SKS Foundation

SKS Foundation originated in Bharatkhali village on the western bank of the Jamuna River in Gaibandha, Northern Bangladesh. On 1 December 1987, local young men, women and social workers established the Hat Bharatkhali Social Welfare Society to protect remote char communities from injustice and socio-economic vulnerability. Over time, the initiative developed into SKS Foundation, a national NGO. SKS is registered with the Department of Social Welfare (1991), NGO Affairs Bureau (1997), Microfinance Regulatory Authority (2007), and Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Firms under the Societies Act (2008). Today, SKS operates in 192 Upazilas across 29 districts in six divisions. SKS aims to contribute to a poverty-free society where people have access to resources and can live with voice, dignity and justice. Its mission is to improve the lives and livelihoods of poor and excluded people by reducing vulnerability, promoting empowerment and increasing access to development opportunities through community-driven and sustainable partnerships. Its main activities fall within four areas: social empowerment, including health, WASH, education, rights, governance, gender and youth leadership; economic development, including microfinance, livelihoods, skills development, agriculture and market linkages; environmental justice and humanitarian action, including disaster response, anticipatory action, disaster preparedness and climate adaptation; and basic services, including education, health, disability rehabilitation, vocational training and specialised medical services. SKS also operates social enterprises, including hospitals, educational institutions and community radio, supporting service delivery and organisational sustainability.