Results and Accomplishments

The program outcome has not yet been evaluated, as most of the work focused on laying the foundation for the successful implementation of program activities by partner NGOs. The partner NGOs are evaluating Study Circle activities regularly through a format developed for the purpose; the report is expected to be finalized by the end of the project period. However NDI is collecting all information regularly and monitoring the progress of activities. Case studies received from the partner NGOs are narrated here.

Responsible Community
At the end of November, 2005, around 3 pm, Study Circle participants had assembled to discuss second Study Circle session at Mr. Sultan Hussein’s house in Chandipur village and discussing the previous day experiences. The discussion topic of their Study Circle session was Primary Education: Educational Environment and Management. The discussion had just begun. The participants were sharing their experiences of the previous session. At this point, some 7 to 8 villagers arrived and said, “We came to know that a discussion on Primary Education is taking place over here. We want to listen to this discussion because our local primary school is charging extra fees in the name of examination fees. Hence by listening to your discussion, if we feel that the schools are charging extra fees from what the government has set, then we should all go and discuss the matter with the teachers.” The participants of the discussion agreed to let them be a part of this conversation as observers. At the end of the discussion some of the participants expressed their interest in going with the villagers to the school. The next day , the Study Circle facilitator and participants went to the local school with the local people. In response to their inquiries, one teacher informed the group that though the government has fixed Tk. 5 and Tk. 8 fees for the purposes, but as the price of the necessary materials such as cost of papers, buying the question papers etc, has increased, school authorities decided to take Tk. 10, 15 and 20 from the students. When parents requested for further explanation on the amount, the concerned teacher explained that fees for class I and II, includes examination fee, Scout fee, electricity bill, question paper etc. Similar fees are also taken from class III, IV and V, but the fees are little higher. When the parents expressed their dissatisfaction regarding the Scout fees, Electricity bill and Question paper fee, the teacher agreed and said that the school would not charge these extra amounts any more. However he mentioned that it would be better to talk to the School Managing Committee (SMC) of the school so local people decided to talk to MC for decision. The parents at this point decided that they would soon find a peaceful solution on the matter through a general meeting.

Learning Through Reflection
It was during the break of the second session of a Study Circle in Nayan Tara village that the Head Master of a non government primary school arrived. He mentioned that he had read about the Study Circle leaflet, bulletin and action manual, and found that the process was very interesting. Hence he came to witness it himself. Moreover, he had given a three day leave to one of his teachers so that the teacher could participate in the sessions. He stated that, along with the teacher, almost all his other teachers were unaware of their responsibilities. They were not regularly going to school or would always arrive late or remain absent. Hence he had asked this teacher to participate in the discussion so that he would be aware of his duties and responsibilities as a teacher. In addition, the local people were also not cordial, attentive and enthusiastic in many cases, towards the activities of the school teachers. In spite of being called time and again for the committee meetings, no one would come to the meeting during the prescribed time and day. He thought the Study Circle could play a very important role in enlightening them about these issues. At that point, the participating teacher said that the Study Circle had opened his eyes; he had become aware of his duties and responsibilities as a teacher. He promised to fulfill his duties properly from then on. A member from the Managing Committee who was also present at that session mentioned that he also did not have a clear idea about his role, duties and responsibilities as a committee member. Through participation in the Study Circle discussion, he had now got a clear idea about his work in the committee. The committee member and the teacher present participating in the Study Circle assured others that they would in future try to carry out their responsibilities.

Wining The Battle Against Irregularities
Study Circle members Mr. Md Hassanul Islam (assistant teacher of includes Koitala High School), Mr. Abdus Salam (UP member), Mr Abul Kalam and Mr Shaikhul went to Hamirdia Registered Non Government Primary School and informed the Head teacher that they had participated in a Study Circle in Fulpur Dakhkhin Para. By participating in the Study Circle, the participants learned about the various irregularities that occurred in the school. Irregularities were discovered while distributing books and also when a certain amount of money was regularly deducted from the students’ stipend (upabritti). In response to this, the Head teacher informed the participants that he did not want these irregularities, but was forced to carry them out due to pressure from influential locals. The Head teacher also added that the money deducted from the student’s stipend was used to pay for providing hospitality to the personnel (Tk. 10-12 per person). At this point, the Study Circle participants told the principal that these irregularities could not continue. If necessary they would give their full support to the principal to ensure proper distribution of books and money. They also asked him to inform them the next time that the school decides to distribute books and money. Hence, on January 5, 2006 the school informed the local representatives and the parents of the event. The representatives and parents came for the event and ensured proper distribution of the books. Some local powerful person at this point came to the scene and created chaos at the book distribution ceremony. Once the situation was explained to them, the individuals were subdued, and the distribution was able to continue smoothly. Similarly, during the distribution of the financial stipend local representatives were invited to attend, and thus managed to ensure proper distribution, without any deductions, of the money. The overall feeling of the locality was that they could overcome such irregularities by participating in Study Circles. Hence, the locals thanked everyone connected with the Study Circle program and expressed their gratitude.

