GRAUS’s Theory of Change is rooted in the belief that sustainable development in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) necessitates a holistic and integrated approach to addressing poverty, inequality, and environmental vulnerabilities. Over the past 25 years, GRAUS has evolved to navigate the complex socio-economic and environmental challenges in the region, ensuring that its strategies foster transformative change for marginalized communities.
GRAUS envisions a future where marginalized communities in the CHT are self-sufficient, resilient, and empowered. This transformation is aimed at eradicating poverty, ensuring economic stability, upholding human rights, and embedding environmental sustainability into community practices. By reducing dependency on external aid and strengthening local capacities, GRAUS strives for long-term socio-economic transformation that enhances the overall quality of life for vulnerable populations.
The interventions carried out by GRAUS are designed to achieve multiple interconnected outcomes. Through economic development initiatives, the organization seeks to reduce poverty and food insecurity by promoting livelihood resilience, skill development, and access to microfinance. Health and nutrition programs are focused on lowering malnutrition rates, improving maternal and child health, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, which collectively contribute to the well-being of communities and enhance their capacity for economic participation.
To achieve these outcomes, GRAUS ensures the implementation of specific outputs. Economic development programs facilitate increased income opportunities through skill-building, micro-enterprise support, and market-driven agricultural initiatives. In the area of health and nutrition, the organization aims to expand the number of trained healthcare providers, improve access to essential health services, and encourage the widespread adoption of hygiene and nutrition practices at the community level. Educational efforts are directed toward improving school enrollment and completion rates, expanding access to vocational training, and establishing community learning centers. Advocacy and rights-based interventions contribute to increased community awareness, strengthened legal support systems, and enhanced participation in governance structures. Environmental resilience efforts are manifested through reforestation initiatives, disaster preparedness training, and the implementation of climate-smart agricultural techniques.
GRAUS undertakes a series of well-defined activities to produce these outputs. Economic empowerment efforts include vocational training, small business development support, and improved access to microfinance for marginalized groups. Health interventions are delivered through community health awareness sessions, maternal and child health services, and the construction of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities. In the education sector, capacity-building programs for teachers, curriculum development, and scholarship opportunities for underprivileged students contribute to improved learning outcomes. Advocacy initiatives focus on providing legal aid services, raising awareness of human rights issues, and engaging with policymakers to drive systemic change. To promote environmental sustainability, GRAUS implements afforestation drives, soil conservation techniques, and disaster risk reduction training for vulnerable communities.
The successful execution of these activities depends on the availability of key inputs and resources. Financial support from development partners, government agencies, and donors plays a critical role in sustaining interventions. Human resources, including trained professionals, community volunteers, and local facilitators, are essential for effective project implementation. Infrastructure investments, such as the construction of community schools, community health care centers at hard to reach areas, and water supply systems, ensure the delivery of essential services. Technical expertise in agriculture, health, education, and governance strengthens the overall effectiveness of programs. Additionally, partnerships with local government bodies, civil society organizations, and private sector actors create synergies that maximize impact. A robust monitoring and evaluation system is integral to assessing progress, refining strategies, and ensuring accountability.
By aligning impact, outcomes, outputs, activities, inputs, and resources within this structured Theory of Change, GRAUS ensures that its interventions remain holistic, adaptive, and sustainable. This comprehensive framework enables the organization to create lasting change in the CHT, empowering communities to build a future characterized by economic prosperity, social justice, and environmental resilience.
In summary, GRAUS’s Theory of Change operates on the premise that development is an interconnected process that requires simultaneous attention to economic, social, and environmental dimensions. By integrating its strategic priorities with long-term goals, the organization ensures that its interventions remain sustainable, adaptable, and responsive to community needs. Through its initiatives, GRAUS aspires to create systemic change that not only transforms individual lives but also contributes to broader national and global development goals, rooted in the principles of inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment.
About GRAUS
GRAUS (Gram Unnayon Sangathon), founded in 1998, envisions a society free from discrimination, hunger, and poverty. Dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, GRAUS fosters resilience and inclusivity through active participation in sustainable development. Registered with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Social Welfare and the Bureau of NGO Affairs, GRAUS is a proud member of IUCN and IIFB, reflecting its commitment to biodiversity conservation and climate solutions.
Developed by Aung Chano Marma, Advisor, GRAUS Contact: 01620827555
