The SMILE project, in collaboration with the Jalalabad Disabled Rehab Centre and Hospital (JDRCH), celebrated the closing ceremony of the Restoring Mobility: Artificial Limb Support intervention, held at Grand Sylhet on 14 December 2025. Funded by Chevron Bangladesh and implemented by Swisscontact Bangladesh, the initiative went beyond restoring mobility- renewing confidence, independence and opportunity. The event marked the successful provision of prosthetic and orthotic devices to 60 beneficiaries from Sylhet and Nabiganj upazilas, many of whom have lived with physical disabilities for years without access to affordable rehabilitation services.
The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Md Abdul Mannan, Additional Secretary, Coordination & Monitoring, Energy and Mineral Resources Division, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh as the chief guest, along with Eric M. Walker, Managing Director and President, Chevron Bangladesh, Helal Hussain, Country Director, Swisscontact, and Rtn. PP Engr. Shoaib Ahmed Matin, Chairman, Board of Trustees, JDRCH whose presence underscored the importance of inclusive development and the power of meaningful collaboration in building resilient communities. Along with them, other representatives from Chevron Bangladesh, Swisscontact, JDRCH, Rotary Club of Jalalabad and the beneficiaries of the intervention were also present at this event.
One of the most powerful moments of the ceremony was the heartfelt testimonies shared by several beneficiaries. They spoke about the profound transformation these artificial limbs have brought to their daily lives, from regaining mobility and independence to returning to work, education, and household responsibilities.
While household income stabilizes and personal confidence grows, a positive ripple effect spreads, strengthening families, enhancing community resilience, and contributing to broader socioeconomic development. Building on this foundation, Chevron Bangladesh and Swisscontact, through the SMILE project, have been working relentlessly to improve livelihoods and uplift communities through sustainable and impactful development initiatives. Together, with a shared mission to significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals requiring orthotic and prosthetic support, they have collaboratively brought measurable, meaningful change to the communities they serve.