PARA is a social enterprise which will work to develop the built environment of various communities in Bangladesh as it is one of the least developed countries with a high density of population and is vulnerable to natural disasters due to climate change.
To allow for better understanding of communities and their needs they wish to conduct thorough research with multidisciplinary experts. They have adopted a process that engages local community members and international experts to participate in all the levels of the project.
They wish to get engaged with communities, hold research projects, raise funds, recruit volunteers and finally to create a 'School of Thought' in Bangladesh to complement PARA's ongoing practice and research.
And to mention, ArchSociety always wish to extend their help and support to PARA in all of their noble ventures.
Their First Project plan:
PARA will launch its first research project on the launch night, a learning resource center for the Urdu speaking Communities, living in permanent settlement camps known as the Bihari camps, in Dhaka. This community has recently been granted citizenship in 2008. They have fallen behind in the race for education due to a lack of access to resources and barriers inpolitical and socio‐economic conditions. Currently the community stands at a population of 250,000 throughout Bangladesh, with a majority in Dhaka, their living conditions are dire and this initial project will enable Para to develop and work with the community towards a long term goal of obtaining an equal footing in mainstream society.
The need to address issues in marginalized communities as well as respond to those needs will be a priority for Para. They will look to engage with practitioners in Bangladesh and the wider international community to address and push forward ideas.
PARA Launch Night in London:
The launch night is free and open to the public and will consist of special guests, live music, a unique workshop with Momenul Haque, poetry recital and 2 photography exhibitions. Ruhul Abdin will exhibit photographs from his recent tour of Bangladesh and Sunara Begum will exhibit photographs of the members from the Urdu Speaking community.
When: Saturday 11th June, Doors open at 17:30, doors close at 18:15
Where: Attlee Centre, Thrawl Street, London, E1 6RT (nearest tube: Aldgate, Aldgate East, Liverpool Street)
RSVP Requested as seats are limited: RSVP to para[at]archsociety.com email address.
To download the official press release, the event poster and a page about Para, CLICK HERE (300Kb PDF, Opens new window).