A Card-Playing Teacher
Study Circle participants of Hariali village Mr. Abul Hossain, Mr. Dabirul Islam, Ms. Hajera Bibi, Ms. Hena Begom visited the Nazirabad Registered Non Government Primary School on January 28, 2006. On reaching the school they discovered that one teacher named Mr. Halim was playing cards with some hooligans on the school field. They requested that the teacher stop playing but the teacher refused their request. The helpless Head teacher informed the circle participants that he had also requested them not to play cards within the school premises, but they refused to listen, and instead had threatened him. A number of people along with Mr Dabirul Islam, a member of the School Managing Committee, visited the school and informed the teacher that if he continued to play cards during school time in the school field, they would report it directly to the Education Officer, who would in turn make sure legal action was taken against him. On hearing this, Mr. Halim admitted his mistake and promised not to play cards on the school premises again. At a later date, students of the school informed representatives that Mr. Halim had refrained from playing cards since the incident. The local people believed that this was possible due to the Study Circle. They also believed that various irregularities within the school had also been reduced as a result of the Study Circle. They wished success for the overall program.

Pro-Active Citizen
Mr. Dhalu Mia, a van driver from Brizabala village, was on his way to the bazaar at 2 pm when he came across some students of Amlagram Government Primary School returning from school. He asked the students why they were returning home so soon, as school was regularly scheduled until 4 pm. The students answered that the teacher had let them go early. Immediately Md Dhalu Mia went to the school and asked the teacher why the students had been let off early. The teacher told him that the school was holding a meeting, hence the students leaving early. Later on, Mr. Dhalu asked a committee member of the school who confirmed that there was a meeting that day but also acknowledged that this did not mean that the students could be let off early from school. He said that he would raise the issue at the meeting. Following this, it was collectively decided to hold these meetings after school hours. The committee members asked Mr. Dhalu MIA about his sudden interest in such matters. The van driver answered that he had been part of the Study Circle discussions in his village and since then his awareness and sense of responsibilities had increased.

Awareness Makes People Empowered
On February 8, 2006 (10:30 am) Mr. Dhala Mia of Amlagram village was on his way to the fields when he saw teacher Saber Hossain of the Amlagram Government School also on his way. Mr. Dhala Mia respectfully greeted him and asked him why he was so late in going to school. Mr. Dhala Mia knew that school started at 9 am. Mr. Sabbir Hossain replied that he had to talk and address some issues with the laborers of his paddy field, hence the delay. On hearing this, Mr. Dhala Mia informed the teacher that he had been a participant of the Study Circle and learnt many things from it. He said that irregularities such as teachers reporting late for classes and bunking would not be tolerated anymore. He went as far as to tell the teacher that if this trend continued he would not hesitate to inform the Education Officer. At this point the teacher got angry and said such big talk did not suit the farmer’s lower status. The teacher continued by saying that NGOs and such circles would do them no good. Since an angry exchange of words was going on, other people gathered around the two. The public was getting angrier by the minute. Ultimately, UP Member Jamal Mia intervened and calmed the public. He said this was no issue to quarrel over. He stated that though the teacher was at fault, it was also not right to catch him in the middle of the road. However, he mentioned that awareness was the key to a better life.

