Staff Correspondent: Social Education Development and Research Organization (SEDRO), a private development organization in Bangladesh, began its journey through relief efforts in the aftermath of the catastrophic Cyclone Sidr on November 15, 2007.
Under the leadership of its Founder and Executive Director, Khawaja Masum Bellah Kausarey, the organization has gradually evolved from a relief and disaster management initiative into a well-structured effort focusing on education, healthcare, and overall humanitarian development. “1 Day for Humanity”—A Unique Humanitarian Initiative: One of SEDRO’s most remarkable programs is “1 Day for Humanity,” which aims to encourage every individual in Bangladesh to dedicate at least one day out of the 365 days of the year solely for the welfare of humanity. From teachers, doctors, bankers, and engineers to general students—everyone can participate in this movement. On this day, one may contribute by providing education, offering medical services, or delivering humanitarian aid to the underprivileged. SEDRO School & College: As part of its educational initiatives, SEDRO has established the SEDRO School & College, a model institution for providing compassionate education to underprivileged children. Here, learning is not limited to textbooks; rather, special emphasis is placed on building students’ moral values, humanitarian awareness, and leadership qualities. Primary Objectives: Ensuring free or affordable quality education for underprivileged children, Promoting overall welfare through education, healthcare, hygiene, and skill development, Fostering leadership under the motto, “One Student, One Social Worker.” Funding and Support Structure: SEDRO follows the “One Person, One Day” model, where capable individuals from society—including professionals, teachers, and doctors—dedicate at least one day of their time, effort, or resources each year to humanitarian work. Additionally, SEDRO’s projects are supported by donor agencies, NGOs, Waqf foundations, religious institution-based humanitarian funds, and voluntary contributions from parents. Environment and Infrastructure: SEDRO creates open, safe, clean, and child-friendly learning environments in underprivileged areas. Schools are established in slum areas, on madrasa grounds, mosque premises, or vacant land, where students themselves actively participate in setting up the learning spaces. The institution is governed by a five-member management committee led by a Chairman and a General Secretary/Principal. The institution operates according to SIDRO’s established rules and service guidelines. SEDRO considers humanitarian welfare a religious obligation. The Holy Qur’an’s directives and the humanitarian teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) are the organization’s driving forces. Today, SEDRO’s activities are no longer confined to education and healthcare; it has emerged as a new beacon for reviving humanitarian values in Bangladesh. Through the “1 Day for Humanity” initiative, SEDRO demonstrates that if every individual in society dedicates just one day a year for humanitarian service, the entire society can transform.
Thus, SEDRO is not merely a development organization—it is the name of a humanitarian movement. SEDRO—Not just education, but the cultivation of humanity.
