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| বাংলায় পড়ুন | Researchers and Reporters: Shama Sultana Ayesha Maria |
Established in 1997, Grameenphone (GP) is one of Bangladesh’s top telecom providers. The corporation is not only revolutionizing the telecommunications industry but also advancing societal development through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. To effect positive change, Grameenphone’s CSR initiatives focus on environmental development, health, and education. People’s lives are getting better by way of Grameenphone’s initiatives, which are also having a significant social impact.
Connectivity Is Transforming Lives
The Village Phone Program was a pioneering initiative that launched Grameenphone’s operations. This initiative provided rural women with the chance to launch mobile phone-based enterprises. They bought phones with a loan from Grameen Bank and offered services to the community. Women were consequently able to improve their financial circumstances. About 270,000 women were involved in this program as of 2017.
A further initiative to promote information technology was the establishment of Community Information Centers (CIC) in 2006. In remote locations, CICs offer printing, video conferencing, and internet connectivity. Since local business owners operate these centers, new job possibilities are also generated. By 2021, the nation had more than 500 CICs in operation.
Life transformation and social development through Grameenphone’s connectivity. | Photo collected.
Healthcare Activities
Grameenphone is playing a significant role in the country’s healthcare through various health activities.
- Safe Motherhood and Infant Care Program
About 9 lakh poor mothers and children have received healthcare under this project launched in 2007. Services have been reached to remote areas of the country through mobile hospitals.
- Free Eye Treatment Camp
About 19,000 people have received free eye treatment in the camp conducted in partnership with SightSavers International and more than 2,200 people have undergone cataract surgeries.
- National Immunization Day (NID) Campaign
The vaccination campaign used SMS and media outreach to raise awareness about childhood vaccination.
- Healthline Project
A 24-hour mobile medical consultation service, which provides general medical advice in cities and villages. More than 3.5 million people have benefited from this service since 2006.
Growing Education and Creating a Future Driven by Technology
Grameenphone plays a major role in the education sector, as seen by its CSR initiatives.
- Online School Project
The concept involves urban educators using video conferencing technology to instruct pupils in rural regions. Thus far, this service has been utilized by over 700 pupils.
- Rural Education Scholarship Program:
It offers exceptional students from low-income families annual scholarships, with 60% of the awards being given to girls.
- Alokdeep Project
Created in response to Cyclone Sidr, this project runs shelters and schools, offering refuge during natural disasters.
Additionally, to encourage reading, GP supports Bishwo Shahitto Kendro’s book distribution efforts.
Grameenphone’s initiative in expanding education and shaping a digital future. | Photo collected.
Sustainable Development and Environmental Preservation Programs
Notable initiatives taken by Grameenphone to preserve the environment include:
- Climate Change Program
This program was started in 2008 to use renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to lower carbon emissions and safeguard the environment.
- Click Green Program
By encouraging responsible resource usage, this project hopes to increase staff understanding of environmental issues.
- Community Power Project
In regions without electricity, the installation of wind turbines and solar panels has guaranteed sustainable energy use.
Other noteworthy initiatives by Grameenphone include:
- The Acid Support Program
This has given women who have been the victims of acid assaults access to employment and rehabilitation options.
- Special Olympics Program
The Exceptional Program has helped kids with exceptional needs access international competitions.
- Information Boat Project
The Information Boat Project People in the riverine area have been introduced to information technology by using boats as information centers.
Grameenphone’s initiative in empowering underprivileged communities and driving social progress. | Photo collected.
Technology for Economic Empowerment
Using technology, Grameenphone is transforming the rural economy:
- Cell Bazar Program
Cell Bazar has developed a simple mobile phone-based marketplace for buying and selling goods.
- Agricultural Service Program
The goal of this nationwide effort is to boost productivity by giving farmers agricultural guidance.
One of Bangladesh’s most distinctive examples of social growth is Grameenphone’s CSR initiatives. Their endeavors to enhance the environment, education, and health are remarkable. Even if they are already having a good effect on society, more people’s lives need to be improved by expanding the extent and caliber of their services.
Grameenphone is anticipated to contribute to the future growth of Bangladesh through these conscientious endeavors. It is hoped that Grameenphone and other corporate business organizations will maintain the value of their brand while engaging in positive Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and offering business and social services.
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