Oasis began work in Bangladesh in mid 2003, initially working in Savar under the auspices of a local organization. The focus of our first project was to set up a technical training centre, and today this professionally equipped unit is run by our local partner, training young men from poor backgrounds in automobile repair, plumbing, welding and a range of other practical skills.

A second partnership emerged in 2004, as we began working alongside another local organisation in the Duaripara slum community in the north of Dhaka city. This community has a population of around 12,000, and our work here involves informal education of young girls at risk, community health, vocational training and empowerment of women within the community.

During 2006 a commercial company known as Oasis Transformation Ltd (OTL) was born. OTL will create genuine employment opportunities and contribute to the economic development in some of the country’s most deprived communities. As a fair trade commercial company, OTL is committed to innovation, excellence and a passion for environmental integrity.

Drawing on renewable resources in Bangladesh, our initial business is in light industrial processing of Bamboo a fast growing and outstanding wood replacement material. We also have business interests in diversified Jute products, and with the world rapidly urbanizing, OTL is working on urban solar energy applications.

During 2008, Oasis Community Projects (OCP) will be registered as an NGO in Bangladesh. This entity will provide the basis for a number of new community initiatives addressing the issues connected to HIV/AIDS, children at risk, and anti-human trafficking.