Study Circle Demonstrates Result
Saleha is the wife of poor van driver Golap Sarkar of Jheeltala village. Though she never got the opportunity to go to school, through self study she learnt how to read and write. She is a member of the micro credit program in TMSS. She was also an enthusiastic member of the Study Circle which was held from March 13 to March 23, 2006. After she had completed the circle, she and other women often visited the primary school in her locality. She used to drop her only son, Zalal at the school. At one such visit she asked the school teachers why her son was not offered a stipend by the school, as had fulfilled the criteria (until she had participated in the Study Circle she was unaware of this). The teachers then asked her on what basis does she think her son qualifies for the stipend. She answered that she was a landless poor citizen, citing the biggest reason for her son to get a stipend. On top of that her son had an attendance of over 80%. She also informed them that she knew the basis of which stipends were awarded, as she had learnt from the Study Circle discussion guidebook. Then, the Head teacher asked her to bring that guidebook. Saleha brought the Study Circle guidebook in which the information was given. The books name was “Primary Education: Environment and Management”. The Head teacher kept the book and requested Saleha to come after 2-3 days. After another 4-5 days, the Head teacher requested Saleha to click photographs of her son and her, as he had been selected for the stipend.
So Saleha went to click the photographs at the Thana Sadar and met with the Study Circle organizers. She informed them about the whole episode and said that due to the Study Circle her awareness had increased and this was possible. She thanked him for helping them.

Transparency Through Group Initiative
Three monthly government stipends were being distributed in a government primary school. A bank official, the Head teacher and an Assistant teacher were overseeing the whole process. Interestingly, they were providing some students with Tk. 200, and Tk. 250, whereas other students were getting Tk. 290. It should be mentioned that according to the provision each student is to get a stipend of Tk. 300. When the parents inquired as to why some students were getting less than the prescribed amount, they were informed that those students whose attendance was poor were the ones getting lesser amounts and Tk.10 was being deducted from those who fulfilled each of the criteria. The reason behind that was to provide hospitality for the personnel working for the distribution of stipends and other incidental expenses. At this point, Ms. Dalia Haque refused to take the Tk. 200 that was being given to her son and demanded an explanation for the reduced amount. She demanded that the full amount of Tk. 300 be given. The teachers gave her the same explanation they gave everyone else. Ms. Dalia Haque wanted to see the government papers where the rule or decision for such type of stipend reduction was written, and she also wanted to know how her money would be spent. The other parents, in unison with Ms. Haque, demanded the same. Ms. Haque mentioned that through the Study Circle she came to know about the rules and regulations for distributing of Upbrittee(stipend). Through the discussion of Study Circle, she came to know that each student gets the full amount of Upabrittee. She would not take any lesser amount. She said that if the full amount was not given, and if there were irregularities regarding this, then she along with other members would go to the Thana Education Officer and inform the local media as well. Due to the hue and cry raised by the parents, other villagers and locals gathered around the school compound. After that, each student was given Tk. 300. However, the Head teacher threatened the crowd and said that if each rule was to be followed then many of the students would not qualify for the stipend. He also mentioned that, in future he would closely examine each student and see how they would get the stipend in the future. The villagers told the Head teacher that they do not want his sympathy; if the stipends are given to the deserving students, then they would be happy.

Sharing And Caring
One day, Study Circle participant Mr. Md Hafez Ali was on his way to the market. On the way, he came across a woman along with her 14 year old daughter from his village. After talking with the woman he looked at the young girl and noticed she was not well. She asked the young girl what was wrong with her and why she was looking so pale. The girl looked down and did not answer. The girl’s mother informed Mr. Md. Hafez Ali that she treated her daughter well and gave her nutritious food, yet her health was not improving. Soon Mr. Mohammad Ali bid them goodbye.
The next day, Mr. Ali went to their house. He went and chatted with the young girl for a long time and made her comfortable. Then he asked her what was wrong with her health. Gradually the girl opened up and informed Mr. Ali about the health problems she was facing. It was a female related illness. He then advised the girl’s mother to take her to a gynecologist. The daughter was treated by a gynecologist and today she is completely well and healthy. She got relief from this deadly illness due to an open and frank discussion which was possible due to the Study Circle. This is a great success on the part of the Study Circle in the village, on Adolescent health, conducted earlier.

Helping The Helpless
We conducted a Study Circle in Haldia Village, Homapur Union. The participants of this circle have discussed the issue “Union Porjaye Sheba Bebostha(Services at the Union level)”. After 4 sessions they came to know that the government was distributing hygienic toilets through the Union Parishad. Study Circle participants Seraj Mia, Hamid Mia, Dulal Mia, Mintoo Mia, Ripon and Helal Mia discussed among themselves and took the decision that arrangements needed to be made to ensure that the poor families of the village got these hygienic toilets. They went to the UP member of Haldia Village Mr. Abul Hossain and discussed with him that the poor families could not afford hygienic toilets and that it was necessary for them to get the toilets for free. Due to this discussion 36 hygienic toilets were distributed among the poor of that village. Study Circle participants and the member of that village helped in the overall process. If they had not taken part in the Study Circle discussions they might not have known how the Union Parishad was involved in such activities.

