WHO WE ARE
The Rural Establishment Organisation (REO) is a non-profit making voluntary development organisation in Bangladesh dedicated to strengthening and protecting the socio-economic and human rights of rural poor and marginalised communities. REO aims to improve their living conditions through group formation, skill and capacity building, education promotion, health system development, and the advancement of gender justice.
Since its inception in 2002, REO has actively worked as a platform for rural women’s development in Bangladesh’s southwestern region. The organisation is governed by a 25-member General Committee, which elects a seven-member Executive Committee that serves as the organisation’s principal policy-making body
Legal Status of the Organisation
REO is registered with the NGO Affairs BureauRegistration No. 2164 dated 20 December 2006 and the Social Service Department No. J-1080/2004 Dated: 25 April 2004.
Vision
REO’s vision is to make peaceful and inclusive society in Bangladesh where all individuals can participate freely in family, community, and state affairs without discrimination.
Mission
REO is committed to strengthening and protecting the socio-economic and human rights of rural poor and marginalized communities. The organisation strives to improve their quality of life through group formation, awareness building, skill and capacity development, education promotion, healthcare improvement, and the advancement of gender justice.
Areas of Technical Expertise
- Poverty alleviation
- Promotion and protection of the Human Rights of women and children
- Skill and capacity development for unemployment
- Gender based violence (against women and children)
- Protection of child rights
- Health-Related Issues, including HIV/AIDS
- Education Expansion
- Disaster Management
Core Values
- REO is firmly rooted in the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that our actions are honest and our outcomes are clear to all stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and the communities we serve.
- We uphold the dignity and rights of every individual, promoting a culture of fairness and respect regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or social background.
- REO is committed to equity and inclusion, actively working to empower marginalised groups and amplify diverse voices through participatory, community-led approaches.
- Gender justice is central to our mission, as we strive to eliminate discrimination and advance equality at every level of society.
- Collaboration and partnership are fundamental to our impact, as we engage with communities, civil society, government bodies, and development partners to drive sustainable, meaningful change.
Geographical Coverage
রুরাল ইস্টাবলিস্টমেন্ট অর্গানাইজেশন (রিও)
HIV/AIDS Prevention through Community Engagement and Education
The Rural Establishment Organization (REO), a registered non-profit in Bangladesh, operates in Jessore Sadar and Sharsha upazilas of Jessore district, as well as Moheshpur upazila in Jhenaidah district. Located near the Indian border and approximately 310 kilometers from Dhaka, the capital, REO has been actively involved in the global effort to combat HIV/AIDS since 2006. The organization aims to foster a social movement for an AIDS-free society through targeted awareness and education initiatives. REO’s HIV/AIDS prevention program, supported by the Mercury Phoenix Trust in Switzerland, focuses on reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS in Moheshpur upazila, Jhenaidah district. The program engages diverse groups, including transport workers, sex workers, school teachers, religious and village leaders, quack doctors, peer educators, and the general adult population. To achieve its goals, REO organizes community meetings, training sessions, seminars, and workshops, publishes informational, educational, and communication (IEC) materials, and celebrates World AIDS Day to enhance knowledge and awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention.
Empowering Unemployed Women and Girls through Skill Development
The Skill and Capacity Development Training Program was designed to uplift unemployed women and girls by equipping them with income-generating skills for sustainable livelihoods. Implemented across fifty training batches, the initiative reached 200,000 participants, providing them with practical expertise in trades such as handicrafts, tailoring, food processing, and other market-relevant occupations. The program focused on addressing economic challenges faced by unemployed women and girls, offering hands-on training tailored to local market needs. Alongside technical skills, the curriculum incorporated capacity-building modules to foster confidence, entrepreneurial thinking, and business management capabilities. This holistic approach enabled participants to develop both the technical proficiency and the mindset needed for financial independence. The initiative’s impact extended beyond economic empowerment, promoting social inclusion and self-reliance among trainees. The success of the fifty batches demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in creating meaningful opportunities, contributing significantly to the personal and economic growth of women and girls. This effort highlights the value of targeted skill development in tackling unemployment and fostering sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities.
