“The phone and the apps will be very useful to us. We will be able to solve many of our business-related problems through the apps on the phone. There is a health app too which is great. I will also be able to help my neighbours.” Said Shirin Akter, one of the smartphone recipients of SHOUHARDO III program’s pilot activity of smartphone distribution to program participants from the 2nd week of February. In order to improve business capacity, support in executing business plans, getting access to information and digital platforms, the program took this initiative. Starting from 15th of February, SHOUHARDO III completed the distribution of 26 smartphones in Gaibandha within four days.
The smartphone recipients shared that this is a significantly useful tool in their lives that will help them to work on their business plans which they have developed through previous livelihood training provided by SHOUHARDO III. The distribution also involved the orientation of smartphones, which had preinstalled apps (Krishoker Janala, Livestock Diary, Fosholi and Maya Apa). The field colleagues demonstrated the apps and the operation of smartphone during the distribution. The Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO), Union Parishad member, Union Parishad chairman and local elites were also present during the distribution and encouraged that government and local support will be available for this initiative.
SHOUHARDO III is funded by USAID, supported by the Bangladesh Government and implemented by CARE Bangladesh.
