OUR HISTORY

ANANDO is a non-profit, non-political, and non-government development organization founded in 1996 by a group of teachers, journalists, development practitioners and social workers in order to uphold the socioeconomic status of poor people especially the disadvantaged rural people and youths through promotion of culture, peace and development.ANANDO is a Bangla word which means ‘Joy’ (delighted and joyfulness). ANANDO, with its entire connotation, believes in the spirit of joy that involves not only an individual’s happiness but also the happiness of the wider community based on an environment of a harmonious culture upholding the amity of people of diverse religious groups. ANANDO also believes in the peaceful coexistence of people that ensures justice and development and treats all people equally, protects the rights of the poor and minority people of the society.ANANDO, as its name implies, has undertaken various initiatives for developing a non-violent, peaceful and harmonious society in Bangladesh through promotion of cultural and youth resource development. It has undertaken diversified cultural activities and youth resource development initiatives through building capacity and skills towards organizational development among the local community people.ANANDO believes in bottom-up, non-directive, integrated and participatory development approaches and acts as a catalyst with its stakeholders who are financially disadvantaged due to lack of opportunities but have potentialities to strive hard for change and to stand on their own.A Journey Inspired by Humanity Honouring our Founder - Father Dr. Klaus Beurle ANANDO was founded in 1996 with a vision of promoting human dignity, cultural values, and sustainable development among disadvantaged communities in Bangladesh.Since its establishment, the organization has evolved into a nationally recognized development and humanitarian organization working across diverse sectors, including livelihoods, microfinance, climate resilience, food security, water and sanitation, youth development, women's empowerment, peacebuilding, and social inclusion.The foundation of ANANDO was laid by Father Dr. Klaus Beurle, a German Catholic priest and development practitioner who devoted more than 25 years of his life (1975–2000) to serving the people of Bangladesh.Inspired by the principles of humanism, social justice, and interfaith harmony, Father Klaus envisioned an organization that would empower vulnerable communities through integrated and sustainable development approaches.At the inception of ANANDO, Father Klaus designed community-centered programs that combined children's education, community health, homestead agriculture, income generation, and savings and credit services to address the multiple dimensions of poverty.Under his guidance, ANANDO gradually expanded its work to include peacebuilding initiatives, the Dishari student support program, and the Promotion of Judicious Culture program, creating opportunities for social transformation.Father Klaus also played a pivotal role in establishing partnerships with German development organizations and donors, which provided critical support during ANANDO's formative years. Beyond ANANDO, he contributed to the establishment and growth of several development organizations across Bangladesh, leaving a lasting legacy in the country's civil society sector.Today, nearly three decades later, ANANDO continues to build upon the vision and values of its founder. As the organization grows and adapts to new development challenges, it remains guided by Father Klaus Beurle's enduring belief that sustainable change is achieved through compassion, empowerment, community participation, and respect for the dignity of every human being.ANANDO pays heartfelt tribute to Father Dr. Klaus Beurle for his visionary leadership, lifelong dedication, and invaluable contribution to the development of Bangladesh and its people.