The Sustainable Livelihood Support Project (SLSP) was implemented by Trinamul Unnayan Sangstha (TUS) with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) from February 2019 to June 2022 in Khagrachari Sadar and Dighinala Upazilas.  

The project aimed to uphold the well-being and dignity of ethnic communities in Khagrachari Hill District by enhancing their livelihood opportunities through skill development, input support, and linkages with government and market actors.

Major Activities:

• Training on Mushroom Cultivation & Input Support:
  • Provided technical training to 54 beneficiaries on the full mushroom production process, spawn types, and required tools to generate income from mushroom cultivation.
• Training on Livestock Rearing & Grant Support: 
  • Conducted livestock rearing training for 38 community members covering feeding, housing, vaccination, and disease prevention. 24 beneficiaries received grants for livestock rearing.
• Training on Homestead Gardening & Seed Distribution:
  • Delivered practical training to 99 beneficiaries on improved home gardening techniques. 436 households received seed support to grow vegetables for nutrition and income.
• Input Support for Handicraft Production: 
  • 33 beneficiaries received grants to expand handicraft activities. Among them, 30 women worked on waist loom weaving and 3 men produced bamboo and cane showpieces.
• Training on Entrepreneurship Development, Market Linkage & Input Support:
  • Trained 48 small business owners on business planning, marketing, and entrepreneurship to strengthen local enterprise development.
• Training on Candle Making & Input Support: 
  • Organized daylong training for 10 women on candle making, packaging, and marketing to promote women’s self-reliance. Participants received materials such as candle dice, wax, and tools.
• Training on Honey Bee Keeping & Input Support:
  • Conducted training for 10 beneficiaries on modern beekeeping practices, honey purification, and tool usage to promote local honey production.
• Vaccination Camp:
  • Organized livestock vaccination camps in villages, supported by Upazila Livestock Officers and Community Livestock Workers, raising awareness on animal health services.
• Field Visits by Government Officials:
  • Officials from Agriculture and Livestock Departments visited project sites, conducted awareness sessions on improved crop and livestock management, and shared information on government services.
• Educational Materials Distribution:
  • To counter school dropout during the COVID-19 pandemic, 304 students received educational materials (school bags, notebooks, pencil boxes, and stationery kits).
• Gender Training: 
  • Two daylong sessions were held in Khagrachari Sadar and Dighinala with 42 participants to build awareness on gender equality, equity, and social roles of men and women.

At a glance of SLSP