Aklima: A case study on how Amigo Community Programs are helping families displaced by climate change
In recent years, climate change has led to severe environmental challenges in many parts of the world, including Bangladesh. One of the most significant issues is river erosion, which is displacing families from their homes, and leaving them without stable livelihoods. Aklima, a woman from a remote village in Bangladesh, is one of many people whose life has been turned upside down by the effects of climate change. However, her journey of transformation provides a hopeful example of how AMIGO’s community programs are offering a way out for those affected by these environmental changes. Aklima's Struggles: The Impact of Climate Change Aklima's story begins in a village that lies close to a river in the southern region of Bangladesh. Like many families in the area, her family relied on agriculture as their primary source of income. Over the past few years, Aklima’s family’s land has slowly eroded due to increased flooding and soil loss, both of which are worsened by climate change. The World Bank reports that Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change, with over 40% of its population at risk from displacement due to rising seas and flooding. As a result of the erosion, Aklima’s family lost most of their land, and their livelihood was significantly impacted. With limited resources and few job opportunities in her remote village, Aklima felt trapped in a cycle of poverty. She was also uneducated, which further reduced her prospects for finding work. Without skills or access to economic opportunities, she struggled to contribute to her family’s survival. The AMIGO Community Program: A Path to Hope In the midst of these difficulties, AMIGO launched a community program in Aklima's region. The aim of this initiative was to provide displaced families with new skills, opportunities for employment, and a pathway to financial independence. AMIGO’s community programs target remote areas impacted by climate change, providing individuals with essential skills and resources to help them create a more sustainable future. Aklima heard about the program through her local network and decided to participate.Initially hesitant, Aklima soon realized the program offered her a chance to escape her circumstances, empowering her with skills to transform her future. The program provided training in both soft skills (such as communication and teamwork) and technical skills like sewing. Aklima was one of the 30 participants who completed a 3-day intensive training session. Training and Empowerment: Gaining New Skills During the training, Aklima learned essential soft skills, such as how to interact confidently in a professional environment and how to manage time effectively. These skills were important for her personal development, as they helped increase her confidence and gave her a sense of purpose. Additionally, Aklima was trained in sewing and basic garment production, skills that are in demand in nearby towns and cities. With these new skills, Aklima felt empowered to change her circumstances. She was also provided with a professionally written resume by AMIGO, which was an essential part of her transformation. Without a resume, it would have been difficult for Aklima to apply for jobs, especially in the more formal sectors. Employment Opportunity: A New Chapter Begins Once Aklima completed her training, AMIGO helped her secure an entry-level job as a machine operator in a nearby garment factory. Although the job was initially far from her village, AMIGO supported her with information on how to navigate the town and settle in her new role. Aklima now lives independently in a small rented room in the town. While it is not easy being away from her family, she is able to send regular remittances back home. This money has allowed her family to survive, as they can no longer rely solely on agricultural income. Aklima’s family, once heavily dependent on farming, is now able to make ends meet with the money she sends. The Importance of Community Programs in Tackling Climate Change Displacement AMIGO’s work in Bangladesh is a clear example of how community-based initiatives can address the effects of climate change on vulnerable populations. Climate-induced displacement is expected to affect millions in the coming decades. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), over 13 million people in Bangladesh could be displaced by 2050 due to climate change. This alarming statistic underscores the urgency of finding long-term solutions for displaced families, and AMIGO’s community programs are part of that solution. By focusing on skill development, local job creation, and financial empowerment, AMIGO provides a lifeline to those who have lost everything due to climate change. These programs help people like Aklima, who might otherwise have been overlooked, to gain the tools they need to survive in an increasingly uncertain world. How AMIGO Can Help More Families: A Call to Action At AMIGO, we are committed to supporting communities displaced by climate change and helping individuals like Aklima regain control of their futures. Our community programs are designed to be adaptable and scalable, ensuring that they reach as many people as possible. We work directly with local communities to identify the most pressing needs, provide training, and connect individuals to employment opportunities. We invite other organizations, businesses, and individuals to join us in this mission. By collaborating and supporting these initiatives, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by climate change. Together, we can help families like Aklima rebuild their lives, ensure financial independence, and create a brighter, more stable future.