Chief Patron visits SOFT

Mrs. Jasmine Ashraf, Chief patron of SOFT accompanied by her husband Ambassador Ashraf ud Doula, visited Chilmari recently to observe SOFT's activities and discuss with the management how to make SOFT a more dynamic and self sustaining organisation. Both of them visited all the projects and exchanged views with the beneficiaries, including visiting the Char lands across the river Brahmaputra. Mr. and Mrs. Doula spent some time with the residents of the old home, inquiring about their living conditions, daily meals and medical needs.

Donors visit SOFT project:

Recently we have had several dignitaries visit SOFT. They were all very encouraged by the work of SOFT in the community. Ross Lightfoot, an Australian Senator who visited with his wife said that the SOFT Old Age Home was a unique institution providing health and succor to the most disadvantaged and needy people of rural Bangladesh. Dominik Steiner, a Swiss living in Japan and one of our donors was very impressed with SOFT describing the program as worthwhile endeavors and that he would continue to be a life long donor partner of SOFT.

Fishermen Initiative:

SOFT will provide loans with low interest rates to help fishermen, generally the poorest members of society to purchase boats and other fishing supplies. Beyond generating employment, whatever profits are earned from their catch will be shared with SOFT based on a fair and predetermined figure. As with other projects, the portion for SOFT will go towards funding the Old Folks Home.

Supporting Small Business Entrepreneurs:

SOFT will provide basic financial and business training so that the small business entrepreneurs we support- fishermen, farmers, poultry and cattle rearers will sell their produce at market price and learn to generate the right income for themselves. We are very excited about launching packaged fresh milk under SOFT's brand.

SOFT launches Seamstress Training Center:

SOFT is launching a center to teach unemployed women how to sew and make dresses and embroidery. On completion of their training, each trainee will be given a sewing machine on loan through SOFT which they can use to start their own tailoring businesses.

SOFT launches High Quality Cow Fattening project:

SOFT has undertaken a new project for cattle farming and breeding of very high quality Australian breed cows. We have already bought land to house the cows and developments such as building cow sheds, erecting boundary wall, etc are already underway.