From Struggle to Strength: How Grameen Danone Transformed Ullapara with a Glass of Milk5 min read

In the village of Ullapara, Sirajganj, women have long been at the heart of farming, working tirelessly to produce fresh milk from their small herds of cows. Despite their hard work, many of these female farmers faced an ongoing struggle—finding a stable market for their milk. Often, they were forced to sell at unfairly low prices or, in some cases, even discard their surplus when there were no buyers.

This challenging reality began to change when Grameen Danone Foods Limited, in collaboration with Heifer International Korea and Heifer International Bangladesh, launched a transformative initiative. The ‘Milk for School Program’ was introduced with a clear vision: to provide nutritious dairy products to schoolchildren while securing a reliable income for local women. What started as a simple idea soon evolved into a life-changing program, revolutionizing both the health of the village’s children and the livelihoods of its women farmers.

A New Hope for Women Farmers

At the heart of this initiative was the establishment of a Milk Chilling Center in Ullapara, which offered the female farmers a consistent place to sell their milk at fair prices. For the women, this was nothing short of a lifeline. Amina, one of the farmers involved, summed it up best: “Before, we struggled to sell our milk. Now, I can rely on the income to support my family.”

The milk chilling center became a symbol of stability in an environment where economic uncertainty had once prevailed. No longer forced to throw away their unsold milk, the farmers were able to secure a regular source of income. But this was just the beginning.

From Milk to Nutrition: Shokti+ Yogurt

The milk collected from these women was transformed into a product even more valuable—Shokti+ fortified yogurt. Designed to combat malnutrition, this nutrient-rich yogurt was distributed to the schoolchildren of Ullapara as part of the ‘Milk for School Program.’ Instead of selling it in stores, the yogurt was given to 1,000 students, many of whom came from families that struggled to provide balanced meals.

In a region where poverty and malnutrition were persistent challenges, the impact was immediate. Children who had once gone without vital nutrients now had access to a daily serving of Shokti+ yogurt. For mothers like Rina, the transformation in her daughter was undeniable: “My daughter is healthier and happier now. She’s also learning about hygiene and healthy eating.”

Changing the Future of Education

The ‘Milk for School Program’ wasn’t just about nutrition—it was a catalyst for educational change. Before the program, school attendance in Ullapara hovered at 76%, with many children lacking motivation to attend regularly. However, by the end of 2023, attendance had jumped to 92%, and by early 2024, it reached 94%.

Even more remarkable was the increase in enrollment. As word of the program’s benefits spread to nearby villages, more students began attending Ullapara’s schools, leading to a 51% surge in enrollment. Schools, once struggling to keep children in the classroom, were now vibrant learning hubs full of eager young minds.

Empowering Farmers through Training

The benefits of the ‘Milk for School Program’ extended far beyond the immediate gains for the children. Grameen Danone’s Farmer Development Program provided the female farmers with essential training to improve their farming practices and increase milk production. Shahana, another farmer involved in the program, expressed the pride and hope this brought: “We’re no longer just farmers. We’re part of something bigger.”

Through these training sessions, the farmers learned how to care for their cows more effectively, manage their farms sustainably, and improve milk quality. This newfound knowledge empowered them not only to contribute to the health of their village but also to secure a more prosperous future for their own families.

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A Blueprint for Change

The ‘Milk for School Program’ has become more than just a feeding initiative—it has sparked a movement that shows how businesses and nonprofits can work together to create lasting, meaningful change. Grameen Danone’s collaboration with Heifer Korea and Heifer International Bangladesh wasn’t solely about nutrition; it was about empowering an entire community.

In Ullapara, children are growing up healthier, farmers are thriving, and the village is no longer just surviving—it’s flourishing. The success of the program demonstrates that hope can spring from even the most unlikely places, such as a glass of milk.

A Model of Community-Driven Transformation

In a world where malnutrition and unemployment often go hand in hand, the ‘Milk for School Program’ stands as a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can create real, lasting change. By focusing on both the nutritional needs of children and the economic empowerment of women, the program has addressed two critical challenges at once.

Grameen Danone’s commitment to improving health and livelihoods is transforming lives—one glass of milk, one cup of yogurt, and one hopeful story at a time.

A Future Bright with Possibility

As the ‘Milk for School Program’ continues to grow, its impact is felt more deeply with each passing day. The children of Ullapara are healthier, more engaged in their education, and better prepared for the future. Meanwhile, the women farmers have found dignity and financial stability in their work. What started as a simple initiative has blossomed into a beacon of hope and progress for an entire community.

Ullapara is no longer a village bound by the hardships of its past. Instead, it has transformed into a symbol of what’s possible when innovation, collaboration, and empowerment intertwine to spark meaningful change. What was once a place of struggle now thrives, thanks to a shared vision and a simple yet powerful catalyst—one glass of milk at a time. The village’s story stands as a shining example of how hope and progress can bloom from the smallest of beginnings.

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