Proxy Signature
Ershad Khan is a study circle member in Baliaghat Pashchimpara village under Sadar Upazilla of Faridpur district. He is also a member of the School Managing Committee of a nearby school. Until he had participated in the sessions of the study circle, he was not aware of his responsibilities as a member of the School Managing Committee. Before joining the study circle he hardly used to attend the meetings of the committee, but used to give his signature in the signature book even though he was not present in the meeting. Like him, none of committee members understood the importance of the meetings and a majority of the committee members used to sign in the resolution book without attending the meeting and discussion. In this school meetings were not held regularly and the Head Teacher of the school used to write the resolution book according to his need and send the same to the houses of the members of the committee for signature. By attending the study circle sessions, Mr. Ershad has now become aware of the meaning of the signature and the importance of the meetings. Now he does not sign the resolution book without attending the meeting. He has also informed his colleagues to do the same. These days, the meetings of the School Managing Committee are held regularly and in case some one is unable to attend the meeting he does not sign the resolution book. The Head Teacher also is not writing any resolution without holding a meeting, and is not sending the book to the houses of the committee members for signature.

Student Gets His Unpaid Money
The Mujati village is located in the south-western side of the Mankon Union under Muktagacha Upazilla, District Mymensingh. Abdul Latif (farmer), Md Minhazali (business), Hosne Ara (ex. UP member), Mustafizur Rahman (business) of the Mujati village were participants of the Study Circle discussion on the management of Primary Education. The above mentioned participants went to the Mujati Primary School and informed the Assistant Teacher Md Izzat Ali that they took part of the Mujati (Dakat Bari) study circle discussion on the management of Primary Education. One Mr. Mohammad Ali alias menu mia informed the study circle members that his son was ill and could not attend school, and submitted a medical certificate to prove the same. But he was marked absent and was not given his scholarship money. The study circle participants requested the teacher that this student be given the stipend money on ground that he is poor and meritorious. Later on, with the help of Md Izzat Ali, the study circle participants managed to secure the stipend for the student. The people of the area expressed their gratitude to the members of the study circle and thanked the officials for introducing Study Circle in their area.

Agriculture Officer Finally Visits Villages
The Shreepur village is located in the Mankon Union in Muktagacha Upazilla, Mymensingh District. In this village, a study circle was organized and conducted sessions on Agricultural Services. On completion of the study circle, members M/S Shafiqul Islam (businessman), Md Milan (student) and Md Minhaz Ali (businessman), went to meet the Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer in charge of Shreepur village of Mankon union. The members of the circle informed the concerned officer that they came to know about his responsibilities through the study circle and if they ever faced any problems related to agriculture, he was to cooperate and give advice on the problem. The members of the circle further added that they had never seen the official in their village. The Agriculture Officer replied that they had never contacted him before with problems and therefore he never visited. Later the concerned Agriculture Officer fixed a date to meet with the study circle participants and subsequently talked to them about their problems. Now the Agriculture Officer regularly visits the area and talks with the farmers face to face about various problems related to agriculture. The farmers informed that their knowledge on fishery, banana gardens, seeds and vegetable production has been improved due to the regular visit of the Agriculture Officer and for this they thank the study circle project.

Sinking of Tube Well In The School

The village Choradhpakhiya is located at the Mankon Union of Muktagacha Upazilla in the district of Mymensingh. On April 16, 2006, Study Circle members Md Dudu Mia (businessman), Md Abdul Rahman (retired teacher), Siddiqur Rahman (farmer) of the village Choradhpakhiya were talking about sinking a tube well at the Choradhpakhiya Primary School. Mr. Abdur Sabur, Member of Ward No. 3, came to the scene at that moment. Study Circle members informed the Union Parishad (UP) member of their plan to sink a tube well in the school compound. The UP member wanted to know from the Study Circle members that how they gathered so much information. The Study Circle members responded by saying that they knew all the information by attending a Study Circle discussion session. The members of the Study Circle informed the UP member that they would like to convene a meeting with the School Managing Committee and concerned Union Parishad member. The following day the School Managing Committee members, Mr. Abdur Sabur Member and the Study Circle members sat in a meeting and finalized the plan to sink a tube well in the school compound. In the meeting, the students of the school also informed the meeting that a tube well is lying idle in the school for the last two years, but no step was taken to sink the tube well due to a lack of initiative. Immediate action was taken in the meeting to sink the tube well to solve problem of drinking water in the school.

