ABOUT US
FRIENDSHIP’S STORY
We make it our priority to reach poor communities in areas that are otherwise inaccessible. The marginalised Char dwellers in Bangladesh count among the most underprivileged communities in the world.
Our work began by making healthcare more accessible to them. In 1994, a river barge was sailed from France to Bangladesh and donated for use by the people of Bangladesh. The barge was converted into Friendship’s first floating hospital and began its work in 2002 under the direction of Runa Khan (Founder and Executive Director).
It soon became clear that to make a lasting impact on people’s lives we had to resolve other issues at the same time to break the cycle of poverty…learn more.
HOW WE HELP
To improve the lives of these poor communities, we focus our support on six programmes:
EVERYDAY PEOPLE DIE FROM EASILY PREVENTABLE DISEASES.
A relatively simple operation is often all that is needed to save or dramatically improve a life. Help us continue to bring life-saving health services to Bangladesh’s marginalised men, women and children.Our vision
A world where people, especially the hard to reach and unaddressed, will have equal opportunity to live with dignity and hope.
Our mission
To strengthen marginalised communities and empower people to reach their full potential by an integrated needs based development approach.
Our core values
- Integrity
- Dignity
- Quality
- Justice
- Hope
AWARDS
2016 – Aga Khan Award for Architecture
In recognition of the uniquely designed Friendship training center by Architect Kashef Mahboob Chowdhury.2014 – Business Excellence Award
From Arthakantha & Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce of Singapore.2014 – Social Innovation Leadership Award
Awarded by the World CSR Congress.2012 – Social Entrepreneur Award
From the Schwab Foundation. Runa Khan, was one of 26 entrepreneurs to receive it.2008 – Islamic Development Bank Award
In recognition of Friendship’s efforts to improve healthcare for women in Bangladesh.2006 – Rolex Award for Enterprise
The Rolex Award was received for preserving Bangladesh’s boat-building heritage.2003 – Women Entrepreneurship Award
This award was received for Friendship’s contribution to helping marginalised communities onboard the Lifebuoy Friendship Hospital.1994 – Ashoka Fellowship
Runa Khan was elected to the Ashoka Fellowship for her development of innovative user-friendly school textbooks.Rolex Awards For Enterprise
Watch this video in which Runa Khan describes the importance of preserving Bangladesh’s boat-building heritage. In 2006, Rolex Awards for Enterprise selected Runa to be an Associate Laureate for her contribution to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. To learn more about Friendship’s work on preserving Bangladesh’s boat-building heritage click here