, involved land surveying and the drafting of architectural plans for the building. This phase was critical in laying the groundwork for what would become a lifeline for the community.

The second phase, completed in December 2014, was the actual construction of the building. This structure was designed to be much more than just a storm shelter; it was to be a community hub. In addition to providing shelter during cyclones, it functions as a health clinic, offering vital medical services to the residents. In partnership with iKormi, Sabrina Memorial Foundation is providing doctor’s visits and one full month of medication for only $10 per patient using a digitally operated cloud-based system. We aim to deliver complete treatment to those in need more efficiently and valuably.

Ending the cycle of domestic abuse and empowering women comes in the form of a valuable education. Sabrina Memorial Foundation has added adult literacy and vocational training programs that focus on providing basic literacy and vocational training to teenage and adult females. The primary goal of the program is to provide training and help teach business strategy so these women can lead successful, self-sustainable, and independent lives. The facility plays an essential role in empowering the community members with skills they need to secure livelihoods.

Another exceptional initiative by the Sabrina Memorial Foundation in Bangladesh is the Fruit Bearing Tree Planting Project. Recognizing that agriculture is a cornerstone of rural livelihoods, the foundation distributes fruit-bearing trees such as mango, guava, and coconut trees to local villagers. These trees are a multi-faceted boon for the recipients. Not only do they provide a source of nutrition through the fruits, but they also offer an opportunity for income generation. Many villagers, who previously did not have a reliable source of income, are now able to start small businesses selling the fruits.

Our mission is to provide free healthcare to underprivileged individuals. This includes free doctor’s visits, medical check-ups, and medication. Additionally, we plan to implement Cloud-based software similar to what we use in our sister project, iKormi, for more efficient and organized patient information.