Repairing And Renovation of Road 45
Study Circle members of village Khukshiya under Kumargata Union of Muktagacha Upazila in the district of Mymensingh got together at the Khukshia High School to discuss ways and means to solve small, local problems. It may be mentioned here that 60 local citizens participated in the Study Circle discussions on the services such as education, health, agriculture and financial management of the Union Parishad. During the discussion session, members pointed out a number of problems. One of the participants pointed out the problem of movement of people from Montola bazer to Khukshia village. The earth road is broken down, formed a number of ditches and large holes, and has created a serious problem for vehicular traffic and for the movement of the people in the area. He also suggested that the Study Circle members can take the initiative to volunteer to repair the road. The members present at the meeting gave a positive response. Later it was decided that they would construct the road for two and a half kilometers on Sunday, July 23, 2006 starting from the Khukshia bazaar. The Study Circle members and local general people were requested to assemble at the Khukshia bazar at 11.00 am. Democracywatch informed the Chairman of the Union Parishad about the initiatives taken by Study Circle members. Though initially the Chairman was displeased with the activities of the Study Circle members, he later extended his full support the activities and join the work with the support of the UP members. The work started on time under the leadership of Study Circle participants M/S Yusuf Ali Mia, Abdul Salam, Dr. Jaynel Abedin, Hazrat Ali Fakir and Md Jalaluddin. Study Circle participants and others volunteered to supply the necessary equipment such as spades, baskets jute sacks etc. There were small odd incidents during repairing of road, as the earth was required to be taken from someone else’s land and they were reluctant to provide soils from their land. But finally they agreed to allow their land for earth and it did not create any major problems. The road including 4 major fissures and 150 small holes were filled up with earth and the entire road was repaired. It may be mentioned here that the Union Parishad also extended necessary help by providing man power. Mr. Abdul Salam, Head Master of Monotola High School, Mr Md Habibur Rahman, Head Master of Khukshia High School, Mr. Md Abdur Rahman, Head Teacher of Khukshia Govt. Primary School, journalists and teachers were present during the repairing activities. The spontaneous participation of the people in development of the area considered as clear example of local initiative, and everyone wished Democracywatch luck with their Study Circle program and thanked the participants.

Peaceful Resolution of a Family Rift
Rabeya Khatoon is the daughter of Md. Ruhul Amin Talukdar of Purbo Gongabordy. She loved Md. Rusell, son of Rashid Molla of the same village. The love affairs began in 2001. They informed their guardians about the affairs and express their desire to get married. But Rabeya’s parents refused the proposal of marriage. In 2003, finding no other alternatives, they took the shelter of a court for marriage. In spite of this move, Rabeya’s parents allowed Rabeya to remain in the house, but refused to recognize the union. So Rabeya went to Rusell’s parent’s house and they accepted Rabeya as their daughter-in-law. Rusell also discussed the matter with the villagers. He sent the elites of his village to Rabeya’s family to solve the matter and recognize their marriage. But their mission failed. Though Rabeya and Rusell were living together they wanted only recognition from Rabeya’s family. Rusell tried all possible ways to get the recognition from the Rabeya’s family, but failed. This had become the talk of the area. In the mean time Rabeya became pregnant. Even then Rabeya’s parents refused to accept the couple. Rabeya was seriously ill during her child birth, yet her parents refused to budge from their stance.
However, Rabeya gave birth to a baby daughter and Rusell’s family was very happy. They threw a party where Rabeya’s parents were also invited. But once again her parents refused to come. Rusell and Rabeya were passing their days happily. In the meantime the Study Circle was formed in this village. The Study Circle discussion issue was Women and Shalish(Arbitration). The participants of the Study Circle were mainly women. The members of the Study Circle knew the problem of Rusell and Rabeya and wanted to solve the matter. All the members of the SC went to Rabeya’s mother and talked about Rabeya’s life. This time Rabeya’s mother did not refuse their proposal. After a series of discussion with the Rabeya’s family members, this time Rabeya’s parents agreed to recognize Rusell as their son-in-law and welcome Rabeya back to their house. Rabeya’s parents also threw a party with the Study Circle members and received Rusell and Rabeya warmly along with their newly born daughter. Thus Study Circle participants were successful in establishing peaceful family in a society.

