Green Graduation Programme

Urban Green Graduation Programme (UGGP) is a holistic and integrated approach designed by Concern Worldwide to empower people living in extreme poverty in urban areas to graduate from poverty. It has been implemented in several countries, including Bangladesh, India, and Nepal.

A partnership project of CUP and Concern worldwide supported by Irish Aid funding for socio economic development and establish the rights of extreme urban poor through capacity building, financial support, skill development, empowering of the urban poor, social mobilization, coordination, local & national level advocacy and policy lobbying for sensitization.

Green Graduation Programme:
Gradually transformation

Project Duration:
January 2023 to December 2027

Beneficiary:
Urban extreme poor those are living in the street as pavement dwellers, squatter’s dwellers and most vulnerable people of slum dwellers under DNCC & DSCC

Partnership:
UGGP is an Innovative partnership project of four organizations among them two implementation partners (SEEP & Nari maitree) for direct intervention with extreme urban poor for socio economic development and capacity building and two partners CUP & APPG work for advocacy and policy sensitization. CUP is advocacy partner of UGGP.

Role of CUP:
Advocacy for ensuring the services of extreme urban poor through local and policy level advocacy, coordination, referral linkage establishment, leadership capacity building of extreme urban poor people and CBO network/federation formation for their empowerment & raise their voice.

Working Issues:

  • Policy Advocacy for social safety net services of urban extreme poor
  • Advocacy for ensuring health services of urban extreme poor
  • Advocacy for citizen rights (Birth registration & NID) of extreme urban
  • Capacity building of urban extreme poor leaders for safe and secured their life
  • Institutional Capacity Building of CUP and setting prioritize of extreme urban poor

Outcome/Achievement:

  1. Capacity Building-
    • 1500 urban extreme poor CBO leaders oriented and formed 133 CBOs and 11 CBOs zone wise network formed under CCC, DNCC & DSCC
    • Developed 20 Grass roots advocate of extreme urban poor leaders those who are willingly participate and raise their voice and issues in national/policy & local even authority level
    • Cluster level 133 CBOs network members work as community change makers and they ensure for access of services of their community and family member
    • More than 33 leaders include in 6 local city and central committee. cluster level SHG/network members are capable and included in local city and national level BOSC of urban poor (slum dwellers)
  2. Social safety net services
    • Local authority sensitized and provided social safety net services specially old aged allowance
  3. Advocacy for ensuring health services of urban extreme poor
  4. Advocacy for citizen rights (Birth registration & NID) of extreme urban
  5. Capacity building of urban extreme poor leaders for safe and secured their life
  6. Institutional Capacity Building of CUP and setting prioritize of extreme urban poor

Core Objectives of UGGP:

  1. Reduce Poverty: The UGGP’s primary objective is to empower individuals and families living in extreme poverty in urban areas to graduate from poverty. It aims to achieve this through a combination of financial and social interventions, enabling participants to achieve self-sufficiency and improve their overall well-being.
  2. Enhance Livelihoods and Income Security: The program equips participants with skills, knowledge, and resources to start or improve their businesses, leading to increased income. This can involve providing training in entrepreneurship, vocational skills, market access, and financial management.
  3. Promote Social Inclusion and Empowerment: The UGGP goes beyond just income generation. It also focuses on empowering participants through various social interventions. This includes:
    • Building self-confidence and resilience:Providing skills training and opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
    • Promoting social justice and gender equality:Addressing inequalities and empowering women to participate actively in their communities.
  4. Foster Environmental Sustainability: While addressing the social and economic needs of the urban poor, the UGGP emphasizes environmentally friendly practices. This could involve:
    • Promoting green infrastructure:Encouraging the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies.
    • Educating participants on waste management:Providing knowledge and skills to reduce waste and promote responsible disposal practices.
    • Supporting the development of eco-friendly livelihoods:Assisting individuals in establishing or expanding businesses that contribute to a greener economy.
  5. Build Resilient Communities: By equipping individuals and families with the knowledge, resources, and skills needed to improve their economic and social well-being, the UGGP ultimately aims to build stronger and more resilient communities. This includes fostering social cohesion, promoting sustainable practices, and creating a supportive environment for future generations.

In summary, the UGGP’s core objectives encompass a multi-dimensional approach to poverty reduction. It aims not only to alleviate immediate financial hardship but also to empower individuals, promote social inclusion, and build long-term resilience for both individuals and communities, while integrating environmental sustainability principles into its approach.