ABOUT US
Learn more about Eco-Social Development Organization
Learn more about Eco-Social Development Organization
Dignity, Resilience, Partnership
- Transforming Lives
Since 1988
WHO WE ARE
The Journey of ESDO: From a Village Response to a National Movement
It all began in 1988, when the people of north-western Bangladesh were devastated by a catastrophic flood. Amid the destruction, a small group of committed social workers and community leaders came together with one vision: to stand beside the poor, the vulnerable, and the forgotten. This humble initiative was the seed from which the Eco-Social Development Organization (ESDO) was born.
In those early days, ESDO was not a large institution with offices or big projects. It was a movement of compassion — neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers sharing food, shelter, and hope. The focus was simple yet profound: empower the underprivileged and build resilience against disasters.
Real development must be led by the community and centered on people’s needs. Villages were not just beneficiaries — they became true partners in the journey.
As the years went by, the dream continued to grow. What started as a small initiative slowly blossomed into a full-fledged development organization. ESDO realized that empowerment meant more than relief — it meant building skills, creating livelihoods, ensuring food and nutrition, and giving marginalized people, especially women and children, the power to claim their rights.
From the dusty lanes of Thakurgaon to the farthest corners of Bangladesh, ESDO continued its journey. Microfinance programs gave families the capital to start small businesses. Healthcare and nutrition projects gave mothers and children the chance to live healthier lives. Youth and adolescents discovered hope in training centers and skill-building workshops.
Today, after more than 38 years of service, ESDO is present in 422 upazilas of 56 districts, reaching over 15.73 million people. And yet, the spirit remains the same as in 1988: to serve the poor with dignity, to empower the powerless, and to ensure that no one is left behind.
WHAT WE DO
Holistic Development for Rural Bangladesh
ESDO continues its mandate for the holistic development of rural populations across a wide spectrum of interconnected programs designed to break the cycle of poverty.
Livelihood & Skill Development
Building skills, creating livelihoods, and providing microcredit to help families start small businesses and achieve financial independence.
Education & Child Development
Adult and child education programs, hazardous child labor reduction, and youth training centers that open doors to dignity and opportunity.
Health, Nutrition & WASH
Mother and child healthcare, immunizations, nutrition monitoring, kitchen gardening, and water-sanitation initiatives for healthier communities.
Agriculture & Food Security
Climate-smart farming techniques, livestock, fisheries, and water resource management to withstand droughts, floods, and changing conditions.
Disaster Management
Building resilience through preparedness, response systems, and community-based disaster risk reduction — honoring ESDO’s founding purpose.
Human Rights & Governance
Counter-trafficking intervention, human rights promotion, gender equity, and good governance practices for an equitable society free from discrimination.
WHERE WE WORK
Reaching Every Corner of Bangladesh
ESDO manages programs across 4,032 Unions, 162 Municipalities, 422 Upazilas under 56 districts and 7 City Corporations spanning all 8 divisions of Bangladesh — directly reaching more than 15 million poor and vulnerable people.
Different need-based programs are aimed at enhancing the capabilities of deprived people in terms of social development, disaster preparedness, food security, agriculture, gender equity, nutrition, microfinance, health, environment, rights and governance, and education. The undertaking of self-initiated and autonomous actions is an important achievement in a context where deprived people depend on external support for their livelihood and social security.
MISSION & VISION
What Drives Us Forward
Our Mission
To reduce income and human poverty through holistic, integrated development programs suited to the specific needs of poor and marginalized communities. We adopt a dual approach of service delivery and a rights-based framework, with a focus on income generation, enhanced education, nutrition and health, promotion of human rights, and establishment of good governance practices. Gender equity and environmental protection are integrated into each of our programs. Women and children remain at the heart of all our initiatives.
Our Vision
We seek an equitable society free from all discriminations.
Guided by the core belief in equity, we engage in active promotion of human rights, dignity, and gender equality that empowers people through social, economic, political, and human capacity building. First among our commitments is outreach and support to ultra-poor people — a defined main manifesto and leading mission with determination.
OUR VALUES
The Principles That Guide Us
Every initiative, every program, and every partnership is anchored in these core values.
Community-Led Development
Real change happens when communities lead the way. Villages are our true partners, not just beneficiaries.
Dignity & Respect
We serve the poor with dignity, ensuring every person is treated with respect regardless of their circumstances.
Gender Equity
Women and children remain at the heart of all initiatives, breaking barriers and claiming their rightful place.
Resilience & Sustainability
Building long-term capacity to withstand climate challenges, economic shocks, and social adversity.
Inclusivity
Ensuring no one is left behind — reaching the ultra-poor, marginalized, and most vulnerable populations first.
Integrity & Transparency
Upholding the highest standards of accountability in governance, finance, and program delivery.