Exposure Visit of Arshirbad

On 14 November 2025, Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) had the privilege of hosting an exposure visit from representatives of Arshirbad Organization, Mymensingh. The visit led by Ms. Santi Rambari, Chairman of Arshirbad, included members of her team along with Panchayet leaders and community representatives from the Been and Harijan communities with whom Arshirbad works. The purpose of the visit was to witness firsthand the ongoing community-led initiatives of Doldoli Tea-garden community and Patro community supported by ECDO in Sylhet. It began with a warm welcome at the ECDO office, where the visitors were introduced to the organization’s mission, values, and development approach centered around community empowerment and participatory leadership.

The team then travelled to field sites where ECDO has been working closely with Tea Worker and Patro communities to facilitate community led initiatives. The visitors were able to meet with local women leaders, youth volunteers, and community members who shared their personal journeys of change and development through SALT (Support, Appreciate, Listen, Transfer) approach. Through conversations and interactions, the Arshirbad team experienced firsthand the grassroots initiatives driven by community ownership ranging from safe motherhood practices to livelihood training and cultural preservation.

This exposure visit also provided an opportunity for mutual learning and the exchange of insights between both organizations. The discussions highlighted the importance of empowering marginalized communities through localized decision-making, sustained capacity building, and inclusive development strategies. ECDO expressed its sincere appreciation to Arshirbad Organization for their valuable engagement, interest, and commitment to community-driven change. The day concluded with a shared understanding of the possibilities that emerge when communities are given the space and resources to lead their own development journey.