Smile project provides artificial limbs to 60 beneficiaries in Sylhet
The SMILE project, in collaboration with the Jalalabad Disabled Rehab Centre and Hospital (JDRCH), marked the closing ceremony of the "Restoring Mobility: Artificial Limb Support" intervention at a programme held in Sylhet.
The initiative successfully provided prosthetic and orthotic devices to 60 beneficiaries from Sylhet and Nabiganj upazilas, many of whom had been living with physical disabilities for years without access to affordable rehabilitation services.
Additional Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Division Md Abdul Mannan attended the programme as the chief guest. Also present were Eric M Walker, Managing Director and President of Chevron Bangladesh; Muhammad Imrul Kabir, Director of Corporate Affairs, Chevron Bangladesh; A K M Arif Akter, Head of Social Investment, Chevron Bangladesh; Helal Hussain, Country Director of Swisscontact; and Rtn PP Engr Shoaib Ahmed Matin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of JDRCH.
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Representatives from Chevron Bangladesh, Swisscontact, JDRCH, the Rotary Club of Jalalabad, and beneficiaries of the initiative were also present.
Speaking at the event, Md Abdul Mannan said the artificial limb support initiative went beyond medical assistance and played an important role in restoring dignity and hope for persons with disabilities. He expressed appreciation for the joint efforts of Chevron Bangladesh, Swisscontact and JDRCH in improving mobility through collaborative action.
In his remarks, Eric M Walker said access to specialised rehabilitation support remains limited for many people, and initiatives such as this help deliver personalised care that enables beneficiaries to move towards a more independent future.
Helal Hussain said the initiative had enabled beneficiaries to return to work, continue education and actively participate in social and economic life, contributing to greater inclusion within their communities.
Muhammad Imrul Kabir said Chevron's engagement in Bangladesh extends beyond energy operations, with initiatives under the SMILE project supporting inclusive development aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including health, education and disability inclusion.
During the programme, several beneficiaries shared their experiences, describing how the prosthetic devices had transformed their lives by restoring mobility, independence and the ability to resume work, education and household responsibilities.
Chevron Bangladesh and Swisscontact said they would continue working through the SMILE project to improve livelihoods and enhance community resilience through sustainable development initiatives.
