Grassroots Initiative from Bangladesh - recipient of 2009 SEED Gold Award

New York, 11 November -VoBD - A Bangladeshi non-governmental organization (NGO) that has developed a low-cost solar lantern made from recycled parts of the kerosene lantern has won the '2009 SEED Gold Award'. The prize recognizes promising, locally driven start-up enterprises that work in developing countries to improve livelihoods, tackle poverty and manage natural resources sustainably.

Outstanding social and environmental projects from Bangladesh, Colombia, Southern Africa, India & Niger and Zimbabwe are the winners of the 2009 SEED Gold Awards, the SEED Initiative announced yesterday.

The winners of the SEED Gold Awards for Entrepreneurship in Sustainable Development were chosen by an international jury made up of experts from the environment, social and business fields. A National NGO in partnership with a local NGO and cooperative have developed an innovative device called "SuryaHurricane" a low-cost solar lantern made from recycled parts of the conventional and much used kerosene lantern.

All the SEED Gold Winners will be given their award at in-country award ceremonies. Rather than the traditional monetary prize, they will receive individually-tailored business and partnership support services, worth $35,000 for up to one year to help them become established and increase their impact. This includes access to relevant expertise and technical assistance meeting new partners and building networks developing business plans and identifying sources of finance.
'Shidhulal Swanirvar Sangstha', 'Daridra Bimochon Sanstha (DBS)','Panchshisha Bahumukhi Somobay Somity (PBSS)','Social Development Research Programme (SDRP)' and 'Rupkatha' worked together to invent and promote the SuryaHurricane in Bangladesh.