Read our Annual Report, packed full of insights into our work to end housing poverty, in Bangladesh and the UK.
“AzuKo’s mission to build a fairer world, has never been more important. Our work is life-saving, and life-changing – rooted in the belief that given the opportunity and the right support people can rise above poverty.”
When you meet Aretha, it’s clear she’s on track to make a difference. Her energy and enthusiasm for whatever she’s involved with – studies, tutoring, volunteer work – is infectious.
She’s currently studying a Masters in Engineering and Architectural Design in London, and contributes to important dialogues to increase diversity in the profession, such as the Black Females in Architecture network.
“I began to seek architectural experience during my final years of sixth form, it quickly became apparent that I could not see myself reflected within the industry.”
An early mentoring experience at the age of 17, which helped pave her way into architecture school, has motivated Aretha to give back. She joined AzuKo’s Designing with dignity course in Bangladesh to learn about humanitarian architecture, and the tools to design more ethically and collaboratively.
“Designing with dignity is a hands-on, life-enriching course that pushes you to the edge of your comfort zone. It challenges you to question every pre-conceived notion you have of architecture and encourages a truly collaborative design process, where every voice can be heard.”
Throughout the course, Aretha worked hard to listen, learn and lead with empathy. She helped conduct a needs assessment, map a community and their assets, and held interviews to understand more about the challenges people face, their hopes and dreams.
Almost half the population of Bangladesh don’t have access to a clean, safe toilet of their own. It’s simply unacceptable. Aretha was not afraid to get her hands dirty. Working alongside a family, and supported by our local construction team, she built a new twin-pit, pour-flush toilet. An incredible achievement, that will bring safety and dignity.
“I learned that it is really important not to centre yourself within humanitarian work, especially when building for others or creating things that need to benefit other people. It can be so easy to impose your own way of doing things (even if you have the best of intentions) but this is not how you achieve the best result. I think it really strengthened my ability to listen and help.”
Inspired by her time on the course, Aretha is now looking to take a new module ‘Engineering for International Development’ during her final year at university. She has recently been accepted on a summer course to improve water, sanitation and hygiene in schools in Uganda, and will be mentoring 16-18 year olds in the UK sharing her experience and helping to break down barriers to architecture.
Want to know more? Register your interest to join Designing with dignity, Bangladesh in 2024.
We know that investing in local expertise is the best way to create long term impact. We partner with organisations that share our vision and contribute a wealth of local knowledge. We sat down with Apu Roy, from Nirapod Bangladesh Songstha, to find out more about what makes him tick, what drives the organisation and why we are the perfect fit.
I'm the Project Manager of Nirapod Bangladesh Songstha. We're a small shelter organisation based in Sundarban, a rural village in northwest Bangladesh. I've worked in development for many years, originally as a health worker at Chetonar Dak, a nonprofit that focuses on health and education across the union. We provided ante-natal checkups and post-natal care to underserved areas.
“At that time we had to go door to door, as there was little awareness of health and nutrition essentials.”
I've been with Nirapod Bangladesh Songstha since it began in 2008, first as part of the construction team and then moving into a full time position managing projects. I'm currently working with AzuKo, leading a range of different projects from slum upgrading to water, sanitation and hygiene works.
(Photo: SAFE)
Many things! I work in our family's fields growing vegetables and rice, and looking after a few animals. I'm a father too - my daughter Totini keeps me on my toes.
We're a small team, so share many responsibilities. I focus on project related activities such as facilitating workshops, managing teams, monitoring progress and communicating with everyone involved. I also write funding proposals, help out with budgeting, reporting and general day to day administration.
I really enjoy our community workshops and training days. We spread best practice, share ideas and create new solutions. I like learning new things, and undertaking new projects with new communities. Communication is really the key to success.
(Photo: A. Parkinson)
We want to improve the lives of some of the poorest people across the region. Our focus is on housing, sanitation and infrastructure, as well as promoting environmental initiatives that encourage proper use of the earth's resources. We want to create comfortable, affordable and sustainable solutions. Although we primarily work with disadvantaged families and communities, we are also keen to promote sustainable practices across the whole of society, from eco-housing to tree planting.
“Do something good for the environment. Do something good for people who do not have the ability or means to do themselves.”
Population growth and climate change. Both put huge pressure on our cities. During the hot season, it's extremely hot. During the rainy season there's no rain, and when we need it for our crops it doesn't come. Many people who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods are moving to urban areas in search of work. Many are forced to live in informal settlements, which become denser and harder to serve.
Deforestation is also an issue as well as unsustainable practices such as the use of harmful pesticides, increasing reliance on plastics and poor waste management.
We're committed to spreading awareness of best practice, from improved construction techniques to living in harmony with the environment.
There are many organisations and nonprofits in the country that tackle one or more of these issues. Practical Action for example, does some really great work. All our projects have an environmental approach and I think this is what makes us different. Yes, we work with extreme poor, but we also champion sustainable solutions for this group.
Our expertise in local materials, such as bamboo and compressed stabilised earth blocks (CSEBs), is not commonplace in Bangladesh and many people when they first hear about our techniques are surprised. There is a tendency toward fired brick, concrete, glass and steel...
In 2013, we were asked to join their research project on earthen architecture in areas at risk of flooding. We supported phase 3, which was the design and construction of a prototype house in Nobu para.
(Photo: J. Ashbridge)
We worked with Jo to undertake a needs and assets assessment within the community, in the participatory design of the dwelling, with logistics, sourcing of materials and construction. This was an extremely exciting project to be involved with, particularly with the level of community engagement and contribution. We had a lot of fun on site too... lots of laughter.
“Every day we took tea with the family to discuss issues as a team. Everyone was able to share their thoughts and concerns so that we could solve them together.”
(Photo: SAFE)
I visited the family recently, they've really settled in and are enjoying the increased space and flexibility. We often showcase this project, and the family are always keen to talk about their experience and show people around.
AzuKo does our type of work. We share the same vision. Their approach is needed not just in Bangladesh, but all over the world. I hope we can collaborate for a long long time.