Increase Awareness On Hygiene And Sanitation
Ms. Amiyo Rani is a housewife in Charjushirgao village. She has participated in the Study Circle discussion session on Sanitation: Options and Management. In the same village, Mr. Ambel Gonnait has constructed a water-sealed toilet, but the waste pipe was connected to the nearby canal that emptied into the nearby river. Hence all the waste products would end up in the canal, polluting its water. Ms. Amiyo Rani went to Ambel’s house and tried her best to persuade the family members to disconnect or redirect the latrine’s waste pipe. She provided the necessary information or the negative effects of plasing the waste pipe in the canal and informed the family about the advantages of proper and appropriate sanitation. But the family did not pay any heed to Ms. Amiyo Rani. She then took the help of two other Study Circle participants and went to the family to request them again to close the pipeline. However, the head of Ambel’s family disagreed on the proposal and started arguments with the Study Circle participants. Later the local elites along with religious leaders came to the scene and the SC participants informed them also about the benefits and advantages of sanitation. At one stage, people present in the scene also requested Ambel’s family to close down the pipeline. Ultimately Ambel’s family succumbed to the pressure and closed down the line. As a result, people’s awareness of sanitation has improved in the area and five neighboring families have started using the water sealed toilet, rather than the open toilet they were using previously.

Demonstration Effect On The People
Ms. Rehana Begum is a Study Circle participant the village of Machuakhali in Idilpur Union of Gosairhat Upazilla in the district of Shariatpur. Her husband works as a fireman of a brick factory and resides in Sylhet district. During a Study Circle discussion session, she informed the other members that she does not have a hygienic toilet in the circle discussion, members decided to install a pit latrine at Rehana’s house and suggested that she keep the necessary materials and equipment, and show the family members how to build a and maintain a pit latrine. It was decided that in the next discussion session all the circle members would visit Rehana’s house and construct pit latrine. On the specified day, the Study Circle members went to Rehana’s house and found that two of Rehana’s neighbors also didn’t have hygienic latrines. Since her neighbors knew that the Study Circle members were coming to install a latrine at Rehana’s house, they also took the initiative to buy and keep the necessary material to install such latrines in their houses. The head of the other two households were also present during the visit of the circle members and the family members took practical training to construct the pit-latrine and on the same day they also constructed the latrines. The Study Circle participants were happy to teach them. Hence a positive attitude was created in the area to construct the hygienic latrines. Later on, in the follow up discussion session it was learnt from the members that since then 15 new hygienic latrines have been constructed in that area.

Right Has Been Established
Ms. Shahida is a Study Circle participant of village Chowdhury Dangi under Sadar Upazilla in the district of Faridpur. Her son is a student of class IV in the local Primary School. Before joining the Study Circle, Ms. Shahida was not fully aware of the necessity and quality of education. But after joining the Study Circle, she understood thoroughly the importance of education and necessity of quality education. Her son used to get the stipend money regularly in class I and class II. But suddenly her son’s stipend was stopped in the class III. She came to know about the rules and regulations of getting stipend after joining the circle sessions. Later on, she went to the Head Teacher of the school and asked him the reason why her son was not receiving the stipend anymore. The real cause was that instead of Shaida’s son another student of the same class bearing the same name was getting her sons stipend. Shahida then wanted to know the rules of getting and distributing the stipend. The Head Teacher became embarrassed and since then Shahida’s son has been given stipend regularly.

Helping The Poor And Needy People
The village Boyalia is located at Boyalia Union under Pangsha Upazilla of Rajbari district. In the village, a Study Circle discussion was held with 12 male participants on health issue. One day a Study Circle participant came to know that Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) cards would be distributed among the poor people of the village. The Study Circle participants talked about the issue with the elected Union Parishad member of the area in order to ensure that the genuinely poor received the cards. But later they came to know that actual poor people were not getting the cards. Knowing this, Mr. Mokim Gazi and Mr. Abdul Halim, Study Circle participants, discussed the matter with the other participants and came to the decision that they would prepare a list of the really poor people and speak with the Army officials, so that genuinely poor could get the VGF cards. With the help and assistance of the army officials, Study Circle members distributed 22 VGF cards among the real poor of the village.