The Journey of CHAND Monob Unnayon Shangstha

CHAND Monob Unnayon Shangstha (CHAND) is a non-profit, non-political, and voluntary development organization established in 2005 in Chandot Village, Khoksa Upazila, Kushtia District, Bangladesh. Since its inception, the organization has been working to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged and marginalized communities through education, healthcare, knowledge development, digital inclusion, social awareness, and community empowerment.

With the active participation of local communities and dedicated volunteers, CHAND has grown from a small community-based initiative into a recognized grassroots development organization. Over the years, the organization has remained committed to promoting sustainable development and building a knowledge-based society.

One of CHAND’s key achievements is the establishment and operation of a Community Library that provides access to knowledge and educational resources for students, youth, and community members. The library currently houses more than 3,000 printed books and serves approximately 3,500 readers annually.

To expand access to digital knowledge resources, CHAND established the Central Digital Library of Bangladesh (CDLB), an online knowledge platform that offers more than 12,000 e-books, research materials, and educational resources. The platform serves over 5,000 online users each year, supporting lifelong learning and digital access to information.

In the health sector, CHAND operates the Free Friday Clinic, a community-based healthcare initiative that provides free medical consultations and basic healthcare services through experienced physicians. The clinic benefits more than 600 patients annually, particularly those from low-income and vulnerable communities.

Recognizing the importance of digital skills for employment and social inclusion, CHAND also operates a Computer Training Center. The center provides computer and ICT training to unemployed youth, women, and persons with disabilities, benefiting more than 100 trainees every year and helping them improve their employability and digital competence.

CHAND is also a registered Election Observation Organization under the Bangladesh Election Commission. Through election observation, voter awareness campaigns, and civic education activities, the organization contributes to strengthening democratic values, transparency, and citizen participation.

Currently, CHAND is supported by a dedicated team of staff members and 31 active volunteers who work together to implement programs in education, healthcare, digital inclusion, environmental protection, humanitarian assistance, youth development, and community empowerment.

Guided by the belief that education, health, technology, and community participation are fundamental drivers of sustainable development, CHAND continues to expand its programs and partnerships to build an inclusive, empowered, and knowledge-based society for future generations.