Margit Palokangas, in the middle of the picture, beside Begum Rokeya with an umbrella, brought a donation to SUS that made it possible to buy some land. Photo: Manfred Stüber
From 1988 to 1990: Land purchased to build offices
| So many organizations, and donations from private persons helped lay the ground for SUS to buy land, build offices and gain NGO status with the right to receive foreign funding. |
In SUS Hindus and Muslims work side by side. These women work with physiotherapy. Photo: Maj-Lis Koivisto
Growing up in a well-cultured environment
| The house where I lived was surrounded by many Hindu families. We co-existed peacefully, sharing festivals and the neighborhood. |
Integrated approach replaces single interventions
| Having seen micro-credit alone give disappointing results, SUS initiated a more comprehensive approach working with different social units in a village. Up to now, results have been outstandingly positive. |