Empowering Unemployed Women and Girls through Skill Development
The Skill and Capacity Development Training Program was designed to uplift unemployed women and girls by equipping them with income-generating skills for sustainable livelihoods. Implemented across fifty training batches, the initiative reached 200,000 participants, providing them with practical expertise in trades such as handicrafts, tailoring, food processing, and other market-relevant occupations. The program focused on addressing economic challenges faced by unemployed women and girls, offering hands-on training tailored to local market needs. Alongside technical skills, the curriculum incorporated capacity-building modules to foster confidence, entrepreneurial thinking, and business management capabilities. This holistic approach enabled participants to develop both the technical proficiency and the mindset needed for financial independence. The initiative’s impact extended beyond economic empowerment, promoting social inclusion and self-reliance among trainees. The success of the fifty batches demonstrates the program’s effectiveness in creating meaningful opportunities, contributing significantly to the personal and economic growth of women and girls. This effort highlights the value of targeted skill development in tackling unemployment and fostering sustainable livelihoods for marginalized communities.
Rural Women Development Project
In regions marked by widespread illiteracy, poverty, and lack of awareness, many women endure lives filled with hardship, shaped by male-dominated social norms, discrimination, and unemployment. Gender-based violence and systemic injustice have been commonplace, leaving women voiceless, powerless, and unable to realize their aspirations for a better life. The Rural Establishment Organization (REO) is dedicated to transforming these challenging conditions for women in its operational areas. The Rural Women Development Project, initiated by REO, responds to the urgent needs of marginalized women who face deprivation, neglect, and abuse. The project is designed to empower these women, fostering their independence, economic stability, and social inclusion. Local communities have responded positively, with many women already benefiting from the initiative, though others in surrounding areas continue to face significant challenges.
REO’s Child Education Program
Since its inception in 2007, the Child Education Program has been a cornerstone of REO’s mission to transform lives through education. Sparked by the aspirations of mothers among our female beneficiaries, who dreamed of brighter futures for their children, this initiative was made possible through generous support from BRAC-Dhaka. A comprehensive needs assessment confirmed a strong community demand and the potential for meaningful impact, paving the way for action. REO launched 15 Pre-Child Education Schools in the Sharsha Upazila of Jashore District, initially welcoming 450 boys and girls across three unions. The community’s enthusiastic response fueled the program’s growth, leading to the establishment of additional schools and reaching thousands of students. Many graduates have successfully transitioned into mainstream education, a testament to the program’s effectiveness. More than just schools, these centers serve as vibrant community hubs, hosting Guardians’ Day events and providing essential training on primary healthcare, kitchen gardening, and the prevention of early marriage, child labor, and violence against women. By fostering knowledge and empowerment, the program strengthens families and communities alike. The Child Education Program remains a powerful example of how community-led initiatives, supported by strategic planning and partnerships, can create lasting change for generations.
REO’s Child Education Program
Since its inception in 2007, the Child Education Program has been a cornerstone of REO’s mission to transform lives through education. Sparked by the aspirations of mothers among our female beneficiaries, who dreamed of brighter futures for their children, this initiative was made possible through generous support from BRAC-Dhaka. A comprehensive needs assessment confirmed a strong community demand and the potential for meaningful impact, paving the way for action. REO launched 15 Pre-Child Education Schools in the Sharsha Upazila of Jashore District, initially welcoming 450 boys and girls across three unions. The community’s enthusiastic response fueled the program’s growth, leading to the establishment of additional schools and reaching thousands of students. Many graduates have successfully transitioned into mainstream education, a testament to the program’s effectiveness. More than just schools, these centers serve as vibrant community hubs, hosting Guardians’ Day events and providing essential training on primary healthcare, kitchen gardening, and the prevention of early marriage, child labor, and violence against women. By fostering knowledge and empowerment, the program strengthens families and communities alike. The Child Education Program remains a powerful example of how community-led initiatives, supported by strategic planning and partnerships, can create lasting change for generations.
Message from the Executive Director
With great pride and renewed purpose, I am delighted to unveil the newly redesigned and enriched website of the Rural Establishment Organization (REO) in 2025.
This transformation reflects more than just a digital upgrade;it represents our commitment to transparency, innovation, and deeper engagement with our communities. The journey to this new version has been thoughtful and collaborative, driven by the need for clarity, accessibility, and alignment with the Right to Information Act. We extend our sincere thanks to the FRILIX GROUP (www.frilix.com) for their technical expertise and advisory support, which were instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
We sincerely believe our website has been thoughtfully designed to serve as a vibrant and valuable resource for our beneficiaries, partners, stakeholders, and government collaborators. It is more than a platform; it is a window into REO’s ongoing work, aspirations, and impact. We aim to keep it vibrant, current, and responsive to the voices and needs of those we serve. Thank you for your interest in REO. We look forward to continuing this journey togethertoward stronger communities, empowered individuals, and a brighter future.
Warm regards,