Grameenphone extends its support to the Acid Survivors' Foundation (ASF) in the rehabilitation of acid victims by providing employment opportunities.

Grameenphone has already taken six individuals who have been supported by the Acid Survivors' Foundation and provided them with employment within the company. These individuals will also be provided with adequate training to help them develop the necessary skills to take on their new responsibilities in the company.

Ms. Barbara Richardson, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, was present as Chief Guest while Mr. Arne Haug, First Secretary of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangladesh and Mr. Shaukat Mahmood, President of the National Press Club, were present as Special Guests at the ceremony. Mr. Erik Aas, Managing Director, Mr. Kafil H.S. Muyeed, Director of New Business Division of GrameenPhone, and Ms. Niharika Momtaz, Acting Executive Director of ASF, were also present at the occasion.

Bangladesh has one of the highest numbers of incidents related to acid violence and acid burns. These incidents constitute 9% of total burn injuries in Bangladesh. The majority of the victims of acid violence are women (47%), while men and children account for 26% and 27% respectively.

Grameenphone believes that is important to rehabilitate these acid survivors, and provide them with vocational training and job opportunities so that they may become economically independent and able to contribute to the national economy. Grameenphone will also provide the necessary support to ASF in raising awareness against acid violence.

ASF is a non-profit NGO, which works as a coordinating agency working to eliminate acid violence from Bangladesh. ASF is dedicated to raising awareness on acid violence, an urgent public concern. ASF's general strategy is to implement its programs through a large network of national and local partners.

ASF provides group counseling and narrative therapy for acid survivors, as well as job placement, skill development training, educational support, on-the-job training, income generating scheme and family assistance. ASF also provides assistance in the social reintegration process of survivors.

Grameenphone had previously lent its support to ASF in the form of financial assistance for some awareness building activities against acid violence.

As responsible corporate citizen of Bangladesh, Grameenphone recognizes its duties towards the less privileged members of our society, and empower them through sustainable initiatives focusing on awareness building and capacity building activities.

Recently, Grameenphone has partnered with Special Olympics Bangladesh to sponsor the Bangladesh team's participation in the 2007 Special Olympic Summer World Games to be held in Shanghai in October. GP will also assist Special Olympics Bangladesh in organizing talent hunts on both regional and national levels to search for new talents to represent Bangladesh in future Special Olympics Games.

Information Department
Grameenphone Ltd.
Phone: 9882990
email: info@grameeenphone.com